If you’re into your retinoid products, you may have heard of buriti oil. Containing high volumes of Vitamin A, buriti oil is popular with those looking for anti-aging products that resurface the skin, but what else do we know about buriti oil and what are its key benefits?
Buriti oil is a rich carrier oil derived from the nuts of the moriche palm tree, native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. It is highly rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is also known as Vitamin A. It promotes new cell growth and can help the skin, hair, and nails to look healthier and more youthful.
Stay tuned to learn all of the key information regarding buriti oil, including what it’s made from, a full list of its benefits and uses, potential substitutes as well as some info on storing this product.
What is buriti oil made from?
Buriti oil is made from the nuts of the moriche palm tree and is extracted before being ground and cold-pressed to ensure essential vitamins and nutrients are retained in the manufacturing process.
The moriche palm tree is native to the Amazonian rainforest in Brazil, often found in tropical swamps and damp areas of the forest. This plant is also found in the Northeast/Central areas of south Brazil and is also grown in Peru, Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Uses for buriti oil
Buriti oil can be used in many different ways to benefit from its rich makeup of vitamins and nutrients.
Take a look at the below list for some uses for buriti oil:
- Skin moisturizer
- Detangling product for hair
- Hair finishing oil
- Soothing product for irritation/inflamed skin
- As a retinoid product for anti-aging purposes
- Heat protectant
- Massage oil when mixed with essential oils
Benefits of buriti oil
While buriti oil is fairly unknown when compared with more commercial carrier oils such as argan oil and coconut oil, there are many benefits to buriti oil that other oils do not possess.
Here’s a comprehensive list of benefits of buriti oil so you can decide if you’d like to try this oil for yourself:
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and E
- Highly moisturizing/nourishing for hair and skin
- Can help to protect hair from UV damage
- Good emollient for keeping skin hydrated
- High in antioxidants to repair and protect the skin
- Can promote collagen synthesis
- Can promote new cell growth
- Low comedogenic rating of 3
- Suitable for dry, normal, and oily skin types
- No major allergens
- Mild scent
Appearance and scent of buriti oil
Buriti oil is generally orange-red in color due to the high presence of carotenoids within this oil. It may be red, brown, or golden depending on steps such as bleaching in the refinement process.
It generally has a mild scent that people usually describe as nutty, earthy, or woody.
Substitutes for buriti oil
Here are some typical substitutes for buriti oil if you’re looking for a similar alternative:
- Coconut oil
- Bakuchiol oil
- Rosehip oil
- Carrot oil
- Avocado oil
- Macadamia nut oil
Here’s some information on popular carrier oils if you want to see what else is out there in terms of skin/hair oils!
Shelf life and storage of buriti oil
When stored correctly, buriti oil can last for as long as 12 months. Just make sure to keep it in a cool, dark space away from direct sunlight.
If you notice your buriti oil has changed since you purchased it, including any noticeable oil separation or change of smell/color, we’d strongly recommend disposing of the oil and repurchasing it.
FAQ
Look at the frequently asked questions below for some more insights into buriti oil.
There are several key benefits of using buriti oil. When used on the hair and skin, buriti oil can help increase collagen production, promote cell growth, and ultimately make hair, skin, and nails stronger and healthier.
It can also help to reduce the signs of aging such as improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plus it can restore skin elasticity.
Buriti oil contains high amounts of Vitamin A (also known as beta-carotene), which can convert into a type of retinol.
This means that buriti oil helps with cell turnover in the skin which can reduce wrinkles and make the skin appear more youthful, while also reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Buriti oil is said to have an earthy, woody smell that is relatively light and not overpowering.
Some say it smells slightly nutty and is generally preferred amongst those who prefer lightly-scented products on their hair and skin.
There are several good alternatives to buriti oil; one of my personal favorites is coconut oil. While slightly heavier in consistency, coconut oil has similar spreadability to buriti oil and helps to repair damaged skin/hair as with buriti oil.
Another similar oil to buriti oil is borage seed oil, as both these carrier oils have a comedogenic rating of 2, making them suitable for all skin types (including oily skin) as they’re unlikely to clog pores.
Buriti oil is also known as Mauritia flexuosa Fruit Oil.
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