Premium Cold-Pressed Karanja Oil | Pungai Oil | Pungan 200ml (6.8 fl oz)

We strongly recommend diluting Pungai Oil before applying it to your skin. This is a concentrated, bioactive oil with potent flavonoids that can cause a warming or tingling sensation — and in some cases irritation — when applied undiluted, especially on sensitive or broken skin. The traditional and safest approach is to mix it with a carrier oil at a ratio of roughly 1 part Pungai Oil to 3-4 parts carrier oil. Coconut oil, sesame oil, and Moolihai’s cold-pressed Moringa Oil all work beautifully as carriers. For a patch test, apply a small amount of your diluted blend to the inside of your wrist, wait 24 hours, and check for any adverse reaction before applying more broadly. Once diluted, it can be used on the face, body, scalp, and joints with confidence.

No — and this is an important distinction. While Pungai Oil does contain karanjin and pongamol, which have demonstrated UV-absorbing properties in research, it is not classified as a sunscreen by any regulatory body including the FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, or India’s FSSAI. It can provide a supplementary layer of photoprotection when blended into your moisturiser or body oil, but it should never be your sole defence against UV damage. Think of it as an added benefit rather than a replacement. If you’re spending extended time in the sun, always use a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen. Pungai Oil works best as a supportive daily skincare ingredient — nourishing your skin, providing mild UV defence, and offering antibacterial protection, all in one application.

Pungai Oil has a long history of traditional use on dogs in South India — particularly for itchy skin, mild mange, flea-related irritation, and dry patches. However, it must always be heavily diluted (3-5 drops per two tablespoons of carrier oil) and applied sparingly. Avoid the eyes, mouth, nose, and any open wounds. Dogs generally tolerate it well, but every animal is different — always do a small patch test first and observe for 24 hours. For cats and smaller animals, we advise extra caution and recommend consulting your veterinarian before use, as cats metabolise certain plant compounds differently than dogs. If your pet shows any signs of discomfort, excessive licking of the application area, or allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and consult your vet.

Most people begin noticing a reduction in flaking and scalp itchiness within 2-3 weeks of consistent use — typically two pre-wash scalp treatments per week. Chronic fungal dandruff that hasn’t responded to conventional shampoos may take 4-6 weeks of regular application to show significant improvement, as the antifungal compounds need time to address the underlying fungal overgrowth. For best results, warm your diluted Pungai Oil blend before application, massage it thoroughly into the scalp for at least 5 minutes to stimulate circulation, and leave it on for 30-45 minutes before washing. Adding a few drops of Moolihai’s Tea Tree Essential Oil or Rosemary Essential Oil to your blend can accelerate results, as these oils have complementary antifungal and circulation-boosting properties.

Pungai Oil is for external/topical use only — it should never be ingested, as the bitter flavonoid compounds can cause gastrointestinal distress. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using Pungai Oil, as its hot potency and bioactive compounds may not be suitable during pregnancy. People with extremely sensitive skin, open wounds, or active skin infections should patch-test before broader application. If you’re currently using prescription topical medications (such as steroid creams for eczema or psoriasis), consult your dermatologist before introducing Pungai Oil into your routine, as it may interact with or alter the absorption of these medications. Store the oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its potency — properly stored, it remains effective for up to 24 months.