Everything you need to know about piqui oil.

In cosmetics, the pequi oil is primarily used on hair. Indeed, it possesses numerous interesting hair-related properties.

• Piqui oil hydrates and strengthens the lengths.

  The various fatty acids found in pequi oil work via several mechanisms to keep hair fibres hydrated and protected. Indeed, oleic acid strengthens the presence of the hydrolipidic film coating the hair, while palmitic acid can insert itself between the scales of the cuticle through biomimicry, thereby improving the elasticity and suppleness of the hair fibres. Particularly beneficial for dry or weakened hair, this vegetable oil also offers a natural solution for dull hair tips.

• Pequi oil protects the hair from oxidative stress.

  The vitamins A, C and E, along with carotenoids found in piqui oil, are recognised antioxidants capable of combating free radicals, particularly those generated in hair fibres following exposure to the sun's UV rays. Therefore, piqui oil could potentially protect hair from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, namely the weakening of hair fibres, accelerated hair loss, and premature alteration of their colour.

• The use of pequi oil for defining curls.

  Thanks to its moisturising and softening properties, pequi oil can enhance textured hair. Indeed, by improving its elasticity, it facilitates the formation of curls and gives them a better definition as well as a more dynamic appearance. Furthermore, pequi oil helps to retain moisture within the fibres, making the hair less prone to frizz.

• Pequi oil for scalp care.

  Pequi oil can also be used on the scalp, applying only a few drops to avoid making it greasy. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturising effects are particularly beneficial for dry, irritated scalps or those frequently prone to itching. Thus, pequi oil can help soothe irritations and restore the scalp's hydration balance.

While the piqui oil is predominantly popular in the haircare realm, it also possesses intriguing properties for skincare.

• The pequi oil is moisturising and nourishing.

  Thanks to its high oleic acid content, piqui oil is capable of forming a film on the skin's surface to limit transepidermal water loss and protect the skin. Through biomimicry, it can also act at the level of the skin barrier to strengthen it. Indeed, the linoleic acid it contains can bind to the lipids of the stratum corneum, consolidating their cohesion. Thus, piqui oil helps the skin to be more hydrated, more supple, and more elastic.

• The pequi oil has an antioxidant action.

  Oxidative stress has several detrimental effects on the skin. Indeed, by damaging cellular organelles, it can lead to an acceleration of skin ageing and pigmentation disorders. The application of pequi oil could help to restore the lost balance. Rich in antioxidants, this vegetable oil has photoprotective potential and is capable of neutralising free radicals.

• Pequi oil for soothing the skin.

  An ally for sensitive skin, piqui oil can reduce the production of inflammation molecules such as interleukins-1β and 6 (IL-1β and IL-6) and TNF-α. Furthermore, it inhibits the activities of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2), enzymes that catalyse the formation of inflammatory prostaglandins. Thanks to these various mechanisms, piqui oil could help to alleviate everyday irritations.

• Piqui oil has healing properties.

  Pequi oil could also promote healing. Its richness in oleic acid could stimulate the synthesis of collagen III by fibroblasts during skin regeneration and also support angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. Therefore, in the case of a minor wound or persistent post-inflammatory mark, consistent application of pequi oil over several weeks could help.

• Pequi oil has antibacterial activity.

  Several studies conducted on bacterial cultures have demonstrated that piqui oil can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria belonging to the skin microbiota, such as Staphylococcus aureus. It also appears that this vegetable oil enhances the effects of certain antibiotics like erythromycin, commonly used to treat acne. Although further research is still required, piqui oil seems to be promising for controlling the populations of microorganisms living on our skin.

The pequi oil is a vegetable oil considered safe, the use of which is not subject to any specific precautions. It can be used pure and is not contraindicated for pregnant women or young children. Furthermore, current scientific literature does not report any cases of irritation or allergy following the topical application of pequi oil. However, ensure that the pequi oil you wish to use is not oxidised as this can alter its compounds and quality. An oxidised vegetable oil can be recognised by its change in texture, colour and smell. To minimise this risk, store your pequi oil in a cool place and out of direct light.

Even though piqui oil is a mild vegetable oil, it is advisable to conduct a tolerance test before using it.

At Typology, we have decided to incorporate piqui oil into our nourishing hair oil. Entirely formulated with natural origin ingredients, this hair oil, suitable for all hair types, strengthens hair damaged by the sun and salt. The nourishing hair oil is enriched with squalane and plant oils containing omega-9 to deeply nourish the hair fibres and strengthen them, thus giving them a softer and shinier appearance.