Food · Oils & fats

Walnut Oil

クルミ油 (Kurumi-yu)

Also known as: Juglans Regia Seed Oil

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At a glance

CategoryFood
INCI nameJuglans Regia Seed Oil
Japanese labeling nameクルミ油
Common Japanese notationsクルミ油
OriginPlant-derived (Juglans regia walnut seeds)
Typical functionsCulinary fat, Cosmetic emollient
Regulatory status in JapanFood regulated under Food Sanitation Act. Cosmetic use permitted under JSCI dictionary.

Walnut oil is a delicate finishing oil with a pronounced nutty character. In Japanese specialty markets it is sold both as a finishing culinary oil and used in some cosmetic formulations. The oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids.

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Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Specialty culinary finishing oil
  • Face oils and lip products
  • Massage oils

Ingredient profile

Walnut oil is cold-pressed from Juglans regia walnut seeds. The fatty acid profile is dominated by polyunsaturates: linoleic acid (50–60 percent) and alpha-linolenic acid (10–15 percent), with smaller proportions of oleic and saturated fatty acids.

OEM applications

In food, walnut oil is used as a finishing oil for salads and pasta. Its low smoke point makes it unsuitable for high-heat cooking.

In cosmetics, walnut oil is used in face oils, lip products, and some specialty formulations.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Food and cosmetic use permitted under the relevant frameworks.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUFood and cosmetic uses permitted. Walnuts are a listed allergen for food labeling purposes.
USAFood and cosmetic uses permitted. Walnuts are a listed major food allergen.
ChinaPermitted.
KoreaPermitted.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification.

All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

Alternative ingredients

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Walnut Oil?
Walnut oil is a delicate finishing oil with a pronounced nutty character. In Japanese specialty markets it is sold both as a finishing culinary oil and used in some cosmetic formulations. The oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids.
What is the regulatory status of Walnut Oil in Japan?
Food regulated under Food Sanitation Act. Cosmetic use permitted under JSCI dictionary.
What products typically use Walnut Oil?
Specialty culinary finishing oil / Face oils and lip products / Massage oils
Where does Walnut Oil come from?
Plant-derived (Juglans regia walnut seeds)
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Walnut Oil?
INCI: Juglans Regia Seed Oil / JSCI: クルミ油

FAQ for OEM buyers

Q. What is the typical fatty acid profile of walnut oil?

Walnut oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, with approximately 50-65% linoleic acid and 9-15% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This high PUFA content drives its omega-6:omega-3 nutritional positioning but also makes it highly susceptible to oxidation.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

Q. Why is walnut oil unsuitable for high-heat cooking?

Walnut oil has a smoke point of approximately 160°C, well below typical frying temperatures, and its high PUFA content rapidly oxidizes and develops off-flavors when heated. It is positioned as a finishing oil for salads and pasta rather than a cooking oil.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Industry knowledge — culinary oil smoke point references
Q. What allergen labeling rules apply to walnut oil in Japan?

Walnut (kurumi) became a mandatory-display allergen under Japan's Food Labeling Standards effective 2025 (with transition through March 2025), requiring clear allergen labeling on packaged food products containing walnut. Refined walnut oil generally still triggers labeling requirements in Japan unless specifically exempted.

Q. Is Juglans Regia Seed Oil approved for cosmetic use in major markets?

Yes — Juglans Regia Seed Oil is INCI-registered and listed in JSCI, and can be used as an emollient in standard cosmetics in Japan, EU, and US markets. Tree-nut allergen warnings on product packaging are recommended for sensitive consumers.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

Use cases

  • Premium finishing oil (salad and pasta drizzle)

    Positioning
    Specialty/gourmet retail; nuanced nutty flavor
    Formulation notes
    Glass bottle 100-250 mL; often nitrogen-flushed for shelf stability.

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — gourmet oil retail

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Lip balm and lip oil cosmetic

    Positioning
    Conditioning emollient with botanical ingredient story
    Typical usage level
    5-30% of formula
    Formulation notes
    Combined with castor oil, beeswax, or candelilla wax; tocopherol for oxidation control.

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese lip cosmetic formulation

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Face oil / facial serum

    Positioning
    PUFA-rich nourishing oil for dry-skin lines
    Typical usage level
    5-50%
    Formulation notes
    Blended with squalane or jojoba for texture; antioxidants required.

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese face oil formulation

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

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Official regulatory databases

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References

  1. JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — クルミ油
  2. EU CosIng entry: Juglans Regia Seed Oil

Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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