At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about babassu oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Babassu oil is pressed from the kernels of the Brazilian babassu palm (Attalea speciosa, INCI: Orbignya oleifera). It is rich in lauric acid, like coconut oil, but melts quickly and feels lighter. In ORY® products, it helps skin and hair feel soft and gives soap hardness and lather. |
Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel found plant-derived fatty acid oils, including babassu seed oil, safe as used in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of plant oils.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Babassu oil is about 40–50% lauric acid, with myristic, palmitic, and oleic acids. It melts at about 24–26 °C. |
Verification: Supported. Its fatty-acid profile is well documented.
Citations:
- Reis, M. Y. F. A., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and development of a microemulsion system for topical delivery. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 3647801. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3647801
- What it shows: Describes composition.
- Reis, M. Y. F. A., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and development of a microemulsion system for topical delivery. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 3647801. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3647801
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Babassu oil suits normal and dry skin, especially on the body. Acne-prone faces may prefer lighter oils. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. We found no clinical studies of babassu oil by skin type.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review of plant oils.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, babassu oil helps hair feel soft and is a lighter alternative to coconut oil. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Oils are commonly used to soften hair and reduce the look of frizz; we found no controlled clinical studies of this oil on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, or hair loss.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: General review.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
5. Benefits
Claim: Babassu oil helps skin feel soft and smooth, and gives soap hardness and lather. |
Verification: Limited evidence. In mice, babassu oil reduced skin inflammation, both applied to skin and given by mouth. That is an animal study, and ORY® does not make anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial claims.
Citations:
- Reis, M. Y. F. A., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and development of a microemulsion system for topical delivery. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 3647801. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3647801
- What it shows: Mouse study.
- Reis, M. Y. F. A., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and development of a microemulsion system for topical delivery. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 3647801. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3647801
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Babassu Oil is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. In soap, babassu can replace coconut oil for hardness and lather.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–50% | Body butters, balms, lip care, cleansing balms, and creams. |
| Haircare | 5–50% | Pre-shampoo treatments, hair masks, and conditioner bars. |
| Handmade Soap | 15–30% of oils | Coconut-oil alternative for hardness and lather. |
| Cosmetics | 5–30% | Lip balms, cream sticks, and makeup removers. |
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
7. Pros
Claim: A fast-melting, lighter coconut alternative with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Well documented composition and long cosmetic use.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
8. Cons
Claim: Babassu oil has little skin research, costs more than coconut, and can dry skin in soap at high levels. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Limited evidence. Mostly animal and compositional data.
- Cost and supply. Higher and less consistent than coconut.
- Soap. Above about 30% can be drying.
Citations:
- Reis, M. Y. F. A., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and development of a microemulsion system for topical delivery. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 3647801. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3647801
- What it shows: Animal study.
- Reis, M. Y. F. A., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and development of a microemulsion system for topical delivery. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 3647801. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3647801
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you have a nut or seed allergy, patch test carefully.
- Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Safety assessment.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- Reis, M. Y. F. A., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and development of a microemulsion system for topical delivery. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 3647801. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3647801
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
