Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid: 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 Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid?

Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid is a blend of natural fatty acids obtained from the seeds of the Carpotroche brasiliensis tree, a plant native to the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil. Local communities have long pressed these seeds for their rich oil, and modern cosmetic science later refined the oil into its fatty acid form to make it easier to work with in formulas.

To create the ingredient, the seeds are cold-pressed to release their oil, then the oil is gently broken down with water and food-grade enzymes. This step separates out the free fatty acids, which are then filtered and purified. The result is a soft, almost buttery material that melts into liquids and mixes smoothly with both oils and water-based ingredients.

Because of its mild character and skin-friendly profile, you will most often see Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid in facial cleansers, creamy body washes, makeup removers, lightweight lotions, hydrating masks and even shaving foams where it helps keep the formula stable and leaves skin feeling soft.

Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Here is what this multitasker brings to a product:

  • Cleansing: Its fatty acids loosen dirt, sunscreen and makeup so they rinse away easily, giving a gentle yet effective clean without stripping natural oils
  • Emulsifying: Acts as a bridge between water and oil, holding a formula together so your cleanser or lotion stays smooth and doesn’t split in the bottle

Who Can Use Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid

This fatty acid blend is mild enough for most skin types, including dry, oily and sensitive skin, because it cleanses without harsh surfactants and helps lock in moisture. Those with very reactive or allergy-prone skin should check the full ingredient list of the finished product to make sure no additional irritants are present.

The ingredient is plant derived, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products or animal testing are required to produce it.

Based on current data, Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid has no known issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a qualified healthcare professional.

It does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there is no evidence that it interferes with common actives like retinoids or vitamin C.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid vary from person to person. The effects below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Mild redness or stinging
  • Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to tree nut-related compounds
  • Clogged pores if used in an overly rich formula on acne-prone skin

If any irritation or adverse reaction occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 2 out of 5

Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid is made up of medium chain and long chain fatty acids that melt easily into the skin. While these lipids help dissolve makeup and bind water and oil, some of the heavier fractions can sit on the surface and potentially trap debris in very oily or congested skin. Most users will not notice breakouts, but the presence of occlusive fatty acids keeps the rating slightly above the truly non-comedogenic range.

Generally considered suitable for acne-prone skin when used in lightweight formulas, though extremely blemish-prone individuals may prefer lower oil formats.

Formulation matters here: paired with lighter esters or used at low percentages, the ingredient is far less likely to clog pores than when packed into rich balms.

Summary

Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid serves two main jobs: it lifts away grime for a gentle cleanse and it emulsifies oils and water so products stay smooth and stable. It does this thanks to its balanced mix of hydrophilic and lipophilic fatty acids that can hug both water and oil molecules, letting them rinse off together without stripping skin.

Although not a headline ingredient yet, its plant origin, mild cleansing feel and versatility are earning it spots in newer indie cleansers, micellar gels and soft lotions.

Safety data show it to be low risk for irritation or sensitization when used topically. Still, skin is personal, so give any new product containing Carpotroche Brasiliensis Seed Acid a quick patch test to confirm compatibility.

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