Description

Astrocaryum vulgare, commonly known as Tucumã, is a palm tree belonging to the Palmae family. It is native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions of South America. The tree is highly valued for its fruit, which produces oil used in various cosmetic and medicinal applications.

Botanical Characteristics

Astrocaryum vulgare is a robust palm that can grow up to 15 meters in height. It has a straight trunk covered with spines and large, feathery fronds. The tree produces clusters of bright orange fruits, each containing a single seed.

Physical Properties

The fruits of Astrocaryum vulgare are the primary source of Tucumã oil. The oil is a yellow to reddish-brown liquid with a characteristic fruity aroma. It is rich in carotenoids, fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to its emollient and antioxidant properties.

Extraction Process

Fruit Collection: The fruits are harvested from the Astrocaryum vulgare tree when they are fully ripe.
Pulp Extraction: The pulp is separated from the seeds and dried.
Oil Extraction: The dried pulp is cold-pressed to extract the oil, preserving its nutritional and therapeutic qualities.
Filtration: The extracted oil is filtered to remove any impurities and stored in a cool, dark place to maintain its stability.
Quality Control: Rigorous quality tests are conducted to ensure the oil's purity, stability, and composition, including chemical and microbiological analyses.

Applications

Cosmetic Products: Used in creams, lotions, and hair care products for its moisturizing and conditioning properties.
Skin Care: Ideal for products aimed at treating dry skin, and aging due to its high content of carotenoids and essential fatty acids.
Hair Care: Incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, and styling products for its ability to condition and moisturize the hair.
Traditional Medicine: Utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Astrocaryum vulgare oil is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and medicinal products. It is non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. Sustainable harvesting practices are essential to ensure the continued availability of this valuable resource and to protect the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.

INCI


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
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