Babassu oil or cusi oil is a clear light yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) which grows in the Amazon region of South America.[1] It is a non-drying oil used in food, cleaners and skin products. This oil has properties similar to coconut oil and is increasingly being used as a substitute for coconut oil.[2] Babassu oil is about 70% lipids, in the following proportions:[3]
| Fatty acid | Percentage | - | 50.0% | - | 20.0% | - | 11.0% | - | 10.0% | - | 3.5% |
|---|
Lauric and myristic acids have melting points relatively close to human body temperature, so babassu oil can be applied to the skin as a solid that melts on contact. This heat transfer can produce a cooling sensation. It is an effective emollient.
In Maranhão, the women who produce babassu oil are known as and have been studied by academics for their role in conserving biodiversity.[4]
During February 2008, a mixture of babassu oil and coconut oil was used to partially power one engine of a Boeing 747, in a biofuel trial sponsored by Virgin Atlantic.[5]