Derived from the cold pressing of the pulp of buriti fruits, a palm tree native to Brazil, this vegetable oil is one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene. This is the precursor of vitamin A in the epidermis. This molecule provides it with antioxidant and photoprotective virtues. Thus, buriti oil promotes tanning and helps prevent sun damage.
How is buriti oil used?
Summary
Published on February 15, 2022, updated on April 29, 2025, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
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Focus on buriti oil.
Of a reddish-orange color, this vegetable oil contains fatty acids essential such as the linoleic acid (omega-6), the oleic acid (omega-9), the palmitic acid and the stearic acid. These compounds provide nutrition and elasticity to the skin due to their ability to restore the hydrolipidic film. The buriti vegetable oil is thus qualified as relipidating and it is recommended for taking care of dry skin.
Rich in beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A in the epidermis, as well as vitamin E, buriti oil is an excellent antioxidant treatment that combats skin aging induced by oxidative stress. Furthermore, beta-carotene has the ability to stimulate the production of melanin, the skin pigment responsible for the brown color of the skin and therefore tanning. It also gives buriti oil photoprotective power: it provides efficient protection against the sun's UV radiation. However, it does not replace a broad-spectrum sunscreen and should be used in addition to it.
In cosmetic care, buriti vegetable oil is referred to under the I.N.C.I. denomination "Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil". Even though it is relatively resistant to oxidation, it is preferably stored in a cool place, away from heat and light in an amber bottle.
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How to use buriti oil for the skin?
To reap its benefits, buriti oil is used as an ingredient in moisturizing creams and lotions, radiance-boosting serums, etc. It is common to combine it with other compounds, such as vegetable oils and essential oils:
To nourish dry skin, buriti oil can be mixed with borage oil or shea butter. In the form of a cream or lotion, this type of care can be applied morning and evening. The combination of buriti oil and jojoba oil is also suitable for skin lacking radiance. In fact, Typology has based this combination to create the botanical blend with white rose. This treatment is preferably applied in the morning, and helps the skin maintain its tanned appearance, guaranteeing a healthy glow.
To soothe sunburns, it may be relevant to mix buriti oil with calendula oil to create a calming and regenerative treatment.
For a "self-tanning" effect, buriti oil can be combined with carrot oil macerate. This combination provides a treatment rich in provitamin A, which promotes the production of melanin and an even tan. To prepare your skin for tanning, apply this mixture morning and evening to the face and body. For example, you could start this ritual two weeks before your vacation. However, be aware that during sun exposure, this does not replace a broad-spectrum sunscreen and should be used in addition to it.
Note : Buriti oil can also be used in its pure form, as a tanning or after-sun oil, or as a skincare oil to prevent the appearance of wrinkles, both morning and evening.
In which Typology skincare products can one find buriti oil?
Typology has developed a botanical blend for a sun-kissed complexion with buriti. This serum, composed of 6 plant extracts, is rich in beta-carotene. It revives the skin's radiance and provides an immediate subtle tan. Please note, this product is not a self-tanner.
With organic camellia oil, buriti oil also makes up the cleansing balm. Its transformative balm - oil - milk texture gently removes makeup from the face and eyes and cleanses gently. The skin is supple, soft, and comfortable.
You can also find buriti oil in our self-tanning serum progressive DHA 10% + carob pulp. This offers a natural, progressive, and adjustable tan thanks to the combination of self-tanning molecules of plant origin. This serum can be used alone or mixed with your usual day cream.
How to use buriti oil for hair?
Thanks to its content of essential fatty acids, this oil revitalizes dehydrated and dry hair, providing it withshine. To enjoy its benefits, simply incorporate a few drops into your regular shampoo. However, some hair care products are already enriched with buriti oil, such as masks, conditioners, or oils.
Furthermore, buriti oil is recommended for maintaining hair color treatments. Indeed, provitamin A and vitamin E can counteract the oxidation of hair fibers, which is responsible for color fading and a dull appearance. Additionally, provitamin A promotes pigmentation due to its orange hue. To preserve hair color, it is therefore advised to perform a buriti oil treatment. To do this, mix a few drops of buriti oil with a carrier oil (jojoba oil, olive oil, argan oil, etc.) and apply this mixture to your wet hair. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing and continuing with your regular shampoo. Buriti oil can also be combined with other compounds depending on your hair color. For instance, chamomile extract is a great companion for blonde hair.
Sources:
MEIRELLES & al. Characterization of oil extracted from buriti fruit (Mauritia flexuosa) cultivated in the Brazilian Amazon region. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (2009).
VINARDELL M. P. & al. Photoprotective potential of emulsions formulated with Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) against UV irradiation on keratinocytes and fibroblast cell lines.Food and Chemical Toxicology(2010).
