Buriti oil, which is scientifically known as Mauritia flexuosa, is an Amazonian palm tree that produces a fruit that contains an oil that has been used for thousands of years to add moisture and shine to hair and fight aging of the skin. The Brazilians know the buriti tree as the “Tree of Life” since its oil is a natural fountain of youth for skin and hair.
| Buriti oil facts and uses Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Buriti oil facts and uses |
| Scientific Name: | Mauritia Flexuosa |
| Origin | It has been noted from Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Guiana, French, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. |
| Colors | Orange-Reddish |
| Health benefits | Soothe cracked skin, Maintains skin elasticity, Eliminates free radical damage, Treat rashes, Lowers the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles |
Buriti oil is derived from the fruits of Mauritia flexuosa which is considered as the “tree of life” by Amazonian Indians. The oil is cold-pressed from the pulp of the fruit. The extracted oil possesses various nutrients such as vitamins and essential fatty acids. The orange to golden-colored oil has a high content of beta carotene in comparison to carrot seed oil. It also contains linoleic acid, tocopherols, and palmitic acid. It is used to counteract the aging of the skin, prevent sunlight and strengthen hair. It provides reviving, soothing and calming properties. It is used for hot oil treatments as well. Other names for Buriti are Aguaje, moriche palm, ita, ité palm, buriti, canangucho and muriti. It has been noted from Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Guiana, French, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Buriti oil facts
| Name | Buriti oil facts and uses |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name of Buriti fruit | Mauritia Flexuosa |
| Native | It has been noted from Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Guiana, French, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. |
| Common/English Name | Aguaje, moriche palm, ita, ité palm, buriti, canangucho, muriti |
| Extraction method | Expeller pressed |
| Color | Orange-Reddish |
| Odor | Characteristics |
Health Benefits of Buriti oil
- Scientists are intrigued by oleic acid. The main fat component of Buriti’s creaminess is oleic acid—the same fat that primarily constitutes the fat in olive oil. One review noted, “novel putative therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases could be developed based on the characteristics presented by unsaturated fatty acids like OA [oleic acid].”
- A “potential source of carotenoids and natural antioxidants.” One study showed that “The British region of origin influenced bioactive compound contents and antioxidant capacity of the fruits analyzed.” This suggests that Buriti’s unique heritage and place of origin potentially make it unique in terms of its antioxidant impact.
- Less “cytotoxic” effects. This refers to Buriti used in topical creams, such as for the skin, as one study noted that when emulsified in Buriti oil and other ingredients, the creams were less cytotoxic. This shows that the positive health effects may not only be limited to consuming Buriti but may apply when Buriti is applied to the skin as well.
- It is used to moisturize, nourish and soothe cracked dry and mature skin.
- It provides collagen and elasticity to the skin.
- It is used to treat damaged skin such as wounds, burns, scars, and cuts.
- It prevents damage caused by free radicals.
- It is used to heal skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and protects against cancer.
- It is also helpful for acne-prone skin.
- It is used to treat rashes, roughness, sensitive skin, redness, and irritation.
- It lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- It is used for body, facial cleansers, moisturizers, and hair care preparations for brittle, dry, and damaged hair.
- Buriti oil prevents the damaging caused by UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
- It is used to heal stings and burns.
- It is used to lower hair frizz.
- It is used to soothe diaper rash.
- It lightens dark spots.
BURITI OIL BENEFITS FOR SKIN
Buriti Oil is a natural antioxidant so will offer some protection against free radical damage caused by sun exposure.
Whilst antioxidants can help prevent UVA damage it is important to note that they won’t safeguard the skin against skin-burning UVB rays. For this reason, it is important that you always apply a minimum SPF15 sun lotion at least 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. In addition to being high in antioxidants, Buriti Oil is thought to be the richest source of natural beta-carotene (vitamin A). Essential for healthy hair and skin, this vital vitamin helps boost your circulation to give your skin a healthy glow.
However, refining Buriti Oil can deplete some nutrients and fatty acids so, if you do choose to use skincare containing Buriti Oil, check the label for signs that it is certified organic and sustainably sourced.
Potent Antioxidants
We hear a lot of talk about free radicals, but what are they, and why are they bad for us?
Free radicals are unstable molecules, or, atoms that are missing an electron. These molecules are highly unstable, and look for other electron-balanced molecules, like the ones that make up your skin cells. When they find one, they steal the electron from the healthy molecule, creating damage to the cell.
When skin cells become damaged, it is visible. Fine lines, sun spots, loss of collagen, and firmness in the skin are all signs of free radical damage.
To protect your skin from free radical damage, you need antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from intrusion by free radicals, kind of like a security system for your home.
Buriti oil is packed with some of nature’s best antioxidants, including being known for having the highest levels of Vitamin A and beta carotene of any oil. It also has beta carotene and vitamins E and C, so using it protects your skin from environmental stressors like smoke, smog, pesticides, and even household cleaners that can all contain free radicals.
Anti-Aging
The antioxidant load in buriti oil isn’t just a great way to keep free radicals out, it’s a great way to help promote your skin’s natural collagen production and increase your skin’s elasticity and overall texture.
As we age, the collagen production and cellular turnover in our skin begin to slow. This results in skin that is susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles, and skin that looks less full and youthful.
Vitamin A is one of nature’s best-kept anti-aging secrets. When it is applied to the skin, it converts into natural retinol, which is known for supercharging cellular turnover and amping up your skin’s collagen production.
Buriti oil also contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and is also known for supporting healthy collagen production and restoring skin elasticity.
Photo-Damage Protection
If you’re over the age of 30 there’s a very high chance your skin has visible signs of photodamage. Freckles, sun spots, fine lines, and deep wrinkles are all hallmarks of days spent basking in the sun sans sunblock.
We know better, and now we do better by wearing sunscreen daily. However, in addition to sunscreen, you can also use buriti oil to help boost your UV protection. It has recently been found that buriti oil can help protect skin against harmful UV rays from the sun.
Moisturizing
Buriti oil is excellent as a moisturizing ingredient, too. It is full of essential fatty acids which allow it to penetrate deeply and hydrate skin on the cellular level. Skin stays fully hydrated longer and over time, your skin’s natural moisture balance is brought back into homeostasis.
Because buriti oil is rich in vitamins E and A, it is able to act as an emollient. Emollients not only moisturize and hydrate the skin, but they’re also able to create a thin, protective layer on the surface of the skin that helps keep moisture locked in.
These emollient properties of buriti oil as well as its oleic acid content, make it an excellent skin soother. Skin that is dry, chapped, flaky, red, and/or irritated can get relief from the hydrating and soothing application of a buriti oil-infused product.
Blemishes
At some point, we all suffer from blemishes, and some topical medications to treat blemish-prone skin can cause irritation, chapping, or make your skin peel.
Buriti oil offers a plant-based alternative to some of the most popular medicated creams used to prevent blemishes. Vitamin A retinol creams and serums are often used to treat blemishes, but they can also contain ingredients that are incredibly drying. Sometimes, that can make the blemish situation worse.
Because of the high amount of vitamin A contained in buriti oil, it’s a great alternative for blemish-prone skin. Buriti oil is non-comedogenic and absorbs quickly when applied to the skin. retinoids which are commonly given for the treatment of blemishes.
Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles.
Free radicals are well-known to accelerate skin aging. They try to steal an electron from healthy skin cells which breaks down the skin’s DNA structure resulting in fine lines and wrinkles.
Since buriti oil is rich in antioxidants like pro-vitamin A, vitamin C, and even tocopherol, it can play a key role in your anti-aging skincare routine.
And while the antioxidants defend your skin from harmful free radicals, vitamin A and C will also boost collagen production giving you smoother, firmer, youthful skin.
Improves Skin Complexion
Apart from pro-vitamin A, buriti oil is also rich in ascorbic acid aka Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a popular skin brightening ingredient that helps even out skin tone, lightens hyperpigmentation, and even aids collagen synthesis by stimulating fibroblasts in the dermis.
If you are looking for a natural facial oil to improve your skin tone and fade away spots, buriti oil is the answer.
BURITI OIL BENEFITS FOR HAIR
If your hair has been damaged by bleach, sun exposure or excessive heat treatments applying a hair mask containing Buriti Oil to the lengths of the hair can give fatigued follicles a healthy shine.
Those experiencing a greasy scalp may also benefit from using hair care containing Buriti Oil.
Rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9, some online evidence suggests that Buriti Oil helps balance sebum production, however, our Cosmetic Scientist, Ian Taylor advises avoiding applying oils directly to the scalp;
“It’s never a good idea to apply the oil directly to the scalp, without due care it’s all too easy to apply too much oil and find your hair looks greasier. If you have an oily scalp, a better course of action is to change the way you wash your hair.
Try to avoid washing the hair every day and, when you do wash it, use cool water and a gentle shampoo. This is because hot water can increase sebum production and SLS shampoos can strip your scalp of its natural oils. The scalps react to this by producing even more sebum and this can leave the hair looking greasy.”
Buriti Oil Cosmetics
RMS Beauty isn’t the type of brand to leave behind quality, skin-beneficial ingredients when approaching color cosmetics. In fact, our founder was and is insistent that our color cosmetics contain only the safest, cleanest, most natural ingredients that work synergistically with the skin.
Many of our color cosmetics contain food-grade, raw ingredients that are completely unadulterated by processing or heat.
Here are our favorite cold-pressed buriti oil cosmetic products.
- Luminizer. Our founder, Rose-Marie Swift, invented it. The original Luminizer is the ultimate in skin highlighting cream that awakens the skin and illumines it. There’s zero need for a filter when you’ve applied our buriti oil-infused luminaire to the skin. This light-reflective cream creates a dewy finish to the skin while providing superior hydration.
- “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation. Cakey, thick foundation completely covers the skin instead of balancing it, hydrating it, and creating the perfect palette for the rest of your cosmetics. Our “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation is packed with cold-centrifuged organic coconut oil, wild-crafted buriti oil, and an exotic blend of adaptogenic herbs to help keep skin hydrated while it smooths and improves complexion.
- Buriti Bronzer. Buriti oil is the star of the show in our cream-based bronzer. Getting a true, sun-kissed look is easy and healthful when applying this bronzing cream. The appearance of glowing, healthy skin is easily achieved for any skin tone and can even double as a luminizer for darker skin shades.
- Lip2Cheek. One of our best sellers, this combination blush, lip & cheek stain is a multi-tasking moisturizing cosmetic that adds a hint of color while it treats skin with buriti oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
Lips and cheeks feel hydrated and look youthful while a sweep of sheer color keeps you looking fresh-faced and awake.
WHAT DOES BURITI TASTE LIKE?
You’d be surprised. This is a fruit high in oils, so juices made from Buriti can have a pleasant creamy texture. However, it’s sweet enough for use in juices, desserts, and even liqueurs. The fact that people use Buriti in ice cream is a good preview of how its creaminess naturally lends itself to some desserts!
WHY DO WE LIKE BURITI SO MUCH?
- Surprise. When people think about tropical fruit, they’re often thinking about the tart bite of citrus. But you’d be surprised by what Buriti brings to the table. It’s a rich flavor that some people have even described as “creamy.”
- Antioxidants. Your fruit shouldn’t just taste good. It should do something good once it’s in your body. Buriti pulp showed “elevated antioxidant capacity” in tests, according to some studies. Antioxidants, of course, are either man-made or “natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage,” according to the NIH.
- Energy. Buriti packs an energetic punch because of its nutritional quality. It’s not just a light flavor for mixing with water but brings its own nourishment that can be great for consuming on the go.
Ways to Use Buriti Oil
Beyond moisturizing and protecting, buriti oil has a variety of applications for hair and skincare, such as:
- Anti-inflammatory properties treat rashes, irritation, redness, and sensitive skin
- Photo-protective properties prevent sun damage from UV rays
- Enhances the youthful appearance of the skin, natural anti-aging elixir
- A rich moisturizer for the skin
- Keeps skin cells healthy for longer
- Excellent at hydrating and conditioning hair
- Protects hair from heat styling (blow drying, curling, straightening)
- Helps prevent split ends
- Adds gloss and shine when spread through hair (controls frizz)
- Detangles coarse and curly hair very well
Buriti fruit was the inspiration behind the Teadora logo. It is a gorgeous rainforest superfruit. Buriti oil is a key ingredient in all of our products as it is one of the ingredients in all three of our proprietary Rainforest elixirs. The oil is used in our sulfate-free, professional salon quality and vegan shampoo and conditioner, as well as our Anti-Pollution Facial Mist, which is an excellent make-up primer and skin protector and hydrator. It also provides instant illumination for a glow boost and is an excellent fine line reduction toner with its 12 active ingredients.
Precautions
- Avoid excessive use.
- To remain on the safe side, consult the doctor for use.
- Allergic people should avoid it.
- Sensitive people might get allergic reactions.
From Where To Buy
- BURITI FRUIT OIL REFINED is extremely rich in essential fatty acids and carotenoids, including beta-carotene. BURITI FRUIT OIL is considered to be one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, with levels exceeding that of carrot seed oil. It is extremely rich in vitamin E, C and has one the richest natural source of pro-vitamin A available.
- The rich unsaturated fatty acids in BURITI FRUIT OIL help to rebuild, moisturize and re-hydrate skin cells; as well as protecting collagen and elastin in the skin. BURITI FRUIT OIL is suitable for all skin types, especially for dry or mature aging skin, easily penetrates the skin's layers to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- BURITI FRUIT OIL helps damaged skin LIKE BURNS, WOUNDS, CUTS, SCARS. It helps heal dry and cracked skin.
- BURITI FRUIT OIL has natural sunscreen properties (not SPF). Protects skin from free radicals, increase elasticity and rejuvenate the skin. BURITI FRUIT OIL has deep yellow to reddish color it gives an absolutely beautiful glow, natural tan color for skin.
- Buriti Fruit oil moisturizes, strengthens, and smoothes the hair; and is an excellent addition to blends for hot oil treatments.
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- Buriti oil also has an extremely high anti-oxidant content to protect the epidermis from free-radical damage. Buriti oil has the highest natural occurrence of pro-vitamin A available (carotenoids).
- The rich unsaturated fatty acids in Buriti Oil restores moisture depleted, sun-exposed skin. It rebuilds, exfoliates and renews tissue and fortifies and re-hydrates cells, by supporting the production of collagen and elastin.
- In addition to these benefits, buriti also has a natural reaction that can tame redness and calm skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It’s also deeply hydrating, and can help reduce the dryness of winter and mature skin, producing a more supple, softer look and feel.
- Buriti oil is a rich source of fatty acids, which help not only support the production of collagen and elastin, but also provide moisturization.
- Buriti also does wonders for the scalp and repairing dry, damaged and chemically treated hair, adding shine and silkiness. The oil harbors ample nutrients that will give the hair and scalp all it needs to stay healthy and soft. This oil moisturizes, strengthens and smooths to fight off frizz and unruly tresses.
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