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BABASSU OIL

Babassu oil or cusi oil is a clear light yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) which grows in the Amazon region of South America.

BABASSU OIL

CAS Number: 91078-92-1
Botanical Name:Orbignya Oleifera
Harvest time:Spring Summer
Part Used:Seed
Method of Extraction:Cold press

Babassu oil or cusi oil is a clear light yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) which grows in the Amazon region of South America.

SYNONYMS: BABASSU OIL; babassu oil; babassu; oil; BABASSU; OIL; babassuoil; BABASSUOIL; CASNUMBER; CASNO91078-92-1; 91078-92-1; CAS91078-92-1; casnumber 91078-92-1; Cas No 91078-92-1; caproic 0.3; caprylic 7.1; capric 8.3; lauric 47.3; myristic 14.5; palmitic 7.1; stearic 2.0;  arachidic 0.1; oleic 12.2; and linoleic acid 1.1; CAPROIC; CAPRIC; BABASSU; MYRISTIC; STEARIC; babassuOIL; OLEIC; oil of babassu; LINOLEIC ACID; Babassu yağı; yağ; BABASSU YAĞ; Babassu Yağı; babassu yağı; MASLO BABASU; maslo; maslo babasu; HUILE DE BABASSU; huile de babasu; huile; Huile de Babasu


FLAVOR: Bland
IODINE VALUE: 14 – 20
LINOLEIC ACID (C18:2): 2 - 4 %
COLOR LOVIBOND 5 ¼: 1.0 R max.
FREE FATTY ACID: 1.0 % max.
CAPRINIC ACID (C10): 2 - 7 %
OLEIC ACID (C18:1): 10 - 18 %
PEROXIDE VALUE: 1.5 meq/kg max.
PALMITIC ACID (C16): 7 - 11 %
STEARIC ACID (C18:0): 2 - 6 %
LAURIC ACID (C12): 40 - 55 %
SAPONIFICATION VALUE: 245 – 256
DENSITY: 0.914 - 0.917 (@20C)
IODINE NUMBER: 13-18
SAPONIFICATION NUMBER: 247-251
CLASS: Oils: Vegetable Oil and Fish Oil (Marine) 

It is a non-drying oil used in food, cleaners and skin products. This oil has properties similar to coconut oil and is used in much the same context. It is increasingly being used as a substitute for coconut oil. Babassu oil is about 70% lipids, in the following proportions: Lauric, myristic, palmitic, oleic, stearic.Lauric and myristic acids have melting points relatively close to human body temperature, so babassu oil can be applied to the skin as a solid that melts on contact. This heat transfer can produce a cooling sensation. It is an effective emollient. During February 2008, a mixture of babassu oil and coconut oil was used to partially power one engine of a Boeing 747, in a biofuel trial sponsored by Virgin Atlantic.

Babassu Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects
Babassu oil is a tropical oil made from the seeds of the babassu palm, a tree native to the rain forests of South America. Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, it can boost the health of your skin and hair, moisturizing them without causing you to feel greasy or develop acne. However, the oil also has some potential drawbacks. This article reviews the uses, benefits, and downsides of babassu oil. In South American countries like Brazil, to which the babassu palm is native, the plant’s oil is commonly used for cooking and even as medicine. Locals use it to heal minor wounds, such as cuts and scratches, and treat leukorrhea — vaginal discharge that is associated with hormonal imbalances. Babassu oil is also turned into biofuel that can be used as an alternative to diesel fuel.  However, in the United States, it’s most commonly utilized as an ingredient in hair and skin care products, such as lotion, shampoo, and makeup.
Babassu oil is associated with several beneficial effects, but most of the research has been conducted in test tubes and animals. Thus, more human studies are needed to fully understand its benefits.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties
Babassu oil and other parts of the plant are used for various medicinal purposes in South America, such as to treat skin conditions, wounds, inflammation, and stomach problems . The oil is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that can help reduce cellular damage caused by harmful free radicals. In addition, babassu oil is antibacterial. One test-tube study noted that it killed certain harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections. Components of the babassu plant, including its oil, are also anti-inflammatory and can promote wound healing. In one study, rats that had babassu extract applied to a wound healed faster than a control group.

Rich in healthy fatty acids
Like coconut oil, Babassu oil is a plant-based oil rich in saturated fats, making it solid at room temperature. However, these fats melt quickly at body temperature. As such, they’re a widely used ingredient in skin care products. The main fatty acids in babassu oil are lauric and myristic acid, which are both saturated. Still, the oil contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that’s also found in olive oil and credited with many of olive oil’s health benefits. These fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, potentially immune-boosting, and moisturizing, making them great for your skin and hair What’s more, lauric acid is antibacterial and has been shown to cause cancer cell death in animal and test-tube studies.

Moisturizing for your skin and hair
Similarly to coconut oil, babassu melts at body temperature, allowing your skin to absorb it very well. Yet, unlike coconut oil, it’s lightweight and not greasy, making it ideal for use on your skin. What’s more, it does not appear to cause acne. In addition, babassu oil causes a refreshing, cooling sensation when it’s applied to the skin, as it melts rapidly.

Babassu oil for hair care is a fantastic alternative to coconut oil, since it’s far more lightweight and doesn’t necessitate washing it out. It doesn’t feel oily, and after about an hour from application you probably won’t even notice it.
Since it acts as a deep conditioner, the babassu hair benefits are remarkable. Just use it for a couple of weeks and you’re likely to notice smoother ends and less breakage. Some people like to add a few drops to their shampoo and conditioner to simplify consistent application.
•    Tip: Heat the oil briefly until it melts, then add it to your shampoo/conditioner and shake well to mix. You might want to experiment with small amounts until you learn the best ratio of oil to shampoo/conditioner.
A dry scalp is an unhealthy scalp, and the properties of babassu oil for hair growth can promote a healthy scalp and nourished hair. By restoring your hair’s elasticity and strength, and moisturizing the skin of your scalp itself, your hair doesn’t fall out as quickly.
The oil is also fantastically nourishing to your scalp as a massage oil, and it won’t cling to the roots of your hair as coconut oil does. Babassu oil can reduce the symptoms of a variety of scalp irritations, including dandruff.

Babassu oil is most commonly used for its benefits as a skin emollient (moisturizer). Babassu oil for skin care uses is advantageous for its soothing, protective and moisturizing qualities. It is lightweight and melts upon contact with your skin for quick-drying and easy application, and since it doesn’t clog your pores, it’s great for people with oily skin or a tendency for acne.
Since it’s rich in essential acids that promote healthy cells, babassu oil will help to restore your skin’s strength and reduce water loss for better skin hydration. Babassu oil is anti-microbial to enrich your skin with vitamin E, which is essential for cell regeneration.
The myristic and lauric acids in babassu oil help it to create a cooling sensation when applied, which can be a wonderful relief if you’re moisturizing in a hot or warm environment. It dries into a protective, powder-like (yet unnoticeable) coating to protect your skin from pollutants and contaminants that may cause breakouts.
Babassu oil is an antioxidant and will help destroy the free radicals that cause premature aging and cancer. The oil is naturally anti-inflammatory and is often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema.
The extremely mild scent of babassu oil makes it an excellent carrier oil to combine with your favorite essential oil, shea butter, or salt/sugar for a homemade scrub.

Ways to Use Babassu Oil
In addition to being incredibly moisturizing, babassu oil can be used for a long list of problems and conditions. The following are just a few!
Babassu Oil for Your Hair:
•    Smooth, soften, shine
•    Repair split ends
•    Moisturize the scalp
•    Promote healthy hair and scalp
•    Treat scalp irritations
•    Effective beard treatment
Babassu Oil for Your Skin:
•    Treat chapped lips, mild burns, shallow cuts, cracked heels and other minor wounds
•    Cure bug bites, stings, plant rashes, and other issues
•    Reduce and/or eliminate skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea
•    Soften your cuticles and strengthen your nails
At Teadora, we use Babassu oil in our RainforestHydration™ Elixir which is a combination of 5 superfruit oils from the Amazon rainforest + Argan Plant Stem cells. We utilize this elixir in two of our products: Our Brazilian Glow™ Multi-tasking Oil for skin, hair and nails and our Brightening and Exfoliating Mud, which helps to detox, exfoliate and brighten your skin.

INCI Babassu Oil:
Orbignya Cohune Seed Oil
Natural unrefined babassu oil is much richer in nutrients that are essential to keep proper condition of hair and skin. Refined babassu oil is also available but it is not a good solution. The refinement process deprives the oil of numerous valuable substances. As a consequence, it works worse than an unrefined babassu oil. If we desire an intensive and deep action for hair, we should definitely reach for natural babassu oil.
Babassu Oil – scent and formula
Babassu oil is extraordinary – it gains an ideal consistency in contact with the skin. It has buttery formula when stored at room temperature. It becomes a velvety fluid after heating up to 24-30°C. When you apply it to skin, it melts and absorbs quickly – far better than e.g. shea butter. The aroma of babassu oil is really faint. It does not have a typical nut aroma and is often called fragrance-free. The colour of babassu oil resembles other plant butters – it is light, with delicate beige note.
Babassu Oil – properties
When it comes to the components, babassu oil and coconut oil are like twins. 90% of babassu oil is made of saturated fatty acids (mostly lauric acid, a bit less myristic acid and scant amount of palmitic, caprylic and stearic acids). The oil also contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids enriched with natural antioxidant (vitamin E) and plant sterols that have a beneficial influence on skin and hair. Thanks to all these ingredients, babassu oil has splendid properties. It provides complex care. We should also mention that babassu oil is extremely resistant to oxidisation and keeps its properties for a long time. It can be used by children, mums-to-be and those who struggle with serious skin problems. Babassu oil is hypoallergenic, therefore it does not trigger irritation yet helps in the treatment.

Possible downsides
Little is known about the potential side effects of babassu oil, including whether it has negative effects in pregnant or nursing women. To be safe, you should consult your healthcare provider before using babassu oil if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.Additionally, some research suggests that babassu fruit flour may slow your body’s blood-clotting ability. Thus, if you’re taking a blood thinner, you should avoid babassu oil, as it may have a similar effect. Eating babassu fruit and other parts of the plant may also impair your thyroid function, which can be particularly harmful to people with hypothyroidism. If you have this condition, you may want to avoid babassu oil.
It’s difficult to know how much babassu oil enters your bloodstream after you apply it to your skin. Therefore, if you have any concerns about using it, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

Babassu oil is used in cooking, biofuel manufacturing, and medicine. Still, in the United States, it’s most commonly found in hair and skin care products, as it’s rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, in addition to being lightweight and non-greasy. What’s more, it doesn’t cause acne. Overall, babassu oil is a healthy and moisturizing addition to your skin and hair care routine.
 

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