What is "Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil" and what is its utility?

The "Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil", or Buriti oil, is a vegetable oil highly acclaimed in the cosmetics industry. The Buriti is a towering palm tree that can reach up to 30 metres in height. It grows in Brazil, particularly in the Cerrado and the Amazon rainforest.

Buriti oil is derived from a cold-press extraction of the pulp of the palm fruit . The oil is distinguished by its colour, which ranges from red to dark orange. It has a high content of fatty acids , particularly palmitic acid, linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9). It is also rich in carotenoids (provitamin A), in vitamin E and in vitamin C .

In Brazil, the pulp of the buriti fruit is edible. It is used to prepare juices, ice creams, and sweets. Indigenous people living in certain South American countries use it to treat diarrhoea.

In cosmetics, manufacturers utilise the benefits of oil extracted from the pulp to formulate their skincare products. This vegetable oil exhibits the following properties:

• Soothing: This explains its presence in treatments preventing skin ageing;

• Absorbing a portion of UV rays and insulating against free radicals: It is included in the composition of after-sun care products to help prolong the tan;

• Hydrating and Emollient: It hydrates and nourishes the skin;

• Regenerative: This ingredient is also found in night care products and makeup removers. Thanks to its high content of provitamin A, it promotes the renewal of epidermal cells;

• Restorative: This oil soothes burns and dermatoses caused by exposure to the sun.

However, buriti oil cannot be used in young children and individuals allergic to any of its active ingredients.

The "Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil" is an active ingredient found in the cleansing balm along with camellia oil. This product is recommended for removing makeup from the eyes and the entire face. Its main ingredients are:

• Thecamellia oil: It is selected for its high content of essential fatty acids. It softens the skin while promoting its regeneration;

• Theburiti oil: It enhances the skin's radiance and protects it against oxidation;

• Thecoconut oil: It hydrates and promotes skin elasticity;

• The sunflower wax: It influences the texture of the skincare product, giving it its balm-like appearance. The wax also has an antioxidant action;

• Thesunflower seed oil: It protects the skin against free radicals and facilitates skin cleansing.

The "Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil", or Buriti oil contained in the cleansing balm, is derived from organic farming.