Babassu Oil
Babassu oil is a lightweight, plant-based oil extracted from the nuts of the babassu palm. It feels silky on the skin, absorbs quickly without greasiness, and is a popular natural alternative to coconut oil in UK beauty products. Gentle enough for daily use, it is widely found in cleansers, moisturisers, hair masks and lip balms.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, babassu oil functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. Its unique fatty acid profile, rich in lauric, myristic and oleic acids, allows it to melt at body temperature, providing a smooth, non-greasy feel while helping to soften and protect the skin’s surface. Formulators value its ability to create stable emulsions, boost spreadability in balms and butters, and deliver a light, dry-touch finish in facial oils and haircare.
Key benefits
- Melts on contact for easy application and a silky feel
- Helps soften and smooth dry or rough skin
- Provides lightweight moisture without clogging pores
- Calms and soothes irritated or sensitive skin
- Adds shine and softness to dry or frizzy hair
- Excellent plant-based alternative to coconut oil for those who find coconut comedogenic
Best for
dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, combination skin, oily skin
Where it comes from
Babassu oil is extracted from the kernels of the fruit of the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa), a tall tree native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. The hard-shelled nuts are cold-pressed to yield a clear to pale yellow oil rich in medium-chain fatty acids.