Pequi Carrier Oil Organic
Caryocar brasiliense
THE "GOLD OF THE CERRADO"—A LUXURIOUSLY FRUITY, CAROTENOID-RICH AMAZONIAN TREASURE CELEBRATED FOR INSTANT CURL DEFINITION, FRIZZ CONTROL, AND WELL-AGING BARRIER RECONSTRUCTION. INFUSED WITH NATURAL CAROTENOIDS THAT FILTER BLUE LIGHT, IT PROVIDES A RADIANT COMPLEXION AND AN UNMATCHED DRY-TOUCH SMOOTH FINISH. ESPECIALLY POWERFUL FOR TEXTURED HAIR AND HIGHLY DEHYDRATED SKIN BARRIERS.
IDENTIFICATION
- INCI Name: Caryocar brasiliense (Pequi) fruit oil
- CAS Number: 394238-03-0
- SKU Code: [Leave blank for custom Shopify SKU]
- Extraction Method: Cold-pressed
- Parts Used: Ripe fruit's flesh/pulp (separated from seeds)
- Origin: Brazil
- Common Names: Pequi oil, Piqui oil, Souari nut, "Cerrado Gold", Pequi butter
- Appearance: Pale yellow to rich red-orange oily liquid fluid or semi-solid (temperature dependent); clear to opaque depending on physical state
- Odour Note: Characteristic natural sweet, tropical fruity aroma reminiscent of passionfruit, pineapple, and apricot
- Quality: 100% pure and natural carrier oil, unrefined, organic grade; free from chemical solvents, artificial preservatives, or synthetic fragrances
COMPOSITION & FATTY ACID PROFILE
- 54.90% Oleic Acid (Omega-9): Provides deep conditioning softness, restores elasticity, and enhances nutrient absorption into skin and hair fibers.
- 38.90% Palmitic Acid: Rich saturated fat that mimics skin's natural lipid barrier, providing exceptional moisturization and protection without a heavy feel.
- 2.10% Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): Helps soothe reactive barriers, balance skin lipid layers, and lock in moisture.
- Zeaxanthin (Carotenoid Antioxidant): A highly potent natural antioxidant that absorbs/filters blue light and neutralizes free radicals generated by solar rays.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Protects lipids from oxidative degradation, serving as a powerful well-aging agent.
- Additional Actives: Naturally rich in Vitamin A precursors, Gadoleic acid, and Gallic acid for advanced cellular defense and skin regeneration.
STORAGE & SOLIDIFICATION ADVISORY
- Storage: Exceptionally stable virgin oil. Store tightly closed, at room temperature, away from air, light, and direct heat sources. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Temperature Advisory: Just like raw virgin coconut oil, pure unrefined Pequi oil naturally tends to thicken or semi-solidify at temperatures below 20–25°C (68–77°F). This is a completely natural physical phenomenon and does not impact the quality of the oil.
- How to liquefy: Simply run the oil bottle under a trickle of running hot water for a few minutes to make it fluid and easy to pour again. For larger volumes, place the bottle in a warm water bath for 10–20 minutes, shaking occasionally until fully liquefied. In its semi-solid state, it will also readily melt instantly upon contact with your hands.
SHORT DESCRIPTION & INTERESTING FACTS
- The "Gold of the Cerrado": Derived from the vibrant Pequi fruit of Brazil's high Cerrado savannah, this oil has been cherished for centuries by traditional communities as a staple food, natural remedy, and beauty secret.
- The "Hazardous" Seed Spin: Pequi fruit seeds are surrounded by extremely sharp, microscopic spines. To avoid these hazardous needles, producers carefully separate the fleshy pulp from the seeds before cold-pressing, ensuring a pure, spine-free, carotenoid-rich fruit pulp extraction.
- Curls, Waves, & Kinks Savior: In Brazil, Pequi oil is legendary for its ability to maintain and revive natural curls (Wavy Type 2, Curly Type 3, and Kinky/Coily Type 4). It conditions, aligns, and respects the natural pattern of textures.
- Natural Blue Light Filter: Thanks to its high concentration of the carotenoid zeaxanthin, Pequi oil acts as a botanical shield against modern screen fatigue and environmental blue light, protecting skin from premature aging.
KEY PROPERTIES & BENEFITS
For the Skin:
- Comedogenic Rating: 3 (Best suited for dry, normal, damaged, and highly dehydrated skin types).
- Deeply Emollient & Nourishing (+++): Rapidly absorbs to form a protective lipid cushion that seals in moisture and softens rough, flaky skin.
- Well-Aging & Skin Rejuvenation (+++): Stimulates healthy cell turnover, restores dermal elasticity, smooths fine lines, and helps prevent stretch marks.
- Calming & Anti-Inflammatory (++): Soothes irritated, sun-damaged, or reactive skin barriers, helping ease sunburns, blemishes, and skin fatigue.
- Healthy Sun Kissed Glow: Infuses skin with carotenoids that lend an instant, radiant, sunkissed brightness.
For the Hair & Scalp:
- Instant Frizz Control & Curl Definition (+++): Smooths the hair shaft, limits frizz, and helps style/redefine ribbon curls, waves, ringlets, and coils.
- Fiber Restoration & Shine: Softens rough, chemically damaged, or over-processed hair (colored or bleached), strengthening dry ends and brittle strands.
- Scalp Health: Nourishes the scalp, reduces dryness-induced itching, and leaves a gorgeous, natural fruity aroma in the hair.
Traditional & Household Uses:
- Brazilian Ethnobotany: Traditionally utilized in preparations to soothe respiratory discomfort and relieve joints and muscles affected by arthritis or fatigue.
- Veterinary Care (Traditional): Used historically on farm animals to calm minor skin wounds, contusions, swelling, and peeling skin.
HOW TO USE & RECIPE SYNERGIES
Active Dilution Guide:
- In Neutral Bases (Up to 5%): Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of Pequi oil per 100 ml of neutral cream, lotion, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, or aloe vera gel.
- In Carrier Blends (30% to 95%): Blend 2 to 5 tablespoons of Pequi oil with 100 ml of other light carrier oils or butters (such as Jojoba, Hemp Seed, Macadamia, Camellia, or Calendula) to customize face serums, body oils, or massage balms.
- Natural Fragrance Anchor: Even at a 10% concentration, its sweet fruity aroma imparts a delightful gourmet note to any unperfumed oil or butter base.
1. Illuminating Face & Neck Serum (Daily Facial Oil)
An ultra-nourishing, well-aging facial oil to target environmental damage, restore a supple texture, and provide a healthy, glowing complexion.
-
Recipe:
- 1 tablespoon (approx. 15 ml) Pequi Carrier Oil
- 2 drops Organic Rosehip Seed Carrier Oil
- 2 drops Organic Frankincense Essential Oil (optional)
-
Instructions:
- Whisk the Pequi and Rosehip carrier oils together in a small amber glass dropper bottle.
- Add the Frankincense essential oil if using, and roll gently to blend.
- Apply 2–3 drops to a clean face, neck, and décolletage after water-based hydrators.
2. Deep Conditioning "Cantu-Style" Curl-Defining Mask
A decadent, restorative pre-shampoo mask designed to lock in moisture, minimize frizz, and restore ribbon-like bounce to curly, coily, and textured hair.
-
Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons (approx. 30 ml) Pequi Carrier Oil
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon organic honey
-
Instructions:
- Mash the flesh of the ripe avocado until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Whisk in the Pequi oil and organic honey until a uniform, creamy mask is formed.
- Apply generously to damp hair from roots to ends, paying special attention to dry, split ends.
- Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and wash with a natural shampoo.
3. Rejuvenating Cerrado Body Butter (Gourmet Moisture Lock)
A luxurious, whipped body butter that melts instantly upon contact with the skin, delivering deep nourishment to elbows, heels, stretch marks, and dry patches.
-
Recipe:
- 1/2 cup (approx. 120 ml) Organic Shea Butter
- 1/4 cup (approx. 60 ml) Pequi Carrier Oil
- 1/4 cup (approx. 60 ml) Organic Raw Coconut Oil
- 5 drops Organic Lavender Essential Oil (optional)
-
Instructions:
- Gently melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler over low heat.
- Remove from heat, stir in the cold-pressed Pequi oil, and let cool slightly.
- Place the mixture in the freezer for 10–15 minutes until it begins to solidify around the edges (it should look opaque but not rock hard).
- Add the lavender essential oil (if using) and whip vigorously with a hand mixer until light, fluffy, and soft peaks form.
- Spoon into an airtight glass jar. Store in a cool place for up to 6 months.
SAFETY & CAUTIONS
- Skin Patch Test: As unrefined oils may contain trace proteins or botanical allergens, always perform a patch test on a small area of skin (like your inner forearm) 48 hours before full cosmetic use to monitor for sensitivities.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning: Do NOT use during the first 3 months of pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Dilution Recommendation: Do not use completely undiluted for extensive daily face use if you have highly oily or acne-prone skin due to its comedogenic rating of 3. Dilute appropriately and follow recommended guidelines.
- External Use Only: This cold-pressed oil is intended for topical, cosmetic applications only and must not be taken internally. Discontinue use immediately if irritation occurs.