Everything you need to know about pequi oil.

In cosmetics, the pequi oil is primarily used on hair. Indeed, it has numerous interesting hair-related properties.

• Piqui oil hydrates and strengthens the lengths.

  The various fatty acids found in pequi oil work through several mechanisms to keep hair fibers hydrated and protected. Indeed, oleic acid strengthens the presence of the hydrolipidic film that coats the hair, while palmitic acid can insert itself between the scales of the cuticle through biomimicry, thereby improving the elasticity and suppleness of the hair fibers. Particularly beneficial for dry or weakened hair, this vegetable oil also offers a natural solution for dull hair ends.

• Pequi oil protects the hair from oxidative stress.

  The vitamins A, C, and E, along with carotenoids found in piqui oil, are recognized antioxidants capable of combating free radicals, particularly those generated in hair fibers following exposure to the sun's UV rays. Therefore, piqui oil could potentially protect hair from the harmful effects of oxidative stress, namely the weakening of hair fibers, accelerated hair loss, and premature alteration of their color.

• The use of pequi oil for defining curls.

  Thanks to its moisturizing and softening properties, pequi oil can enhance textured hair. Indeed, by improving its elasticity, it facilitates the formation of curls and gives them a better definition as well as a more dynamic appearance. Furthermore, pequi oil helps to retain moisture within the fibers, making the hair less prone to frizz.

• The use of pequi oil for scalp care.

  Pequi oil can also be used on the scalp, applying only a few drops to avoid making it greasy. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects are particularly beneficial to dry, irritated scalps or those frequently prone to itching. Thus, pequi oil can help soothe irritations and restore the scalp's hydration balance.

While the piqui oil is primarily popular in the hair care realm, it also possesses intriguing properties for skin care.

• The pequi oil is moisturizing and nourishing.

  Thanks to its high oleic acid content, piqui oil is capable of forming a film on the skin's surface to limit transepidermal water loss and protect the skin. Through biomimicry, it can also act at the level of the skin barrier to strengthen it. Indeed, the linoleic acid it contains can bind to the lipids of the stratum corneum, consolidating their cohesion. Piqui oil thus helps the skin to be more hydrated, more supple, and more elastic.

• The pequi oil has an antioxidant action.

  Oxidative stress has several harmful effects on the skin. Indeed, by damaging cellular organelles, it can lead to an acceleration of skin aging and pigmentation disorders. The application of pequi oil could help restore the lost balance. Rich in antioxidants, this vegetable oil has photoprotective potential and is capable of neutralizing free radicals.

• Pequi oil for soothing the skin.

  An ally for sensitive skin, piqui oil can reduce the production of inflammation molecules such as interleukins-1β and 6 (IL-1β and IL-6) and TNF-α. Furthermore, it inhibits the activities of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2), enzymes that catalyze the formation of inflammatory prostaglandins. Thanks to these various mechanisms, piqui oil could help to alleviate everyday irritations.

• Piqui oil has healing properties.

  Pequi oil could also promote healing. Its richness in oleic acid may stimulate the synthesis of collagen III by fibroblasts during skin regeneration and also support angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. Therefore, in the case of a minor wound or persistent post-inflammatory mark, consistent application of pequi oil over several weeks could be beneficial.

• Pequi oil has antibacterial activity.

  Several studies conducted on bacterial cultures have shown that piqui oil can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria belonging to the skin microbiota, such as Staphylococcus aureus. It also appears that this vegetable oil enhances the effects of certain antibiotics like erythromycin, commonly used to treat acne. Although further research is still needed, piqui oil seems to be promising for controlling the populations of microorganisms living on our skin.

The piqui oil is a vegetable oil considered safe, whose use is not subject to any particular precautions. It can be used pure and is not contraindicated for pregnant women or young children. Moreover, current scientific literature does not mention any cases of irritation or allergy following the topical application of piqui oil. However, ensure that the piqui oil you wish to use is not oxidized as this phenomenon can alter its compounds and its quality. An oxidized vegetable oil can be recognized by its change in texture, color, and smell. To minimize this risk, store your piqui oil in a cool place and out of the light.

Even though piqui oil is a mild vegetable oil, it is advisable to perform a tolerance test before using it.

At Typology, we have decided to incorporate piqui oil into our nourishing hair oil. Entirely formulated with natural ingredients, this hair oil adapts to all hair types and strengthens hair damaged by the sun and salt. The nourishing hair oil is enriched with squalane and plant oils containing omega-9 to deeply nourish the hair fibers and strengthen them, thus giving them a softer and shinier appearance.