Babassu
Babassu (Orbignya oleifera) is a palm tree from the Guianas that conquered the Amazon forest. It is known by the indigenous name uauaçu. It is present in formations known as babassu groves, which cover about 196 thousand km² in the Brazilian territory.
Every part of the babassu tree offers some potential benefit. In addition to the plant’s diverse functionalities, it is extremely resistant to seed predators such as birds. Thus, it has a great capacity for regeneration and proliferation.
Properties
Babassu oil is emollient, moisturizing the skin without increasing oiliness. This makes it an ideal ingredient in products for oily and dry skin. It is high in lauric acid, which helps in lipid replacement and hair elasticity.
Versatility
Obtained from a manual extraction process, babassu oil can replace fat and be used for frying and cooking food. In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, it is used to combat dandruff when mixed with andiroba oil. In addition, it works as an excellent oil for soap production.