Ingredient

Babassu Oil

Orbignya oleifera

Extracted from the fruits of the Amazonian babassu palm, this oil is said to be very restorative for the skin, protective and moisturising. It is often compared to coconut oil.

Where do we get it?

Lush purchases babassu oil from a Brazilian supplier whose aim is to identify, develop and strengthen supply chains of raw materials from the Amazon. In doing so, they want to protect the rainforest and provide a sustainable income for the locals. They focus on traceability, sustainability and training. Their babassu oil is produced by different communities in northeast Brazil, living across the Maranhão state.

What are the benefits for people and the planet?

Harvest occurs without harming the environment or damaging the trees. At the time of ripening, the fruits fall to the ground, where they are collected. Since the palms represent a valuable source of income, they must remain standing and healthy, which contributes to the forest’s conservation.

Recovering the seeds from the fruit is traditionally carried out by women, called babassu ‘coconut’ breakers. Keeping this tradition alive favours women's empowerment in the region.

Around 1,000 families are involved in oil production, from harvest to extraction. Workers are paid fairly and have job security. They receive training on how to select and collect high-quality seeds, respect the harvest period and reuse production leftovers.

What are the benefits of babassu oil?

• Moisturising
• Emollient
• Regenerating
• Strengthening
• Soothing
• Emulsifying 

Isn’t it palmtastic?

Imagine a tall palm tree with a large trunk and feathery leaves. Thick stems hang from the tree’s top like ropes and are covered with hundreds (hundreds!!) of round fruits, all nested next to each other, much like a giant pine cone. You just pictured the babassu (or babaçu) and its fruits! It is the predominant palm species in the Maranhão Babaçu forests, Brazil.