Pili Oils

A Long-Delayed Introduction to Pili Oils - Differences and Uses


We make THREE different oils from the pili tree (canarium ovatum):

  • Pili pulp oil
  • Pili kernel oil / Pili nut oil
  • Manila elemi essential oil.

All of our oils are extracted WITHOUT the use of solvents. They are also NOT deodorized and NOT bleached. Pili kernel and pili pulp oils are lightly filtered (mechanical, no heat) after extraction to remove large sediments which may cause spoilage.

Here is a summary of their differences, properties, and common uses:

Pili Oils Summary (sap, fruit, seed)



The pili tree is often compared to the coconut tree, because all parts can be used.

Elemi, which can be extracted from the sap of other canarium varieties aside from pili, has gained worldwide renown as an anti-aging and luxury perfumery ingredient. Little known to many, even the processed resin (after oil extraction) is used as an anti-aging ingredient.


Manila elemi essential oil is sold in many countries and has purportedly been used since ancient times. 

Pili pulp oil is often compared to olive oil by local researchers (e.g. DOST), while pili kernel oil, from my own analysis of its fatty acid profile, closely resembles the versatile animal fat, tallow. Both pili pulp oil and pili kernel oil are often considered "anti-aging" oils because of the presence of antioxidants. Pulp oil reportedly contains good amounts of vitamin A (carotenoids) and vitamin E, while pili kernel is known to have the highest vitamin E content of any nut to date.

Both oils sink into the skin without a greasy afterfeel, especially if you massage just the right amount. I personally think the kernel oil has one of the best absorption of any oil I've tried - and I have tried a LOT of oils for my problematic skin. There's zero stickiness and a great deal of softness where it is applied.

The pili kernel oil is a pretty saturated oil, so I recommend care when using it on acne-prone skin. Test it on a small area first or mix it with a light, non-comedogenic oil like jojoba. I love the pili kernel oil for the sensitive eye area (gently tap a drop under the eyes), on very dry hands, nails, and hair. I don't make my own balms but I'm guessing this would be a great candidate for vegan, beeswax-free balms too (solidifies in cooler temp, butter-like).

For the face, the pili pulp oil is a winner for my parched (hypothyroid) skin! I use a few drops on moist face and neck and it softens my skin without causing acne. Light oils (jojoba, hazelnut, sesame, sunflower) never could accomplish this no matter how much I used. We get anecdotal reports of pili pulp oil helping with severe acne, rashes, and a host of other skin problems.

Pili pulp oil and pili kernel oil are also food-grade, solvent-free oils so they can be taken internally. Pili pulp oil is a folk remedy for general ailments and is high in Omega 9 or monounsaturated fat, the "good fat" associated with heart-healthy olive and avocado oils. 



Uses of Pili Oils


To read more about pili oils, please refer to this introduction.

All blog posts about pili oilspili pulp oilpili nut oilmanila elemi




If you want to try pili oils, please send inquiries to 




SMS/Viber: +639556155738

paleoishop@gmail.com