What you need to know about buriti oil.

The buriti is a palm tree belonging to the Arecaceae family that grows in the humid and tropical forests of the Amazon. Indigenous populations regard it as a sacred tree and nickname it the tree of life due to its multiple uses.

The vegetable oil of buriti is extracted by cold pressing the pulp of the fruits. It is one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A.

Out of 100 grams of pulp, it contains 30 milligrams of beta-carotene.

It also contains fatty acids that are essential such as linoleic acid (omega-6), oleic acid (omega-9), palmitic acid and stearic acid.

In cosmetic care, it is referenced under the I.N.C.I. designation "Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil". Even though it is relatively resistant to oxidation, it is preferably stored in a cool place, protected from heat and light in an amber bottle.

This vegetable oil is particularly recommended for dull complexions, skin lacking vitality, as well as tanned skin due to the properties outlined below:

• Antioxidant:

  Thanks to its richness in beta-carotene and vitamin E, buriti oil is an excellent antioxidant treatment to protect the skin from free radicals. As a reminder, these are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. However, when cells are faced with stress, they produce them in excessive amounts. The sources of stress are numerous, the main ones being exposure to UVA, pollution, smoking, and a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and then cause damage to cells, DNA, and proteins in the body. They are notably involved in lipid peroxidation, a degradation reaction of the constituents of cell membranes. Aging is thus accelerated and wrinkles appear on the skin surface. Buriti oil is therefore a valuable ally in preventing premature skin aging.

• Moisturizing:

  Several studies have shown that buriti oil is capable of reducing insensible water loss, due to its film-forming properties.

• Emollient:

  Rich in omega-6 and omega-9, it provides nutrition and elasticity to the skin and restores the hydrolipidic film. The buriti vegetable oil is thus qualified as relipidating, it is recommended for taking care of dry and dehydrated skin.

• Photo-protective:

  To enhance your sun protection and thus prevent the appearance of spots and/or wrinkles, researchers have demonstrated that buriti oil provides efficient protection against UVA rays. However, be aware that it does not replace a broad-spectrum sunscreen and should be used in addition to it.