Are there risks associated with using pracaxi oil?

Thepracaxi oil is extracted from the seeds of the tree Pentaclethra macroloba, a tree primarily growing in Brazil and Central American regions. The pracaxi fruits have a pod-like shape, containing on average four to eight seeds. Pracaxi oil is extracted from the dried seeds of the fruits, typically through a cold-pressing mechanism. This process does not use any chemicals, thus preserving the essential constituents of the oil.

Rich in fatty acids, thepracaxi oil harbours numerous benefits for the skin and hair. It is particularly used for its moisturising, antioxidant and healing properties. It is also employed to facilitate hair styling and prevent dryness. But what about its toxicity when applied topically?

Although few studies exist on the potential risks of pracaxi oil, and none have been conducted in humans, one study has evaluated the oral toxicity of pracaxi oil on 40 rats divided into 5 groups of 10, each receiving different doses of oil (300, 600, 1,200 and 2,400 mg/kg and a control group). The results showed no alterations in the rats' bodily functions. However, these findings should be approached with caution, as the study was not conducted in humans and the toxicity was evaluated for oral intake of the oil. Nevertheless, they seem to indicate a good tolerance of pracaxi oil.

However, no study has evaluated the skin tolerance of this oil to date. There is also no scientific data linking the topical application of pracaxi oil to cases of irritation, intolerance or allergy. Furthermore, the use of the pracaxi oil is extremely widespread in Brazil for centuries and several studies report its nourishing, healing and soothing benefits. Moreover, its use in pregnant women is not discouraged either.

Finally, to date, there is limited information on the comedogenicity of the pracaxi oil. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution when using it in its pure form for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.

The existing data tends to indicate that pracaxi oil appears to be safe for use.

Despite the fact that the use of pracaxi oil appears at first glance to pose no risk, each individual may react differently to the application of a cosmetic product or ingredient. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant when using an ingredient, as it may be poorly tolerated or cause an allergic reaction in some people.

In order to avoid such reactions and anticipate a potential allergy, it is recommended to carry out a skin test. This type of test should preferably be performed during the first application of a cosmetic product. It involves applying a small amount of product to a small area of the skin, usually on the inside of the elbows or wrists. Then, simply wait 24 to 48 hours and observe if any reaction has occurred.

On the other hand, to promote the good tolerance of pracaxi oil on the skin, it is necessary to be vigilant about its quality, which can change when the oil shows signs of oxidation. Indeed, its rancidity can affect its composition and induce reactions that would not occur when the oil is fresh and of good quality. To delay and limit the oil's rancidity, it is preferable to store it in an airtight container, protected from light and heat.

• SILVA J. & al. Oleic acid modulation of the immune response in wound healing: A new approach for skin repair. Immunobiology (2011).

• COSTA R. & al. Characterisation of Pentaclethra macroloba. Thermal stability, gas chromatography and Rancimat (2013).

• BANOV D. & al. Case series: The efficacy of fatty acids from pracaxi oil in a topical silicone base for scar and wound treatment. Dermatology and Therapy (2014).

• GANDRA E. & al. Characterisation and subchronic oral toxicity of Pentaclethra macroloba (pracaxi) oil in Rattus norvegicus (lin. Wistar).Toxicon (2023).