20% off €35

Code:TREAT
OffersSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchPayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyOutlet2 for €23 Mix & MatchIntroductory Offer2 for €6 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBioglanNatures AidBetterYouNovominsWild NutritionNeubria3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceOnline OnlyOutletIntroductory OfferDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksProtein ShakesJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaNakdHeath & HeatherManuka DoctorNOMOPerfectTedTwiningsSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchPayday EventOnline OnlyBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €6 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionMyproteinGrenadeUSNPhDTriActiveSiSPulsinSave up to 1/2 pricePayday EventBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferOnline Only3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for €35 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmSea MagikSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €23 Mix & MatchOnline OnlyOutletIntroductory OfferAlcohol FreeFluoride freePalm Oil FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inWeight ManagementSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportHolland & BarrettOptimum NutritionGrenadeNaturyaHeath & HeatherHuelPhDPulsinApplied NutritionUSNSave up to 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchPayday EventBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline Only2 for €6 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints, Bones, & MusclesEnergyGut HealthSleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettDr OrganicFaith in NatureVitabioticsNaturtintOptimum NutritionWeledaPrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionQ+ASave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday Event3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyOutlet2 for €23 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergyWomen's HealthMenopauseSkincareJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesEnergyWomen's HealthPeriod & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

Why neem oil’s your new go-to for skin and hair

Neem oil with leaf in a pipette
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 and soothing properties may help...

Explore related topics

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.
Woman applying hair oil
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...

Disclaimer

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.
 

Sources

  1. 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].
  2. Cosmile Europe [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from: https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/10137/palmitic-acid/ Cosmile Europe. Oleic Acid [Internet].
  3. Cosmile Europe [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from:https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/9721/oleic-acid/ Cosmile Europe. Linoleic Acid [Internet].
  4. Cosmile Europe [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from:https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/8326/linoleic-acid/
  5. 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/
 

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.