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Why neem oil’s your new go-to for skin and hair
Written byH&B editorial team
Reviewed byH&B Regulatory Affairs
It’s been used for centuries for our hair, skin and even plants – but what actually is neem oil? Discover your new softening beauty fave
Summary
1Neem oil for skin
Neem oil is commonly used to keep skin soft and nourished, since it’s full of fatty acids...
2Neem oil for hair
Hair oiling’s been popular for thousands of years all over the world, but it’s recently grown...
3Neem oil for feet
Our feet do some serious work every day and it’s easy for them to get smelly. Neem oil’s cleansing...
You might have seen this trending oil splashed over social media... but is neem all it seems?
People have used its bark, leaves, fruit and roots in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
But lately the hype is all about neem oil for luscious hair and hydrated skin.
Even though it’s been used for so long, we can’t say for sure whether these methods are all effective or safe. Still, let’s learn more...
Neem oil for skin
Neem oil is commonly used to keep skin soft and nourished, since it’s full of fatty acids called palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids and stearic acid.1
These are emollients (substances that help skin stay soft) and are key ingredients in moisturisers for this reason.2,3,4 The linoleic acid – also called vitamin F – in neem oil is an important component in the skin’s barrier.5
Curious? If you use neem oil on your skin, you’ll need to dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut, olive or argan oil) first.
Neem oil for hair
Hair oiling’s been popular for thousands of years all over the world, but it’s recently grown as a shiny new trend in the West.
There are so many different oils to choose from – and neem is one of them! Its fatty acids work together to help nourish hair and lock moisture in.
Just dilute your oil and warm it slightly, then massage directly onto the scalp and through the length of the hair. Wait at least 20 minutes before washing out for best results – you can even leave it overnight. If you'd prefer, just add a little to your usual shampoo and conditioner for extra hydration.
Want to protect hair from head lice? Make up a spray with neem oil and water, and spritz over your head.
Neem oil for fresher feet
Our feet do some serious work every day and it’s easy for them to get smelly. Neem oil’s cleansing and soothing properties may help balance the environment it likes to thrive in. Add a few drops into your foot cream and massage into clean feet.
Are there any side effects of neem oil?
Keep neem oil out of children’s reach when not in use and always check with your GP before using it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
Another thing to be aware of when using neem oil is its potent smell! The two most common descriptions are “garlic” and “sulphur”, so it’s certainly a strong mix and this should be considered before you give it a go.
Finally, it’s possible to be allergic to neem oil. Always do a ‘patch test’ before trying anything new on your skin to make sure you don’t react badly to it. Dab a small dot of neem oil on an area that won’t get touched (behind your ear works well) and leave for up to 48 hours. If there’s no swelling, itching or redness after that, you should be good to go. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use immediately.
Always read the label and follow instructions and cautions carefully before using any products containing neem oil.
The final say
While it might not be the most well-known on the block, neem oil’s potential benefits make it a must-try for dry skin and brittle hair.
Want to get glowing in time for the warmer weather? Meet our favourite products for radiant skin or our top hair oils...
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
- Michalak M, Pierzak M, Kreçisz B, Suliga E. Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review. Nutrients [Internet]. 2021 Jan 12 [cited 2025 Apr 24]; 13(1): 203. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7827176/ Cosmile Europe. Palmitic Acid [Internet].
- Cosmile Europe [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from: https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/10137/palmitic-acid/ Cosmile Europe. Oleic Acid [Internet].
- Cosmile Europe [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from:https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/9721/oleic-acid/ Cosmile Europe. Linoleic Acid [Internet].
- Cosmile Europe [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from:https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/8326/linoleic-acid/
- Wang X, Jia Y, He H. The Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin and Hair Health: A Review. Int J Mol Sci [Internet]. 2024 Dec 30 [cited 2025 Apr 24]; 26(1): 246. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11719646/
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