Walnut Shell Powder

Unlike sugar or salt, walnut shell powder doesn't dissolve during use. That means the exfoliating action stays consistent from the first scoop to the last — no race to rinse before your scrub loses its grit. It is a free-flowing brown powder that is insoluble in water, making it an excellent natural mechanical exfoliating agent used in slightly abrasive scrubs to remove dead skin cells and promote a sloughing action.

Compared to harder abrasives like pumice or apricot kernel powder, walnut shell powder sits in the middle of the exfoliation spectrum — effective enough for body and foot applications, and available in fine grades suitable for facial products. Its use in cosmetics also promotes sustainability by reducing waste, turning food industry byproducts into valuable ingredients.

Walnut Shell Powder works across a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on formulations:

• Body scrubs and sugar/salt scrub bases
• Exfoliating cold process and melt-and-pour soaps
• Facial scrubs and exfoliating cleansers (fine grade only)
• Foot scrubs and callus treatments
• Body polishes and spa treatment products
• Exfoliating lip scrubs
• Clarifying shampoos and scalp treatments to help remove product buildup, excess oil, and impurities

Property

Detail

INCI Name

Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder

CAS Number

84012-43-1

Appearance

Free-flowing brown granular powder

Odor

Odorless

Solubility

Insoluble in water

Recommended Usage Rate

1%–10% rinse-off; up to 15% body scrubs

Phase

Add to final phase or directly into scrub base

Shelf Life

24+ months in a cool, dry environment

Getting the particle size and concentration right matters — especially for facial vs. body applications. General starting points:

• Facial cleansers and scrubs: 1%–3% (fine grade only)
• Body washes with scrub action: 2%–5%
• Sugar and salt scrub bases: 5%–10%
• Exfoliating bar soaps (cold process or melt-and-pour): 3%–8%
• Body polishes and foot scrubs: up to 15%

In melt-and-pour soap, stir in just before pouring to keep the powder evenly distributed. In cold process soap, add at light trace. For lotion-based scrubs, pre-disperse the powder in a small amount of your oil phase before emulsifying to help prevent clumping.

Walnut shell powder is generally considered safe in cosmetic formulations. However, due to its abrasive nature, it may cause irritation if used excessively or on sensitive skin. Always use the finest available grade for facial applications, and keep usage rates conservative for sensitive skin formulas. Individuals with tree nut allergies should be advised to patch test before use. This ingredient is for external use only.

What is walnut shell powder used for in cosmetics? It's used as a physical exfoliant in scrubs, soaps, cleansers, and body polishes to mechanically remove dead skin cells, smooth texture, and support a brighter-looking complexion. Shop Walnut Shell Powder at Wholesale Supplies Plus.

Is walnut shell powder the same as juglans regia shell powder? Yes — Juglans Regia Shell Powder is the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name for walnut shell powder. You'll see both names used across cosmetic ingredient suppliers and finished product labels.

Does walnut shell powder dissolve in water? No — it's insoluble in water, which is actually one of its advantages. Unlike sugar or salt, it maintains its exfoliating action throughout the entire use of a product.

Is walnut shell powder safe for facial products? Fine-grade walnut shell powder can be used in facial formulations at low concentrations (1%–3%). Coarser grades are better suited for body and foot products. Patch testing is always recommended, especially for sensitive skin types.

Is bulk ordering available? Yes — Walnut Shell Powder is available in multiple sizes at Wholesale Supplies Plus to suit small-batch makers and larger production runs alike.