What are the benefits of buriti oil for the skin?

The buriti vegetable oil stands out for its lipid composition, which is particularly beneficial for dry skin. It is rich in fatty acids, notably linoleic acid (an omega-6), oleic acid (an omega-9), as well as saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid and stearic acid. These lipids play an essential role in maintaining the cohesion of the stratum corneum by participating in the preservation of the hydrolipidic film. When this barrier is compromised, the skin loses moisture more easily and becomes more vulnerable to external aggressors, resulting in sensations of discomfort, roughness, and reduced skin elasticity. Thanks to its rich lipid content, buriti oil acts as a re-lipidizing agent that integrates well into skincare formulations designed for dry skin.

This nourishing action of buriti oil is beneficial for skin prone to tightness and discomfort, or even in winter, when the skin is exposed to wind and cold.

Note : The buriti oil can be applied undiluted directly to the face. Despite its high fatty acid content, it is non-comedogenic and does not promote pore obstruction. It is therefore suitable for both dry and combination-to-oily skin types.

Rich in β-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, as well as vitamin E, buriti oil stands out for its strong antioxidant potential, which is especially effective at protecting the skin from premature aging. As a reminder, the oxidative stress corresponds to an imbalance between free radical production and the body’s antioxidant defenses. This overproduction is driven by numerous environmental factors, notably the UV rays and the atmospheric pollution. Unstable, free radicals seek to react with cellular components and can damage membrane lipids, DNA, and proteins, such as collagen and elastin, which are nonetheless essential for maintaining skin structure.

Oxidative stress is one of the primary factors responsible for the loss of elasticity and the onset of wrinkles.

Thanks to its richness in carotenoids and tocopherols, buriti oil contributes to strengthening endogenous antioxidant defenses. A study conducted on rats divided into two groups and subjected to iron overload—a controlled experimental setup known to induce significant oxidative stress—highlighted this protective effect. After 17 days, the animals receiving buriti oil exhibited a significant increase in the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes, notably superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), compared to the control group. These results suggest an enhanced capacity to neutralize free radicals. When applied to the skin, these mechanisms support the value of buriti oil in preventing skin aging and wrinkles.

However, in the absence of human clinical evidence, it is prudent to exercise caution regarding buriti oil’s effects on skin aging.

Buriti oil has an interesting photoprotective potential, mainly due to its richness in carotenoids and vitamin E. These antioxidant compounds help protect skin cells from damage induced by UVA and UVB rays. Studies in vitro have shown that formulations containing buriti oil could reduce phototoxic effects on keratinocytes and fibroblasts after UV exposure, by limiting lipid peroxidation and supporting cell viability.

However, it is important to emphasize that buriti oil does not replace a broad-spectrum sunscreen and can only be used as an adjunct.

Besides its protective role, the β-carotene in buriti oil may promote the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This allows tanning to begin and last longer. Moreover, it has been shown in certain formulations that combining carotenoids and buriti oil with chemical UV filters increases the sun protection factor. These findings suggest that buriti oil can serve as an effective adjuvant in sun care, providing both skin protection and stimulation of melanogenesis.

The referenced study specifically assessed the photoprotective potential of nanoemulsions containing buriti oil and microbial carotenoids combined with chemical sunscreen filters. The researchers prepared three formulations: NE1, containing only chemical filters; NE2, adding 3% buriti oil and 0.2% microbial carotenoids to the filters; and NE3, similar to NE2 but with a higher concentration of the chemical filters. The photoprotective efficacy was evaluated in vitro via the sun protection factor, and the results, presented in the table below, show a the benefit of adding buriti oil and carotenoids.

Carotenoids and buriti oil, by enhancing the antioxidant effect, have led to an increase in the photoprotective efficacy of the formulations compared to filters alone.

Buriti oil is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it an appealing vegetable oil for sensitive or irritation-prone skin. These effects mainly stem from its richness in unsaturated fatty acids, capable of modulating the inflammatory response and reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, notably TNF-α. Additionally, by limiting oxidative stress, its carotenoids and vitamin E help prevent the exacerbation of inflammatory reactions.

These properties were demonstrated in an experimental study conducted on rats, in which buriti oil was applied topically to muscle regions with acetic acid–induced inflammation. After 7 and 14 days of treatment, the researchers observed a significant reduction in neutrophil count, indicating a decrease in inflammation compared to the untreated group. At the same time, fibroblast proliferation increased, promoting tissue regeneration. These results confirm that buriti extract can limit inflammatory processes while supporting tissue repair, highlighting its potential for soothing and protecting irritated skin.

Beyond its nourishing, antioxidant, and soothing properties, buriti oil plays a notable role in skin regeneration. Its unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, support epidermal cell proliferation and the repair of damaged tissues. By reinforcing the extracellular matrix and reducing oxidative damage, buriti oil facilitates the process of healing of the skin.

These effects were demonstrated in an experimental study conducted on rats, using a topical formulation based on murumuru butter (M), to which 1% (M1) or 15% (M15) buriti oil was added. The rats, wounded on the back, were divided into four groups: the control group (C), corresponding to no treatment, group M, group M1, and group M15. Over a 21-day period, the 15% buriti oil formulation showed a faster re-epithelialization of the injured tissues, indicating an effect of the plant extract on the regeneration process.

These results suggest that buriti oil is a promising ingredient for supporting the regeneration of compromised skin, although further studies are still needed.

Note : In the case of an open wound, do not apply buriti oil and consult a healthcare professional.

• VINARDELL M. P. & al. Photoprotective potential of emulsions formulated with Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) against UV irradiation on keratinocytes and fibroblasts cell lines. Food and Chemical Toxicology (2010).

• SOUZA A.G. & al. Refining of buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) originated from the brazillian cerrado: physicochemical, thermal-oxidative and nutritional implications. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society (2012).

• BARBOSA M. & al. Topical action of buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) in myositis induced in rats. Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira (2017).

• PEREIRA DOS SANTOS E. & al. Photoprotective nanoemulsions containing microbial carotenoids and buriti oil: Efficacy and safety study. Arabian Journal of Chemistry (2020).

• NUNES K. M. & al. Wound healing activity of topical formulations containing Mauritia flexuosa oil. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia (2021).

• DA SILVA C. & al. Wound healing activity of topical formulations containing Mauritia flexuosa oil. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia (2021).

• MONTENEGRO STAMFORD T. L. & al. Antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects of buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) administered to iron-overloaded rats. Molecules (2023).

• CARDOSO RIAL R. & al. Fatty acid profile, nutritional and therapeutic properties of vegetable oils from the Brazilian Cerrado. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis (2025).