How is pracaxi oil used ?

The pracaxi oil appears to be beneficial for topical application, given its high oleic acid content (40 to 60%) which enables it to limit transepidermal water loss and thus prevent dehydration. Furthermore, thanks to the fatty acids it contains, it strengthens the hydrolipidic film and promotes good cohesion of skin cells.

A study conducted by BANOV D. in 2014 on 21 individuals demonstrated that the use of pracaxi oil on the skin had healing and regenerative properties. The topical application of pracaxi oil improved the visual appearance of scars, particularly their size, colour and the degree of pain. The results obtained are primarily due to its content of omega-9, compounds capable of increasing the synthesis of type III collagen, which plays a key role in the formation of granulation tissue. They also stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and reduce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory factors.

Pracaxi oil also exerts a antioxidant action that helps to prevent signs of premature ageing. Thanks to its content of vitamin E and carotenoids, it protects the skin from the harmful effects of oxidative stress. It traps free radicals and prevents the oxidative degradation of cells. Thus, pracaxi oil is a versatile oil suitable for various skin applications.

How to use pracaxi oil on the skin?

The pracaxi oil can be used alone in its pure form by applying a few drops. It can be used locally on certain areas of the face (lips or eye contour) or body (hands, feet, elbows, knees, etc.) to prevent skin dryness. The pracaxi oil could also potentially prevent the appearance of stretch marks, although the scientific evidence is still limited. To promote the proper absorption of pracaxi oil, one can perform light circular massages, which also helps to stimulate blood circulation.

Generally, it is suitable for all skin types. However, for facial application, precautions must be taken when using it undiluted on oily or acne-prone skin, as the comedogenicity of this oil has not yet been precisely determined to date. The pracaxi oil can also be incorporated into certain cosmetic products (cream, serum, etc). It can also be used within a blend of vegetable oils.

The pracaxi oil can also be used on hair to care for its length. Its richness in essential fatty acids allows it to exert antioxidant properties, protecting hair fibres from external aggressions such as the use of heat appliances, vigorous brushing or even bleaching. It limits the effects of oxidative stress induced by prolonged exposure to UV rays, pollution or even tobacco consumption. Moreover, this oil acts on the hair by limiting its dehydration. Thanks to its fatty acids, it keeps the hair healthy, and promotes its elasticity and suppleness.

How to use pracaxi oil on hair?

When used as a hair treatment, pracaxi oil can be applied to the lengths of the hair to provide shine and hydration. Like the majority of vegetable oils, pracaxi oil can be applied as an oil bath to the hair. This simply involves applying a few drops of oil to each strand, from mid-lengths to ends, and leaving it to rest for about ten minutes or overnight, before washing with a suitable shampoo.

The use of this vegetable oil is also particularly beneficial for individuals with curly or frizzy hair, as it helps to redefine the curls and provide them with more movement. For this, it is preferable to slightly dampen the lengths before applying the oil. Subsequently, a small amount of oil should be taken and warmed between the hands before applying it strand by strand, reshaping the natural form of the curls with the fingers. It is also possible to use the "scrunching" method, which involves pressing the curls from the tips and moving upwards.

Our nourishing hair oil, enriched with squalane and essential fatty acids derived from piqui oil and the pracaxi oil, restores shine and softness to the hair. It nourishes damaged hair fibres and helps to tame dry hair.

As of now, there are only a few dietary supplements that contain pracaxi oil, and there are no scientific studies highlighting its benefits for the skin or hair when taken orally. Thus, the ingestion of pracaxi oil does not seem to offer any cosmetic benefits. However, a recent study evaluated the toxicity of pracaxi oil when administered orally to rats. It demonstrated that the vegetable oil did not cause any adverse effects, results that could potentially be correlated to humans.

• 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).

• BLOCK J. M. & others. Composition, thermal behaviour and antioxidant activity of pracaxi (Pentaclethra macroloba) seed oil obtained by supercritical CO2. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology (2020).

• ALBA G. & co. Update on anti-inflammatory molecular mechanisms induced by oleic acid. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (2023).

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