What are the benefits of buriti oil for the skin?

The buriti vegetable oil stands out for a lipid profile that is particularly beneficial for the dry skin. It is rich in fatty acids, notably linoleic acid (an omega-6), oleic acid (an omega-9), as well as saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid and stearic acid. These lipids play a vital role in maintaining the cohesion of the stratum corneum by contributing to the preservation of the hydrolipidic film. When this barrier is compromised, the skin loses moisture more readily and becomes more vulnerable to external aggressors, manifesting as discomfort, roughness and reduced elasticity. Thanks to its lipid richness, buriti oil acts as a re-lipidising oil that integrates well into skincare regimens for dry skin.

This nourishing action of buriti oil is beneficial for skin prone to tightness and sensations of discomfort, or in winter, when the skin is exposed to wind and cold.

Note : The buriti oil can be used undiluted directly on the face. Despite its richness in fatty acids, it is non-comedogenic and does not promote pore clogging. It is therefore suitable for both dry skin and combination to oily skin.

Rich in β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, as well as vitamin E, buriti oil stands out for its strong antioxidant potential, particularly beneficial for protecting the skin from premature cutaneous ageing. As a reminder, the oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s antioxidant defences. This overproduction is promoted by numerous environmental factors, notably the UV rays and air pollution. Unstable, free radicals seek to react with cellular components and can damage membrane lipids, DNA and proteins, such as collagen and elastin, which are nonetheless essential for maintaining the skin’s structure.

Oxidative stress is one of the primary factors responsible for the loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

Thanks to its richness in carotenoids and tocopherols, buriti oil contributes to the strengthening of endogenous antioxidant defences. A study conducted on rats divided into two groups and subjected to iron overload, an experimental setup that induces significant oxidative stress, demonstrated this protective effect. After 17 days, the animals receiving buriti oil exhibited a significant increase in the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes, notably superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), compared with the control group. These results suggest an enhanced capacity to neutralise free radicals. When applied to the skin, these mechanisms support the value of buriti oil in preventing skin ageing and wrinkles.

However, in the absence of clinical evidence in humans, caution is warranted regarding the effects of buriti oil on skin ageing.

Buriti oil exhibits a notable photoprotective potential, primarily linked to its wealth of carotenoids and vitamin E. These antioxidant compounds help protect skin cells from damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. Studies in vitro have demonstrated that formulations containing buriti oil can mitigate phototoxic effects on keratinocytes and fibroblasts following UV exposure, by limiting lipid peroxidation and maintaining cell viability.

However, it is important to emphasise that buriti oil does not substitute for a broad-spectrum sunscreen and should only be used as a supplementary measure.

Beyond its protective function, the β-carotene found in buriti oil can enhance the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. This helps initiate tanning and makes it more lasting. In addition, certain formulations have demonstrated that combining carotenoids and buriti oil with chemical UV filters increases the sun protection factor. These results suggest that buriti oil may constitute an effective adjuvant in sun care, offering both skin protection and stimulation of melanogenesis.

The aforementioned study more precisely assessed the photoprotective potential of nanoemulsions containing buriti oil and microbial carotenoids combined with chemical sunscreens. The researchers prepared three formulations: NE1, containing only chemical filters, NE2, supplementing the filters with 3% buriti oil and 0.2% microbial carotenoids, and NE3, similar to NE2 but with a higher concentration of chemical filters. The photoprotective efficacy was evaluated in vitro via the sun protection factor, and the results, presented in the table below, demonstrate a benefit of adding buriti oil and carotenoids.

Carotenoids and buriti oil, by bolstering the antioxidant effect, have increased the photoprotective efficacy of the formulations compared with filters alone.

Buriti oil is recognised for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it a valuable vegetable oil for sensitive or irritation-prone skin. These effects are primarily due to its richness in unsaturated fatty acids, which are capable of modulating the inflammatory response and reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-α. Furthermore, by limiting oxidative stress, its carotenoids and vitamin E prevent the exacerbation of inflammatory reactions.

These properties were demonstrated in an experimental study carried out on rats, in which buriti oil was applied locally to muscular regions exhibiting inflammation induced by acetic acid. After 7 and 14 days of treatment, the researchers observed a significant reduction in neutrophil numbers, indicating a decrease in inflammation compared to the untreated group. At the same time, fibroblast proliferation was enhanced, favouring tissue regeneration. These results confirm that buriti extract can limit inflammatory processes while supporting tissue repair, thereby emphasising its potential to calm and protect irritated skin.

Beyond its nourishing, antioxidant and soothing properties, buriti oil plays a significant role in skin regeneration. Its unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, help to support epidermal cell proliferation and the repair of damaged tissues. By reinforcing the extracellular matrix and limiting oxidative damage, buriti oil facilitates the process of healing of the skin.

These effects were demonstrated in an experimental study conducted on rats, using a topical formulation based on murumuru butter (M), to which 1% (M1) or 15% (M15) buriti oil was added. The rats, injured on the back, were divided into four groups: a control group (C), which received no treatment, group M, group M1 and group M15. Over a period of 21 days, the formulation containing 15% buriti oil showed a more rapid re-epithelialisation of the injured tissues, indicating an effect of the plant extract on the regeneration process.

These results appear to indicate that buriti oil is a promising ingredient for supporting the regeneration of compromised skin, although further work is still required.

Note : In the event of an open wound, do not apply buriti oil and consult a healthcare professional.

• VINARDELL M. P. & al. Photoprotective potential of emulsions formulated with Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) against UV irradiation on keratinocytes and fibroblasts cell lines. Food and Chemical Toxicology (2010).

• SOUZA A.G. & al. Refining of buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) originated from the brazillian cerrado: physicochemical, thermal-oxidative and nutritional implications. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society (2012).

• BARBOSA M. & al. Topical action of buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) in myositis induced in rats. Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira (2017).

• PEREIRA DOS SANTOS E. & al. Photoprotective nanoemulsions containing microbial carotenoids and buriti oil: Efficacy and safety study. Arabian Journal of Chemistry (2020).

• NUNES K. M. & al. Wound healing activity of topical formulations containing Mauritia flexuosa oil. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia (2021).

• DA SILVA C. & al. Wound healing activity of topical formulations containing Mauritia flexuosa oil. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia (2021).

• MONTENEGRO STAMFORD T. L. & al. Antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects of buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) administered to iron-overloaded rats. Molecules (2023).

• CARDOSO RIAL R. & al. Fatty acid profile, nutritional and therapeutic properties of vegetable oils from the Brazilian Cerrado. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis (2025).