椿油(つばきあぶら)

A compound of 椿(つばき) (camellia) and 油(あぶら) (oil). One of Japan's traditional beauty products, with a history stretching back centuries. Particularly associated with the Izu Islands and Goto Islands, where camellia trees grow abundantly.

Common collocations

• 髪(かみ)のケア: hair care (adds shine, prevents dryness)
• 肌(はだ)の保湿(ほしつ): skin moisturizing
• 料理(りょうり): cooking (high-quality cooking oil)
• 刃物(はもの)の手入(てい)れ: blade maintenance (prevents rust)
• 純(じゅん)椿油(つばきあぶら): pure camellia oil
• 椿油(つばきあぶら)を塗(ぬ)る: to apply camellia oil
• 椿油(つばきあぶら)で揚(あ)げる: to deep-fry in camellia oil

Cultural note

In the Edo period, 椿油(つばきあぶら) was essential for the elaborate hairstyles of the time. Today it remains popular as a natural beauty product. The Oshima brand from the Izu Islands is particularly well-known.

Related words

• 椿(つばき): camellia (the plant)
• ヘアオイル: hair oil — the modern general category
• 胡麻油(ごまあぶら): sesame oil — another traditional Japanese oil