What you need to know about buriti oil.

The buriti is a palm tree belonging to the Arecaceae family that grows in the humid and tropical forests of the Amazon. Indigenous populations regard it as a sacred tree and nickname it the tree of life due to its multiple uses.

The vegetable oil of buriti is extracted by cold pressing the pulp of the fruits. It is one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A.

Out of 100 g of pulp, it contains 30 milligrams of beta-carotene.

It also contains fatty acids that are essential such as linoleic acid (omega-6), oleic acid (omega-9), palmitic acid and stearic acid.

In cosmetic care, it is referenced under the I.N.C.I. denomination "Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil". Even though it is relatively resistant to oxidation, it is preferably stored in a cool place, protected from heat and light in an amber bottle.

This vegetable oil is particularly recommended for dull complexions, skin lacking vitality, as well as tanned skin due to the properties outlined below:

• Antioxidant:

  Thanks to its richness in beta-carotene and vitamin E, buriti oil is an excellent antioxidant treatment to protect the skin from free radicals. As a reminder, these are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. However, when cells are faced with stress, they produce them in excessive amounts. The sources of stress are numerous, the main ones being exposure to UVA, pollution, smoking, and a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and then cause damage to cells, DNA, and the body's proteins. They are notably involved in lipid peroxidation, a degradation reaction of the constituents of cell membranes. Ageing is thus accelerated and wrinkles appear on the skin's surface. Buriti oil is therefore a choice ally to prevent premature skin ageing.

• Moisturising:

  Several studies have demonstrated that buriti oil is capable of reducing insensible water loss, due to its film-forming properties.

• Emollient:

  Rich in omega-6 and omega-9, it provides nourishment and elasticity to the skin and restores thehydrolipidic film. The buriti vegetable oil is thus qualified asrelipidating, it is recommended for taking care of dry and dehydrated skin.

• Photo-protective:

  To enhance your sun protection and thus prevent the appearance of spots and/or wrinkles, researchers have demonstrated that buriti oil provides efficient protection against UVA rays. However, be aware that it does not replace a broad-spectrum sunscreen and should be used in addition to it.

Rich in antioxidant compounds, buriti oil protects the hair from external aggressions (pollution, sun, cigarette smoke...) that generate an overproduction of free radicals. This phenomenon, known as oxidative stress, is a factor linked to the deterioration of hair fibres, the appearance of grey hair, and even hair loss. Buriti oil and the molecules it contains neutralise these free radicals to prevent them from causing damage and maintain good hair quality for as long as possible. Furthermore, thanks to its photoprotective virtues, this plant compound restores shine and vitality to damaged hair. It is an excellent ally for revitalising dull and dry hair. Moreover, buriti oil preserves the pigmentation of coloured hair by stimulating the production of melanin present in the body.

Its excellent skin tolerance makes buriti oil a suitable treatment for all skin types, even those of young children and infants. It is primarily found in sun creams or after-sun lotions, to prolong the tan. In addition to its photoprotective action, buriti oil is also used as an active ingredient in creams and serums to give the skin a healthy glow. It is also included in the composition of shampoos and conditioners, hair balms for dry hair, as well as creams or masks to protect hair colour.

Typology has developed a botanical blend for a sun-kissed complexion with buriti. This serum, composed of 6 plant extracts, is rich in beta-carotene. It revives the skin's radiance and provides an immediate subtle tan. Please note, this product is not a self-tanner.

With organic camellia oil, buriti oil also makes up the cleansing balm. Its transformative balm - oil - milk texture gently removes makeup from the face and eyes and cleanses gently. The skin is supple, soft and comfortable.

You can also find buriti oil in our self-tanning serum progressive DHA 10% + carob pulp. This offers a natural, progressive and adjustable tan thanks to the combination of self-tanning molecules of plant origin. This serum can be used alone or mixed with your usual day cream.

• BÖHM F. & al. Singlet oxygen quenching by dietary carotenoids in a model membrane environment. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics (2003).

• 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).

• LE HYARIC M. & al. Comparative properties of amazonian oils obtained by different extraction methods. Molecules (2011).