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Liliana Morosini

Pequi Oil: The Hidden, Fragrant Secret for DIY Skincare

Category: DIY Cosmetics / DIY Cosmetics Ingredients

Pequi oil is a hidden treasure for DIY skincare formulators. Its unique feature, uncommon among vegetable oils, is its beautiful tropical scent reminiscent of mango, passion fruit, and other exotic fruits. This natural scent enhances the sensory experience of cosmetic formulations, perfectly complementing its skin-healing properties.

Maximizing Pequi Oil's Scent: Tips

To make the most of pequi oil's scent and avoid the need for additional fragrances in your DIY cosmetic formulas, use it in a significant proportion. For instance, in my Pequi Oil and Mango Aftersun Solid Lotion, I used it at 30%, which imparts a subtle yet pleasant scent. While lower percentages are also effective, the intensity of the fragrance will decrease accordingly.

Here are some tips to highlight pequi oil's natural aroma:

  • Neutral Ingredients: Choose ingredients with neutral smells, such as white beeswax, coco-caprylate, or fractionated coconut oil. This prevents interference with pequi oil's fragrance.

  • Complementary Scents: Pequi oil pairs beautifully with citrus oils for those desiring a stronger scent. However, be cautious as citrus essential oils can cause photosensitivity, especially in summer products. Bergamot without furocoumarins is a non-photosensitizing option. Litsea cubeba also pairs well (do not exceed 0.3%).

Since pequi oil needs to be used in a significant dose to fully enjoy its natural scent, it’s best to use it in oil-based cosmetics that require a high amount of oils, such as solid lotion bars or body oils. It can also be used in lip cosmetics.

Skin Benefits of Pequi Oil

Extracted from the seeds of Caryocar Brasiliense fruit and also known as Piqui oil, Pequi oil is rich in oleic acid, renowned for its regenerative properties and ability to protect the skin barrier. What sets pequi oil apart is its impressive antioxidant content. It's packed with vitamins A and E, as well as zeaxanthin, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant.

  • Antioxidant Power: Zeaxanthin filters harmful blue light and repairs oxidative damage, making pequi oil an excellent choice for aftersun formulas anti-aging cosmetics and summer skincare routines.

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Pequi oil has significant anti-inflammatory properties due to its rich content of bioactive compounds, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids. It's ideal for treating eczema, dermatitis, sensitive skin, sunburns, and soothing skin after depilation.

Hair Benefits of Pequi Oil

Pequi oil’s high oleic acid content deeply hydrates and enhances hair elasticity, reducing frizz and leaving hair smooth and shiny, with a light feeling.

You can use it in har masks, conditioners, hair heat protectors and fizz control cosmetics. It’s lovely tropical scent is a plus that you’ll surely enjoy!

Additional Characteristics for DIY Formulators

  • Comedogenic Potential: Due to its high palmitic acid content, pequi oil can be comedogenic. It's better suited for body cosmetic formulas rather than facial products.

  • Solidification Point: Pequi oil solidifies at around 25°C. To use it, simply place the bottle in hot water to liquefy it.

  • Heating Phase: Pequi oil can be heated, making it suitable for the heating phase of your formulations.

  • Color and texture: It has a light, pleasant feel and a vibrant yellow-orange color that adds a touch of brightness to your products.


Where to buy Pequi oil?

It can be challenging to find, but you can buy Pequi oil on Aroma-Zone (mine is from there) and other providers: