Buriti oil has a wide range of benefits for hair and skin and in this overview, I cover these benefits plus how you can use buriti oil in your beauty regimen and where to get the best oil.
There are over 40 types of natural oils for hair and beauty featured on this website. Feel free to check out the natural oil archives for more information while you’re here.
If you’re interested in how to incorporate natural oils in your hair care regimen as well, have a look at How To Grow Your Hair Healthy & Long With Natural Oils.
What is Buriti Oil?
The buriti tree (Mauritia flexuosa) is a type of palm tree that thrives in South America.
It is aka moriche palm, ité palm, ita, muriti, miriti in Brazil, canangucho in Colombia and aguaje in Peru.
All parts of the buriti tree are used by the local population. The fruit of the palm is edible and is used in the production of beverages, jam, ice cream, yogurt, desserts and snacks in Peru.
Buriti oil is extracted from the fruit of the palm. Buriti oil is an orange-red color with low viscosity.
Buruti oil is one of the collection of amazing Amazonian Oils for Hair and Skin.
Fun fact – the federal government building in Brasília is known as Palácio do Buriti (Buriti Palace).
Buriti Oil Benefits
High Vitamin A Content
Buriti oil is one of the most nutritious tropical foods. It has a vitamin A (beta carotene) content that’s 5 times higher than that of carrots and spinach.
Buriti oil has an average of 19,500 mcg of vitamin A per 100g compared to 4,000 mcg per 100g for carrots!
Vitamin A assists with the formation of healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A also promotes good vision and protects the hair and skin.
Pracaxi oil and pequi oil also share this benefit with buriti oil.
Rich in Antioxidants
Buriti oil is a rich source of antioxidants that protects hair and skin from UV rays and environmental aggressors.
These antioxidants protect the skin against free radical damage. Free radicals running loose in the body lead to fine lines, premature aging, and collagen loss.
Note – you still need to apply a minimum SPF15 sunscreen at least 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun to protect against skin-burning rays.
Highly Oxidative
Buriti oil has highly oxidative abilities which means it is a stable oil that lasts for a long time and enhances the shelf life of beauty products.
Low Comedogenic Rating
Buriti oil has a low comedogenic rating of 2 – 3 and is best for dry and mature skin. It is also suitable for sensitive skin.
Rich in Vitamin C and E
Apart from the high vitamin A content, buriti oil is also rich in vitamins C and E.
It has a higher vitamin E content than argan oil so think even more protection against hair breakage and split ends.
Excellent Emollient Oil
The richness of vitamins C and E in buriti oil makes it an excellent emollient oil.
Emollient oils moisturize and hydrate the hair and skin and help hair maintain moisture for longer.
Is Buriti Oil Good for Hair?
Buriti oil is very good for hair. When it is applied to dry hair, buriti oil enhances shine and improves the appearance of dry and dull hair.
It also guards against split ends and could be an excellent oil to add to your hair steaming regimen or heat styling regimen.
This study from Natura Inovação e Tecnologia de Produto goes into great detail about the effects of various Brazilian oils on human hair.
Buriti oil is also a good detangling oil for curly hair and is one of the key ingredients in the upcoming detangling oil from Ade Ori Hair Care.
Where Does Buriti Oil Come From?
Buriti oil comes from the fruit of the Mauritia flexuosa palm. The fruit is harvested and ground. The oil is then cold-pressed from the ground fruit.
This process preserves as many nutritional components of the oil as possible.
How to Use Buriti Oil
Use buriti oil as part of an oil blend for use in a hot oil treatment. Below is a recipe that would work very well here:-
Buriti Oil Hot Oil Treatment
You will need buriti oil, babassu oil, and jojoba oil (exact measurements in the how to card below) for this hot oil treatment as well as an applicator bottle.
Directions
Measure all the oils into an applicator bottle. Close and shake.
To use, shampoo your hair in sections then apply the oil generously (don’t overdo it) to each section of hair and scalp. Massage into your scalp as well.
Twist each section and pin up then cover with a disposable cap and sit under a hair steamer for 30 minutes. You can also wrap a wet hot towel around your head instead.
Rinse out with lukewarm water then deep condition your hair.
Do not use this hot oil treatment on dirty hair or scalp. It will not work properly.
For more DIY recipe ideas on this, head over to Hair Steaming With Natural Oils.
Where to Buy Buriti Oil?
To get the best out of buriti oil, go for cold-pressed and/or organic brands. Ensure the brands you buy are sustainably sourced without destroying the ecosystem of the buriti palm.
You can find buriti oil on Amazon HERE or on Etsy HERE. Below are some great sustainably sourced brands of buriti oil for hair and skin:-
Sweet Essentials Organic Buriti Fruit Oil
Buriti Oil Side Effects
Buruti oil doesn’t have any major side effects and is usually well tolerated. However, if you’re not sure, you can also conduct a patch test a few days before applying it to your hair or skin.
Buriti Oil Hair Products
The Dry Remedy line from Aveda features buriti oil, pomegranate oil, and olive oil.
- Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner
- Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil
- Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Masque
Is Buriti Oil Good for Low Porosity Hair?
Due to the high concentration of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids in buriti oil, it’s an ideal oil for low porosity hair.
However, don’t be heavy-handed with it. If you have high porosity hair, you can use buruti oil in higher amounts.
For more on this, head over to Hair Porosity Test.
What Can I Use Instead of Buriti Oil?
There are several oils from the Amazon that you can use if you don’t like buriti oil.
Good substitutes for buriti oil include pracaxi oil, babassu oil, and pequi oil. You can view all the oils from the Amazon at 15 Amazonian Oils for Hair and Skin.
What Does Buriti Oil Smell Like?
Authentic buriti oil smells woodsy and nutty with an undertone of fruitiness and sweetness.
It’s a light and pleasant aroma that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. It’s a great carrier oil to include in your body massage oil blends.
Is Buriti Oil Edible?
In the Amazon, buruti oil is used for frying and for internal issues. However, this is edible grade buriti oil.
The buriti oil covered in this article and recommended above are strictly for external use.
Is Buriti Oil a Carrier Oil?
Buriti oil is a carrier oil and works the same way as other carrier oils. It can be used on its own, mixed with other oils, or mixed with hair products.

Buriti Oil Hot Oil Treatment
This buriti oil hot oil treatment is excellent for reviving dry, dull, and stressed curls. Expect shine and softness as well.
Materials
- 4 tablespoons of buriti oil
- 2 tablespoons of babassu oil
- 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
Instructions
- Open the applicator bottle and measure in the buriti oil, babassu oil, jojoba oil, and essential oils.
- Close and shake thoroughly.
- Section your hair and cleanse with a moisturizing shampoo then blot with a microfiber towel.
- Apply the oil mixture to damp hair and scalp. Be generous but don’t overdo it.
- After application, massage your scalp thoroughly in each section and pin up.
- Sit under a hair steamer for 30 minutes.
- Afterward, rinse your hair with lukewarm water then deep condition.
Notes
- If you don’t have a hair steamer, you can cover your hair with a disposable cap and wrap it with a damp hot towel for 30 mins.
- Do not use the treatment on dirty hair. It will not work and might leave your hair and scalp super greasy.
References
- Mauritia flexuosa
- Ecology of Economically Important Palms in Peruvian Amazonia, Francis Khan
- The amazing palm tree of the Amazon, Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana
- Brazilian oils and butters: the effect of different fatty acid chain composition on human hair physiochemical properties
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.
nice blog