Babassu Oil Refined

INCI: Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil

Babassu Oil Refined
Refined babassu oil is typically white to pale yellow in colour with a soft, creamy consistency at room temperature, similar to coconut oil. It melts on contact with the skin, turning into a clear, light oil. The refining process removes most of the natural aroma, resulting in a very mild or nearly odourless oil.
Babassu oil is rich in various fatty acids, which contribute to its moisturising and nourishing properties, especially in skincare and soap-making. The typical fatty acid profile includes:
Lauric Acid: ~40-50% Myristic Acid: ~15-25% Palmitic Acid: ~8-12% Stearic Acid: ~2-6%
Oleic Acid (Omega-9): ~10-15% Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): ~1-5%
The high lauric and myristic acid content gives babassu oil similar properties to coconut oil, providing it with a light, non-greasy feel that is easily absorbed by the skin.
Babassu oil is obtained from the nuts of the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa), a tree native to the Amazon rainforest and other regions in Brazil, vital to the local ecosystem and communities, providing food, oil, and other resources. The nuts are harvested from the tree, which produces clusters of large, hard-shelled fruits. Inside these fruits are seeds that contain the oil. The hard outer shell of the nut is cracked open to access the kernels inside, often manually or with mechanical assistance. The kernels are then cold-pressed to extract the oil.

Cold pressing involves mechanically pressing the seeds without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving the oil's natural properties. Refining involves removing impurities in the crude oil. The oil is filtered through activated clay or carbon to remove pigments and other impurities, resulting in a lighter colour. It is then heated under vacuum to remove any remaining odours, resulting in a neutral-smelling oil. Finally the oil is filtered one last time to ensure purity and clarity, resulting in refined babassu oil.

Babassu oil is an excellent moisturiser for dry or sensitive skin. Its high lauric acid content makes it easily absorbable, providing hydration without leaving a greasy residue. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. Commonly used in lotions, creams, and balms due to its emollient properties, in soap making Babassu oil contributes to the hardness of soap bars, similar to coconut oil, but with a milder, less drying effect on the skin whilst producing a rich, creamy lather. The oil's cleansing properties help to remove dirt and excess oil from the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. Babassu oil is used in hair care products like conditioners and masks due to its ability to deeply moisturise and nourish the hair and care for the scalp.

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CofA BBB2549

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