Are there any risks associated with using pequi oil?

The piqui oil, or pequi oil, is a vegetable oil extracted from the pulp of the pequi, a fruit composed of round and oily seeds. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, its consumption is popular in Brazil, its native country, due to the various benefits it brings to the body. The piqui oil also integrates into the field of cosmetics where it is particularly appreciated for its nourishing, soothing and antioxidant properties. Ideal for dry skin or hair lacking vitality, it can be used to prevent photoaging, alleviate irritations or tame frizz.

In response to its significant consumption in Brazil, several scientists have investigated the potential risks associated with the regular ingestion of pequi oil. Various studies conducted on rats have all concluded that the vegetable oil is harmless, demonstrating that it is neither toxic, genotoxic, embryotoxic, nor teratogenic. However, no studies have been conducted on humans. Nevertheless, no cases of pequi oil poisoning have been reported. The currently available data, therefore, seem to indicate that the consumption of this vegetable oil is safe.

Regarding its cosmetic use, scientific evidence is lacking. Indeed, at present, no independent test evaluating skin tolerance to pequi oil has been conducted. However, the scientific literature also does not report any cases of irritation or allergy following the topical application of piqui oil, which could suggest that this vegetable oil poses no risk to the skin. In parallel, various sources assert that piqui oil is a gentle natural ingredient whose application is suitable for sensitive skin. Moreover, it is not among the ingredients whose use is discouraged during pregnancy.

As of now, no contraindications have been issued regarding the topical application of pequi oil.

Although pequi oil does not appear to pose any risk when used for skin or hair care, it is important to remember that each individual reacts differently to a particular ingredient. Even if a product is well tolerated by the majority of people, it can prove to be allergenic for others. To detect an allergic sensitisation, the simplest method remains to test systematically any new cosmetic product. To do this, one simply needs to expose a small area of their skin to the product, wait 48 hours, and observe for any potential skin reaction.

Furthermore, like all vegetable oils, pequi oil is prone to oxidation, a phenomenon that can not only impair its quality but also compromise its skin tolerance. To determine if your oil has gone rancid, we recommend you to regularly check its organoleptic characteristics and ensure it has not changed in colour, texture or smell. A pequi oil of good quality that has not undergone oxidative phenomena presents itself as a fairly oily and fluid liquid, which can potentially solidify at low temperatures. This vegetable oil appears orange-yellow, with a dry touch and a fruity smell reminiscent of passion fruit. Another point of caution for people with oily or acne-prone skin: the comedogenicity of pequi oil has not been formally established.

Good to know : Piqui oil can be stored for six months after opening, in a tightly sealed bottle, protected from light and heat.

• JOANITTI G. A. & co. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense): A Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals (2024).

• OESTERREICH S. A. & al. Safety Assessment of Oil from Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.): Evaluation of the Potential Genotoxic and Clastogenic Effects. Journal of Medicinal Food (2017).

• MAXIEL GUEDES A. M. & co. Pequi: a Brazilian fruit with potential applications in the fat industry. OCL (2017).