Babassu oil
Effect and application for skin and hair
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It is known as an edible oil, is used in the manufacture of cosmetic products, has already been used as a fuel and is also suitable as a beauty oil – you can find out what makes babassu oil here!
Babassu oil – what is it?
Babassu oil is obtained from the seeds of the babassu or cusi palm. The babassu palm grows in the Amazon basin in Brazil. In its native state, the vegetable oil has a yellowish-white color, a nutty scent and appears in a semi-solid state at room temperature – which makes the consistency reminiscent of coconut oil. The melting point of the oil is around 22 to 26 degrees – if it is applied to the skin, it liquefies and is well absorbed. The Refined Oil, on the other hand, is colorless and has almost no odor.
Babassu oil: properties
Babassu oil is characterized by a high proportion of vitamin E, which protects the skin from free radicals – it thus acts as an anti-aging booster. Babassu oil also has over 80 percent saturated fatty acids available, such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, caprylic acid and capric acid.
Lauric acid has an antimicrobial effect and thus protects against bacteria, viruses and fungal infections. Myristic acid also has an antimicrobial effect and makes the skin more tender. Palmitic acid is part of the skin's own protective acid mantle. Since the palmitic acid content of the skin breaks down over the years, the oil cares for the skin by adding this fatty acid from the outside. Due to the short-chain caprylic and capric acid, the oil has a pronounced ability to spread – which means that the oil can be easily spread. In addition, unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid or oleic acid are also represented in babassu oil. While linoleic acid is good for irritated, dry skin, oleic acid, for example, promotes wound healing and provides a boost of moisture.
This is how you apply babassu oil
- Cooking oil: The oil is ideal for baking and frying and, thanks to its slightly nutty taste, can be used in both savory and sweet cuisine.
- Skin care: Spread a few drops of the oil on cleansed skin and massage it in gently. Babassu oil is particularly suitable for dry skin, provides a silky feeling and also has a slightly cooling effect. The oil can also be used on oily or combination skin. A great advantage of the oil is that it is quickly absorbed without leaving a greasy film. Extra tip: Warm the oil in a double boiler and add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender oil. Then let it set again. You already have a fragrant, nourishing cream!
- Hair care: Rub a few drops of the babassu oil between the palms of your hands and distribute it through the washed hair (roots and hair lengths). Dry hair in particular benefits from the moisturizing oil. In addition, it strengthens the hair, provides a great shine and makes it resistant to environmental influences. Anyone struggling with split ends or frizz can rely on babassu oil as a care treatment: It nourishes and smooths the hair. Note: If you have oily hair, only use the oil on the ends of your hair. Babassu oil also helps with dry, itchy scalps.
Babassu Oil: Tips for Buying & Storage
- Make sure it is cold-pressed Oil deals. This is the only way to preserve the valuable ingredients.
- This should include the oil bio and with that faitrade seal be provided. There are no pesticide residues and it is a fair trade product.
- Use a high quality product – Otherwise it could also be babassu oil with residues of yeast or bacteria. It is best to look out for the label "residue-tested babassu oil with cosmetic suitability". Alternatively, you can also find tested cosmetics in drugstores that are enriched with the nourishing babassu oil – you can be sure that it is a tested product. Note: Vegetable oil is listed as an ingredient in cosmetic products with the designation "Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil".
- The oil is approximately after opening Can be kept for 18 months.
Are you interested in other vegetable oils and their effects on skin and hair? Find out what jojoba oil, camellia oil and macadamia oil are all about.
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