What Is Babassu Oil? Chemical Makeup & Properties
Babassu oil is a type of vegetable oil that’s extracted from the babassu nut. The scientific name for babassu is Attalea speciosa. It’s a palm tree that’s native to Brazil and other parts of South America. The babassu nut is about the size of a small coconut, and it’s often used in food and cosmetics.
The properties of babassu oil are very similar to coconut oil. It consists of 50% lauric acid, 20% myristic acid, 11% palmitic acid, 10% oleic acid and 3.5% stearic acid. All but one of these fatty acids are saturated, which makes babassu oil a very stable oil. It has a solid consistency at room temperature but melts when it comes into contact with skin.
Cosmetic Properties
Babassu oil is a light oil that’s easily absorbed into the skin. It has a similar consistency to coconut oil and is often used as a carrier oil for essential oils. It’s also used in hair products, because it can help to moisturize and condition the hair. Because it’s a “dry” oil, it won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down.
Babassu Oil for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, babassu oil can be a good choice. It’s a light oil that won’t clog your pores, and it can help to keep moisture in your skin. It’s also non-irritating, so it’s a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
If you want to use babassu oil on your face, you can add a small amount to your regular moisturizer, mixing it thoroughly in your hands before applying it to your face. You can also use it on its own for makeup removal. This way, you’ll cleanse your skin without drying it out. Simply massage a small amount of babassu oil into your face and then remove it with a warm, damp cloth.
Babassu Oil for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, babassu oil can help to balance your skin’s natural oils. It can also help to control breakouts, because it has antimicrobial properties. To use babassu oil on oily skin, mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or almond oil. Apply it to your face in the morning and evening, after you’ve cleansed your skin, then remove the excess with a warm, damp cloth.
Babassu Oil for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, babassu oil can be a good choice. It’s non-irritating, so it won’t aggravate your skin. It’s also light and easily absorbed. You can add it to a water-based moisturizer, or use it on its own. Simply massage a small amount of babassu oil into your face and then remove the excess.
Will It Make Your Skin Break Out?
Babassu oil is considered to be non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. Many people with acne-prone skin have used babassu oil with good results.
However, this isn’t the whole story. Chemists and beauticians warn that every oil can potentially clog pores, depending on the person’s individual skin chemistry. So, if you’re prone to breakouts, babassu oil may not be the best choice for you. It won’t hurt to try it, but be sure to monitor your skin closely for any changes.
Should You Add This Oil to Your Skincare Routine?
Weighing the above pros and cons, babassu oil can be a good choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. It’s light, easily absorbed and non-irritating. If you have oily skin, babassu oil can help to balance your skin’s natural oils. Just be sure to monitor your skin closely for any changes. And, if you’re prone to breakouts, you may want to incorporate it into your skincare routine slowly to see how your skin reacts.
Is Babassu Oil Good for Hair Care?
Babassu oil is often used in hair care products because it can help to moisturize and condition the hair. Because it’s a “dry” oil, it won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down. Keep in mind that not everyone’s hair will like saturated oils, though.
Some people, especially those who have bleached their hair or frequently use heat-based styling tools, may find that babassu oil gives them frizzy hair. This is because their hair structure is more porous, so it needs different types of oils to help seal the cuticle.
If your hair is generally healthy but you want to add more moisture, babassu oil can be a good choice. Just be sure to use it sparingly, because a little goes a long way. You can add it to your shampoo, conditioner, hair mask or leave-in conditioner.
Or, you can use it as a hot oil treatment. Simply massage babassu oil into your hair, then cover it with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse it out with shampoo and conditioner.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Is babassu oil good for you?”. It depends on your individual skin and hair type. However, babassu oil can be a good choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. It’s light, easily absorbed and non-irritating. And if you have oily skin, babassu oil can help to balance your skin’s natural oils. Just be sure to monitor your skin closely for any changes.
Similar Posts:
- Why Do You Have Shiny Skin, and What Can You Do About It? The Three Possible Reasons and a Handful of Solutions
- Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine: What Does It Do? Is It Safe? Here’s What You Should Know
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A Hydrating Form of Vitamin C
- What Is the Purpose of Polysorbate 60? Exploring Its Uses and Safety
- Lauryl Glucoside – How Does It Work, and What Does It Do? Is It Safe? Here’s What You Should Know
