Buriti is shiny, round, and chestnut-coloured, with a bright yellow, fleshy pulp inside. Traditionally, the fruit was used as a food source, and is still used today to make beverages, preserves, and ice- cream.
Its oil is cold pressed from the fruit’s pulp and is rich in many nutrients, including essential fatty acids, vitamins, and beta-carotene. 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 oil is a good source of vitamin C, which works with vitamin E to provide antioxidant protection, and is crucial for the production of collagen.
A few drops of buriti oil applied to your brush or comb can be used instead of a hair gel to provide control and reduce frizzing, without the drying effect of the alcohol normally found in styling products.
Buriti oil has the ability to heal burned, damaged skin by promoting the formation of scar-tissue.
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 oil is also extremely rich in vitamin E (tocopherols); combined with antioxidants give it an incredible ability to moisturise and re-hydrate.
The rich unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A in buriti oil help rebuild and hydrate new skin cells. It has been used as healing oil by natives to treat burns and stings because of its soothing qualities. Its essential oil also provides deep nourishment for the skin itself.
Lip balms and baby care products used to soothe diaper rash and other skin issues are also made from the mild oil. It is a very oily product, however, and may stain cloth or skin.
If kept in a cool, dry place, the oil may have a shelf life of six months to one year. Refrigeration after opening can prolong the oil’s usability.