"Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil" is the I.N.C.I. name used to refer to thepracaxi vegetable oil. Pracaxi is a fruit native to the Amazon. It contains a significant concentration of behenic acid, six times higher than in peanuts, for example. Its vegetable oil has been used since time immemorial by the indigenous populations of the Amazon as a detangler, hair strengthener and even as a skin lightener for pigmentation spots when applied topically.
What is "Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil" and what is its use?
Published on February 5, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
What is pracaxi oil?
The Pentaclethra macroloba is a tree that primarily grows in Brazil, Guyana, and certain regions of Central America. Its bark has been used for hundreds of years by indigenous populations to combat certain pathologies such as dysentery and ulcers, or to alleviate the effects of snake venom, scorpion stings, and insect bites.
The fruits of the pracaxi are pods shaped like a half-moon, each containing four to eight seeds. On average, 35 pods yield 1 kg of seeds. To obtain pracaxi vegetable oil, these dried seeds are ground and cold-pressed. No chemical transformation is necessary in the manufacturing process of this substance. In the Amazon, the local populations use this oil topically to combat spots and prevent stretch marks. It also helps to beautify the hair and facilitate styling.
It should be noted, the scent of this vegetable oil is unique, with hints of roasted peanuts and coffee, even touches of chocolate.
Pracaxi oil: the benefits for skin and hair.
Due to its biochemical composition, this vegetable oil possesses several virtues.
Pracaxi oil for hair
Due to its high concentration of behenic acid (around 19%), this vegetable oil is considered a natural alternative to surfactants and cationic agents in hair products, which are increasingly criticised today. It possesses excellent moisturising and humectant properties; moreover, it controls hair volume and strengthens the hair and scalp. It facilitates styling, increases shine and prevents hair loss. This oil is thus particularly recommended for unruly and disobedient, curly, frizzy, dry and damaged hair, as well as coloured or bleached hair.
Due to these virtues, pracaxi vegetable oil is present in thedry oil Açaï 5% + hibiscus intended for fine and dry hair, as well as in therich oil Péqui 5% + argan, which is more suitable for curly or even frizzy hair.
Pracaxi oil for the skin
When applied topically, this vegetable oil is recognised for its effectiveness on hyperpigmentation as well as the appearance of stretch marks. These compounds act as inhibitors of melanin biosynthesis, helping to diminish the appearance of age spots.
Sources:
COSTA, M.N.F.S. & al., Characterization of Pentaclethra macroloba oil. Jornal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, (2013).
Daniel Banov & al., Case Series: The Effectiveness of Fatty Acids from Pracaxi Oil in a Topical Silicone Base for Scar and Wound Therapy, Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). (2014).
