Babassu seed oil is a yellowish-white vegetable fat extracted from the seeds of the South American babassu or kusipalm tree. It is semi-solid and tallow-like at room temperature, melting into a clear, yellow oil when heated; refined, it has no odor.
Plant-based oils are "in" because they are mindful and free of artificial chemicals. Coconut and almond oil have been on the market for some time, but the so-called babassu oil is still one of the cosmetic world's best-kept secrets. We'll show you what it's all about.
What is Babassu Oil?
Babassu oil is extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm, which grows in the Brazilian Amazon basin. In its natural state, this vegetable oil has a yellowish-white color and a nutty scent. It is also semi-solid at room temperature, similar to coconut oil. The oil melts at a temperature of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius and is easily absorbed by the skin. However, refined oil has no color and little to no odor.
What properties does Babassu oil have?
Babassu oil is unique because it contains a high concentration of vitamin E. This vitamin protects your skin by acting as an antioxidant and preventing damage from free radicals. In addition, babassu oil consists of over 80% saturated fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. Lauric acid has antibacterial properties and helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Myristic acid has a similar antibacterial effect to lauric acid and softens the skin. Palmitic acid is an important component of the skin's natural acid mantle. The oil nourishes the skin by supplying this fatty acid from the outside, as the palmitic acid contained in the skin is broken down over time. Because it contains short-chain caprylic acid and capric acid, babassu oil is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin. In addition to these saturated fatty acids, the oil also contains unsaturated fats such as linoleic acid and oleic acid. Linoleic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect on dry skin, while oleic acid aids wound healing and provides additional moisture.
How is Babassu oil used?
The applications of babassu oil are comparable to those of coconut oil, which is why the uses are similar. Babassu oil is mainly used in the cosmetic industry. Various products contain babassu oil:
- Hair care products
- Creams (especially face cream)
- Soaps
- Massage oil
For a more natural approach, you can use the oil neat. This is especially recommended if you have dry skin or hair. Apply a few drops to the palms of your hands and then massage the oil into problem areas such as your hair ends or dry skin. For an even better scent, add a few drops of essential oil!
The oil is also becoming increasingly popular in food production. You can use it in the kitchen just like coconut oil - for baking and frying. It has a mild, nutty taste that goes well with both savory and sweet dishes.
What benefits does Babassu oil offer the skin?
The benefits of the nourishing oil are manifold, including:
- The main function of babassu as a skin care product is to moisturize and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier, which prevents water from evaporating and germs from penetrating. The oil also has a gently smooth texture and a slightly cooling effect.
- The oil also helps mature skin. The vitamin E contained in the oil acts as an anti-aging aid. Free radicals are neutralized and the aging process is slowed down by its antioxidant effect. The dryness wrinkles of mature skin are also eliminated.
- Babassu has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it helpful for eczema or impure skin. The oil is also useful because it absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy shine.
How to use it:
Apply a few drops of the oil to your cleansed skin and massage it in gently. Babassu oil is perfect for dry skin – it leaves a silky feeling and has a slightly cooling effect. However, the oil can be used for all skin types. It is also suitable for oily or combination skin. A big advantage of this particular oil is that it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film. Tip: Heat the oil in a water bath, add a few drops of essential oils, and then let it solidify again to create an aromatic, nourishing cream.
How else can Babassu oil be used?
As a cooking oil - This oil is suitable for both baking and frying, and thanks to its slightly nutty taste, it can be used for both savory and sweet dishes.
As hair care – Massage a few drops of babassu oil into your hands and then distribute it evenly through clean hair (from roots to ends). This oil is especially good for dry hair, as it moisturizes while strengthening the strands, giving them shine, and making them more resistant to environmental influences. Babassu oil is a great solution for split ends and frizzy hair, as it smooths and nourishes the hair. Note: People with oily hair should only apply the oil to the ends of their hair. Babassu oil can also be used for dry and itchy scalp. As a hair treatment, the oil should be washed out after about an hour.
What to consider when buying Babassu oil?
- To preserve the valuable ingredients, make sure the oil is cold-pressed.
- To ensure that this oil is as pure as possible, it should come from an organic source and bear the Fairtrade seal. It contains no pesticides and is a fair trade product.
- Look for a high-quality product - an inferior product could contain traces of yeast or bacteria. It is best to look for "residue-tested babassu oil with cosmetic suitability" on the label. You can also find proven cosmetic products containing nourishing babassu oil in your drugstore. This way, you can be sure that the product has been tested. Please note that "Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil" is the vegetable oil listed as an ingredient in cosmetic products.
- The oil is stable for about 18 months after opening.
