Neem oil

Neem oil (CAS 8002-65-1), also known as margosa oil, is a cold-pressed vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Azadirachta indica tree.

Where is Neem oil used?

• Crop protection: emulsifiable concentrates and foliar sprays controlling insects, mites and fungal pathogens without synthetic actives
• Organic farming and integrated pest management: effective alternative
• Personal care: scalp treatments, anti-dandruff shampoos and skin creams
• Pharmaceutical and veterinary: topical preparations targeting ectoparasites and skin conditions
• It also serves as a carrier and emulsifiable base in neem-derived formulations.
• Controls pests such as aphids, beetle larvae, caterpillars, lacebugs, leafhoppers, leafminers, mealybugs, thrips and whiteflies.
• Can be combined with a natural wetting agent such as potassium soap to improve adhesion and efficacy.

Good to know: Agricultural-grade material must meet defined minimum azadirachtin thresholds; food-contact and cosmetic grades carry defined peroxide values and moisture limits.

Formulation notes

• For creams, lotions and serums the starting use rate is 0.5–5%.
• For shampoo and hair masks the starting use rate is 0.5–3%.
• For body oils and carrier oil blends the starting use rate is 1–10%.
• In solid and liquid soap it is used at a low rate in the recipe, taking the odor profile into account.

Typical specification

• The portion left after azadirachtin extraction is called clarified hydrophobic neem oil.
• Acid value is 20–40 mg KOH/g.
• At 20 °C it is liquid to semi-solid and solidifies when cold.
• Specific gravity is 0.915–0.925 at 25 °C.
• Iodine value is between 60 and 80 gI2/100g.

Regulatory status

• The INCI name is MELIA AZADIRACHTA SEED OIL.
• Classified as H315, causing skin irritation.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Should be stored in tightly closed, light-blocking packaging at 15–25 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Frequently asked questions about Neem oil

How does neem oil manage fungal diseases such as powdery mildew?

It prevents spore germination and penetration into leaf tissue, thereby managing fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.