Babassu

Oils & Butters

Nov 12

Babassu Oil – Orbignya oleifera

Why we love it at The Mindful Gem

Babassu oil is a light, silky emollient oil known for its ability to soften, smooth, and deeply moisturize without feeling heavy or greasy. Cold-pressed from the kernels of the babassu palm, it’s rich in lauric and myristic acids, offering antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-repairing benefits. Studies show babassu oil improves hydration and protects the skin’s lipid balance while providing a cooling, soothing effect (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017, DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12289). At The Mindful Gem, we use babassu oil for its elegant, fast-absorbing texture that restores softness and balance to the skin — an ideal botanical alternative to synthetic emollients, leaving behind only a delicate, satiny finish.

Plant Overview:

Babassu is a graceful palm tree native to northern Brazil, where it grows wild in tropical forests.
Its nuts are harvested and cold-pressed to yield a clear, nutrient-rich oil similar to coconut but lighter and more breathable.

Parts Used & Traditional Uses:

The seeds (kernels) of the babassu nut are used to produce oil long valued in Brazilian folk medicine for moisturizing, soothing inflammation, and treating dry or sun-exposed skin.
Women in the Maranhão region have traditionally used it for skin and hair care and to soften calloused hands from fieldwork.

Skin Benefits & Mechanism:

Rich in medium-chain fatty acids (lauric and myristic) that soften and protect the skin.

Naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, helping calm irritation.
Lightweight and non-comedogenic, perfect for balancing oily or combination skin.
Restores lipid barrier integrity for lasting smoothness.

Key Benefits:

Deeply moisturizing yet lightweight
Anti-inflammatory + antimicrobial
Restores softness + elasticity
Absorbs quickly with a silky finish

Sources:

Almeida, R.S. et al. (2017). “Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory potential of Orbignya oleifera oil.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12289
Mendonça, A.C. et al. (2011). “Lipid composition and biological activities of babassu oil.” Food Research International.
Lin, T.K. et al. (2018). “Plant oils and their role in skin barrier repair and anti-aging.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

© The Mindful Gem. All product formulations, recipes, and proprietary blends are the intellectual property of The Mindful Gem and Cosmictoria Natural Wellness. Reproduction, duplication, or use of these formulas for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

Tori Thomas