What Is Akpi Oil? A Light Body Oil from West Africa
Few people outside West and Central Africa have heard of akpi, and that is part of its appeal. Pressed from the small seeds of a tall forest tree, akpi oil is light, smooth and quietly versatile on the body. This guide explains what akpi oil is, where it comes from and how to use it.
What is akpi oil?
Akpi oil is pressed from the seeds of Ricinodendron heudelotii, a fast-growing tree of the forests of West and Central Africa. The tree goes by many names across the region: akpi in Côte d'Ivoire, njangsa in Cameroon, and others besides. Its seeds are a familiar ingredient in local cooking, ground into sauces and soups.
Pressed, the seeds give a pale golden oil with a light texture and a mild scent. FAYNAN Pure Akpi Seed Oil is a single ingredient, with nothing added.
Why a West African oil in a Middle Eastern house?
Our rituals begin in the Middle East, but good botanicals have always travelled along trade routes, and we choose oils for how they feel in use. Akpi earns its place on the body: it spreads easily and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and supple, with a healthy-looking sheen.
How to use akpi oil on the body
- After bathing: leave skin slightly damp.
- Warm: place a few drops between your palms.
- Massage: work into the body in slow, upward strokes, giving extra time to drier areas.
- Settle: let it settle for a few minutes before dressing.
For more on the method, read How to Use Body Oil After the Shower.
Akpi oil is for the body
We make akpi oil for the body, not the face: avoid the face and eye area. For a face oil, see How to Choose a Face Oil.
Blending with akpi oil
- Richer: add a little Pure Wheat Germ Oil for the driest areas. Read Wheat Germ Oil for Skin.
- Scented: one drop of Frankincense or Dill Seed Essential Oil per teaspoon (5 mL). Never apply an essential oil undiluted.
Keeping it fresh
Akpi oil is delicate. Keep the bottle tightly closed, away from heat and direct light, and use it within six months of opening. See How to Store Natural Oils and Powders.
A few things to keep in mind
- Test on a small area of skin before first use.
- For the body: avoid the face and eye area.
- Stop using it if irritation occurs.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Explore every body oil in the Body collection.