Babassu

What is Babassu oil?

Babassu oil or cusi oil is a clear light yellow, almost odourless vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm tree (Attalea speciosa), which is known as the ‘Tree of Life’ to locals which grows in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil. 

How is babassu made into a skincare ingredient?

The oil is extracted from the kernels by cold pressing and results in 65-68% oil content from the kernels.

Is babassu oil sustainable?

As a palm oil, Babassu oil is widely thought of as a sustainable alternative to mainstream palm oil products.

What benefits does babassu have for the skin?

Rich in healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, babassu can boost the health of your skin and hair without feeling greasy or blocking pores. High in vitamin E, it has antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities which protect and nourish the skin. It is an effective emollient and can be used as a carrier oil and a substitute for coconut oil. High in lauric (50%) and myristic acid (20%) which both melt at temperatures close to human body temperature, it softens upon skin contact melting beautifully into your skin. 

What skin types is babassu suitable for?

Suitable for all skin types but for combination skin types, it will help moisturise dry areas without aggravating oily patches.  

What type of products will you find babassu in?

Babassu oil is used in cleansers, skin and haircare products. This oil has properties similar to coconut oil hence is used in much the same context but as it is almost scent-free, unlike coconut oil, it is increasingly becoming a substitute.

What is the INCI Name for Babassu Oil?

Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil

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Sources & disclaimer

• Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, 7th Edition. Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale.  

• Milady Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary 4th Edition; M. Varinia Michalun, Joseph C. Dinardo

• An Atlas of Natural Beauty: Botanical ingredients for retaining and enhancing beauty L'Officine Universelle Buly

• Practical Aromatherapy - The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Choosing, Massaging and Relaxing with Essnetial Oils. Penny Rich

Whilst we hope the pages are informative it’s important to remember we’re organic beauty enthusiasts not scientists so the information is detailed here to the best of our knowledge or research we have conducted from third parties.  Whilst we are continually updating our content based on new research, it may not always be up to date and as such it is the readers’ responsibility to conduct their own research in order to independently verify the information and make an informed decision on their beauty regime/lifestyle. Any opinion expressed on the efficacy of a product is based on tests performed by our team. As everyone has different skin types and concerns, please be advised that what works for them might not work for you but we try to give as much subjective information as possible which we hope you will find useful. If in any doubt, please consult a medical professional.