Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract?

Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract comes from the fruit and leaves of the pequi tree, a plant native to the cerrado regions of Brazil. The fruit is rich in fatty acids like oleic and palmitic acid, along with natural sugars and antioxidant compounds. Local communities have long used pequi pulp and oil for food and skin care, and modern formulators noticed its ability to attract and hold water. To create the cosmetic grade extract, producers usually macerate the fresh or dried plant material in a mix of water and gentle solvents, then filter and concentrate the liquid until it meets quality standards. You will most often spot this ingredient in moisturizers, hydrating serums, face masks and after-sun products that aim to boost skin softness and comfort.

Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

As a humectant, Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract draws moisture from the environment or deeper skin layers and binds it to the surface. This helps formulas keep skin hydrated longer, reduces the feeling of tightness and leaves the complexion looking plumper and smoother.

Who Can Use Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract

This humectant suits most skin types including dry, normal and combination skin because it boosts water content without leaving a greasy film. Oily and acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it as well since it is lightweight and non-occlusive, though breakout-prone users may prefer formulas where it is paired with non-comedogenic oils.

The extract is plant derived, so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product contains no animal by-products elsewhere in the formula.

Current safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically in cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should get personalized guidance from a doctor before adding new skincare products.

Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract does not increase sensitivity to sunlight, so there is no added risk of UV-related irritation when using it during the day.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract differ from person to person. The following points outline potential side effects that are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Skin redness or mild irritation in those with very sensitive skin
  • Itching or stinging if applied to broken or compromised skin barriers
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where an individual is allergic to one of the natural compounds present in the extract
  • Blocked pores or blemishes if the final product also contains heavy oils that do not suit acne-prone skin

If any of these side effects occur stop use immediately and seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract is packed with water attracting sugars and only trace amounts of lightweight fatty acids, so it does not linger in pores or harden inside follicles. Those minimal lipids keep it from scoring a perfect zero but real-world reports of clogging are rare.

Most acne-prone users can apply products featuring this extract without seeing extra breakouts.

Keep in mind the entire formula matters. If the same product contains heavy butters or waxes, the risk of congestion rises even though the extract itself is close to non-comedogenic.

Summary

Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract works as a humectant that pulls moisture toward the skin, boosts hydration and helps the surface stay supple. Its natural sugars, mild antioxidants and small fatty acid content all play a role in binding water and improving comfort.

Outside Brazil the ingredient is still a quiet newcomer, popping up mainly in boutique moisturizers, soothing serums and after-sun gels, but interest is growing thanks to the push for sustainable botanicals.

Topical use is considered very safe with low chances of irritation or pore clogging, yet doing a quick patch test whenever you try a new product is always a good idea for peace of mind.

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