What is pequi oil composed of?

The piqui oil is a vegetable oil primarily composed of fatty acids, which are carboxylic acids with a long carbon chain. When this chain is solely composed of single bonds, the fatty acid is referred to as "saturated". If the chain carries a double bond, it is called a "monounsaturated" fatty acid. Finally, if there are multiple double bonds in the chemical structure, it is a "polyunsaturated" fatty acid. Piqui oil contains various types of fatty acids.

• Oleic acid (60 to 70%), a monounsaturated fatty acid.

  Oleic acid, an omega-9, is the primary fatty acid found in piqui oil. A natural component of sebum, oleic acid is primarily known for its moisturizing and film-forming actions. Indeed, while an excess production of sebum can be bothersome, it's important to remember that this oily substance is synthesized by the sebaceous glands to protect the skin from external aggressions and limit transepidermal water loss. In addition to its moisturizing properties, oleic acid helps combat irritation. In fact, studies have shown that this fatty acid modulates inflammation and reduces healing time, particularly by inhibiting the expression of the COX-2 membrane protein, known for releasing prostaglandins.

• Palmitic acid (20 to 45%), a saturated fatty acid.

  Palmitic acid is also an important fatty acid found in piqui oil. Like oleic acid, it has a film-forming effect that allows it to create a protective veil on the skin's surface. Furthermore, palmitic acid plays a role in the formation of the epidermal barrier. According to studies conducted on human tissues, this fatty acid can be converted into ceramides, thereby enhancing the lipid content of the stratum corneum. Palmitic acid can also be used for the palmitoylation of certain skin-specific proteins that affect differentiation and cornification within the epidermis. This omega-7 is thus partly responsible for the nourishing properties of the piqui oil.

• Linoleic acid (< 10%), a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

  Linoleic acid, a member of the omega-6 family, is a natural component of cell membranes. It plays a key role in maintaining the skin barrier by ensuring the continuity of the lipid organization of the stratum corneum. Indeed, linoleic acid acts as a cellular cement to maintain cohesion between cells. In doing so, it prevents water loss and skin dehydration. Linoleic acid also contributes to the synthesis of acylceramides, specific ceramides. Finally, this fatty acid allows piqui oil to exert healing properties due to its role as a precursor in certain pathways of synthesis of mediators of cellular regeneration and angiogenesis.

• Stearic acid (1 to 5%), a saturated fatty acid.

  Recognized for its benefits on skin tissue, stearic acid possesses emollient and protective properties. Its mode of action is quite similar to that of oleic acid and palmitic acid. As a film-forming agent, it strengthens the hydrolipidic film present on the skin's surface, ensuring better protection against environmental factors such as sudden temperature changes, UV rays, wind, and more.

• Palmitoleic acid (< 1%), a monounsaturated fatty acid.

  Palmitoleic acid is also naturally present in the human body. In the skin, it is found in the glycerides of adipose tissue. Derived from palmitic acid, its effects in topical application have been little studied. However, its chemical structure, similar to that of palmitic acid, suggests that it would have similar moisturizing properties.

The piqui oil contains numerous carotenoids, which are responsible for the oil's orange color. It notably contains beta-carotene, a pigment known for its ability to stimulate tanning by increasing the production of melanin in the skin. However, it should be noted that piqui oil does not contain enough beta-carotene to have this effect. Beta-carotene also has antioxidant properties, derived from its chemical structure rich in double bonds. Indeed, through its polyene chain, this active ingredient traps free radicals before they can attack DNA and other cellular constituents. Beta-carotene is also capable of inhibiting the production of lipid peroxides.

In addition to beta-carotene, piqui oil contains violaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, neoxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. These molecules, which also belong to the carotenoid family, possess photoprotective properties similar to those of beta-carotene and help the skin combat oxidative stress, particularly that caused by ultraviolet rays. Thanks to its richness in carotenoids, piqui oil could thus help to delay the photoaging process.