15 Amazonian Oils for Hair and Skin

The 15 Amazonian oils featured in this article come from the Amazon rainforests which are full of nutrients, sustainable resources, and much more.

Amazonian oils are fantastic for hair care, skincare, and aromatherapy. I break down each of these Amazonian oils in this post and also provide resources for further information and DIY recipes.

In This Post...

What Are Amazonian Oils?

Amazonian oils are a group of oils that are produced from plants and crops found in the Amazon rainforest in South America.

The Amazon jungle is diverse and a rich source of amazing and nourishing fruits, seeds, nuts, and more.

These Amazonian oils are cold-pressed and contain essential fatty acids, amino acids, and other nutrients that rejuvenate and revitalize the hair and skin.

There are also a group of Amazonian butters such as cupuacu butter, murumuru butter, tucuma butter, and more.

All the Amazonian butters are featured extensively in Natural Butters for Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Recipes for Healthy Hair.

Best Amazonian Oils

Some of the Amazonian oils discussed below have already been featured on the site and I will link to the post where relevant.

1. Acai Berry Oil

Acai berry (Euterpe Oleracea) oil is produced from the acai palm. The palm thrives in Brazil and other regions of South and Central America.

The dark purple acai berries have been a part of the local diet for hundreds of years and constitute a large part of their diet.

The acai berries are wild harvested, then the oil is cold-pressed from the seeds and filtered for purity before its packaged.

Acai berry oil is rich in essential fatty acids, anthocyanins, and anti-inflammatory phenols. It’s ideal for mature skin as well as dry hair.

Acai berry oil restores hair’s elasticity and improves hair color and texture.

You can learn more about acai berry oil, DIY recipes, and recommendations at Acai Berry Oil.

2. Andiroba Oil

The Andiroba tree (Carapas guianensis) can be found in the Caribbean, Brazil, Colombia, French Guyana, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela.

The tree is part of the mahogany family and is aka Crabwood, Candiroba, and Carapa guianensis.

Andiroba oil production is a lengthy process that takes over a month with the result being an oil that is 100% natural and organic. It also has a profile similar to neem oil.

Andiroba oil is not a very common oil but don’t overlook it. It has healing, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties.

Andiroba oil strengthens hair and combats scalp issues such as dandruff and eczema.

Below are some excellent andiroba oil recommendations:-

3. Babassu Oil

Babassu oil (Orbignya oleífera) is derived from the babassu palm which thrives primarily in brazil.

It is very similar in profile to coconut oil. It’s a suitable replacement if you don’t like coconut oil.

Like coconut oil, babassu oil is high in lauric acid, which provides potent antimicrobial benefits for hair and scalp.

Babassu oil is excellent emollient oil that absorbs quickly into the hair shaft without leaving behind a greasy feel.

You can learn more about babassu oil, DIY recipes, and recommendations at:-

4. Brazil Nut Oil

The Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) thrives primarily in Bolivia and Brazil where it plays an important role in the economy of the forested regions.

Brazil nut oil is very nutritious and contains iron, magnesium, thiamine, and selenium.

It’s also rich in amino acids cysteine and methionine which enhances the absorption of other nutrients.

Locally, Brazil nut oil is used for cooking and hair and skincare while the milk of the Brazil nut (similar to coconut milk) is used in cooking as well.

Brazil nut oil is ideal for dry and/or mature skin while it provides extra conditioning effects on dry, dull, and damaged hair.

It is possible that the frequent application of Brazil nut oil might also prevent cellulite.

Fun fact – despite being named a nut, the Brazil nut is actually a seed.

Below are some excellent Brazil nut oil recommendations:-

5. Buriti Oil

Buriti oil is derived from the fruit of the buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) palm and contains 5 times the amount of vitamin A in carrots.

Additional nutrients include vitamins C and E. Buruti oil is ideal for dry and damaged hair. It improves shine and helps prevent split ends and hair breakage.

On the skin, buruti oil moisturizes, nourishes, and encourages collagen production in dry and mature skin.

For more on buriti oil, DIY recipes, and recommendations head over to 5 Benefits of Buriti Oil for Hair and Skin.

6. Caiaue Oil

Caiaue oil is derived from the nuts of the American Oil Palm (Elaeis oleifera). It is a highly sought-after Amazonian oil for hair care.

Caiaue oil is rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids plus high concentrations of beta-carotene.

Caiaue oil is also rich in amino acids and helps seal in moisture and prevent Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) from the hair and skin.

It is a fantastic oil for treating hair before going for a swim as it protects hair from absorbing salt and chlorine.

Caiaue is aka batana oil and dende-bravo oil Some people also refer to it as Ojon oil. However, Ojon is a brand name through which caiaue oil was marketed.

The Ojon brand was acquired by Origins some time ago and the line has since been discontinued.

You can still score Ojon products on eBay but the prices are steep. Below are some excellent caiaue (batana) oil recommendations:-

7. Copaiba Oil

Unlike the other Amazonian oils featured in this post, copaiba oil isn’t derived from nuts, seeds, or fruits.

Copaibia oil comes from the resin (sap) of the copaiba (opaifera reticulata) tree which grows primarily in Brazil.

It is more of a medicinal oil and is marketed as an essential oil. It contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.

Copaiba oil is ideal for preventing acne, treating dandruff, and regulating the production of sebum on the scalp. You can also use copaiba oil in your body massage oil recipes.

Below are some excellent copaiba oil recommendations:-

8. Guava Oil

Guava (Psidium guajava) oil is an active oil in skincare products due to its nourishing and soothing effects on the skin.

Guava oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the guava fruit. Guava oil is a rich source of beta-carotene and lycopene.

Additionally, B vitamins and vitamin K, copper, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc are contained in guava oil.

In skincare, it helps prevent free radical damage and premature aging and protects skin from damage caused by environmental aggressors.

Guava oil is a stable oil with antimicrobial and astringent properties as well and is ideal for use on acne-prone skin.

Below are some excellent guava oil recommendations:-

9. Passion Fruit (Maracuja) Oil

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is aka maracuja and is a very popular ingredient in juices, jams, jellies, ice cream, and liqueurs in Brazil.

Passion fruit oil contains a high amount of omega-6 and helps reduce the loss of moisture and elasticity in the skin. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C.

It’s ideal for dry and damaged skin and is an optimal scalp oil for regulating sebum production and improving hair health and growth.

Passion fruit oil also has a low comedogenic rating of 1 -2 and is one of the recommendations in 30 Non-comedogenic Oils for Oily Skin.

For more on passion fruit oil, DIY recipes, and recommendations head over to Maracuja Oil (Passion Fruit) for Dry and Damaged Skin Care.

10. Pracaxi Oil

Pracaxi (Pentaclethra macroloba) oil is derived from the seeds of the pracaxi tree.

The oil has a very high concentration of behenic acid, a fatty acid that provides intense hydration and conditioning effects on hair. It also eliminates frizz.

Pracaxi oil is an ideal replacement for petrolatum in hair products. Pracaxi oil also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

Traditionally, pracaxi oil is used as a hair detangler and conditioner in South America.

For more on pracaxi oil, DIY recipes, and recommendations head over to the following resources:-

11. Pequi Oil

Pequi (Cariocar brasiliensis) oil is derived from the seeds of the pequi fruit. The fruit is peeled, boiled, and stirred until the oil rises to the top.

The oil is then heated and filtered for a pure and unrefined product. Pequi oil is rich in essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins.

Pequi oil is great as a post-shaving oil and a makeup base. In haircare, it’s an excellent sealant and conditioner.

For more on pequi oil, DIY recipes, and recommendations head over to Pequi Oil for Curly Hair.

12. Pataua Oil

Pataua (Oenocarpus bataua) oil is extracted from the mesocarp of the pataua palm and is similar in structure to olive oil.

Pataua oil has the same benefits as olive oil – softening hair, revitalizing dry hair, and eliminating dandruff.

Amazonian communities use pataua oil for frying while the fruit is used in the production of a wine that looks like chocolate milk. The oil is also used for treating hair loss.

Pataua oil is aka ungurahua oil, seje oil, and majo oil. Alia Pure Pataua Oil is an excellent brand of pataua oil.

13. Sacha Inchi Oil

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the sacha inchi fruit although it’s marketed as a nut.

Sacha inchi oil is aka plukentia oil and Inca inchi nut oil. It has high concentrations of omega-3, and vitamins A and E.

It also contains a great amino acid, tryptophan, which assists with the release of serotonin, a feel-good hormone.

Sacha inchi oil is ideal as a scalp massage oil and moisture sealant. It is one of the ingredients in the upcoming oil collection from Ade Ori Hair Care.

For more on sacha inchi oil, DIY recipes, and recommendations head over to Sacha Inchi Oil Benefits.

14. Soursop Oil

Soursop (Annona muricata) oil is an aromatic oil that’s rich in unsaturated fatty acids and contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

Soursop oil can help regulate the sebum on the scalp and encourage a healthy scalp environment.

It’s also ideal for oily skin and can prevent acne and breakouts while it hydrates dry and itchy skin.

The soursop fruit is edible and is also used in the production of desserts, jams, and jellies.

Soursop oil is aka guanabana oil and graviola oil. Below are some excellent soursop oil recommendations:-

15. Tucuma Oil

Unlike tucuma butter which is pressed from the seeds of the tucuma fruit, tucuma (Astrocaryum aculeatum) oil is obtained from the fruit pulp.

Tucuma oil is rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 as well as beta-carotene. It enhances shine and restores vitality to dry, stressed, and brittle strands.

Tucuma oil promotes moisture retention and improves hair elasticity. Alia Pure Tucuma Oil is an excellent brand of tucuma oil.

What Are the Amazonian Countries?

The Amazon jungle is located in South America and comprises of the following countries:-

Brazil
Bolivia
Colombia
Ecuador
French Guiana
Guyana
Peru
Venezuela
Suriname

Out of all the countries above, Brazil contains the majority of the forests at 60%, Peru (13%), and Colombia (10%) with minor amounts in the rest of the countries.

You can find out more about the Amazon jungle, its vast resources, and how it supports the people and planet HERE.

Amazonian Oils References

Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…

This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.