Introduction: The search for the best plant oil for our soaps and your skin
Plant-based oils like coconut oil and palm oil have been booming in the cosmetics market for years. But with increasing awareness of skin health and sustainability, conscious consumers are asking themselves: Is there a better alternative?
The answer from a dermatological-biological point of view is clearly: Yes – babassu oil .
As a specialist with extensive experience in skin physiology and sustainable raw material sourcing, I would like to explain to you today why babassu oil is far superior to coconut and palm oil in terms of skin care, tolerability and environmental protection.
1. What is babassu oil?
Babassu oil (Orbignya oleifera seed oil) is extracted from the nuts of the babassu palm, which is native to the forests of Brazil. Unlike palm oil, it comes from wild-growing trees and is traditionally harvested sustainably by local communities. Its oil structure is similar to that of coconut oil, but it offers significant dermatological advantages.
2. Babassu oil vs. coconut oil: A comparison of skin compatibility
Coconut oil – popular, but not suitable for all skin types
What many people don't know:
- Coconut oil has a high content of lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties but can also clog pores.
- For impure, oily or sensitive skin, coconut oil is often too heavy and can promote blackheads or skin impurities .
Babassu oil – light, non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types
Babassu oil scores points with:
- finer molecular structure that is quickly absorbed without leaving a greasy film.
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low comedogenicity , making it ideal for impure or sensitive skin.
- anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
Conclusion: Babassu oil combines the positive effects of coconut oil – without its disadvantages.
3. Babassu oil vs. palm oil: Sustainability in focus
Palm oil – a global environmental problem
Palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil worldwide, but also one of the most controversial:
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Rainforest destruction , loss of biodiversity and threats to animal species such as orangutans are known consequences.
- Even certified palm oil is increasingly criticized because certifications are not always transparent or consistently implemented.
Babassu oil – fair, wild and ecologically safe
- Babassu oil does not come from monocultures , but from wild-growing palm forests that do not displace rainforests .
- The harvest is traditionally carried out by indigenous communities , thus contributing to the economic development of local structures .
- It is a renewable resource that does not require the exploitation of nature.
Conclusion: Babassu oil is an environmentally friendly alternative to palm oil that respects nature and social structures.
4. Skin physiological benefits of babassu oil
Quick absorption without residue
Babassu oil leaves a silky-soft skin feeling without being greasy.
It is therefore ideally suited for:
- face creams
- Body lotions
- Massage oils
- natural soaps
Rich in nourishing ingredients
Babassu oil contains valuable tocopherols (vitamin E) and lauric acid in low, skin-friendly concentrations .
It works:
- Moisturizing
- Soothing for irritated skin
- Stabilizing for the skin barrier
Suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone skin
Thanks to its low-allergen structure , babassu oil is ideal for:
- Atopic dermatitis patients
- People with sensitive or mature skin
- Care products for babies and toddlers
5. Babassu oil in our soaps
In our natural cosmetics, we consistently rely on Babassu oil as a sustainable, skin-friendly alternative to coconut and palm oil.
Our products are:
- palm oil free
- vegan
- non-comedogenic
- free from synthetic additives
In doing so, we pay attention not only to skin health, but also to the value chain – from fair harvesting to climate-neutral production.
Conclusion: Babassu oil is the natural game changer for your skincare.
Whether for sensitive, mature or dry skin – babassu oil offers what coconut oil and palm oil promise, without their weaknesses.
It combines gentle skincare with genuine sustainability and fair resource use.