| What is it? | Açai Berry Oil is the liquid oil from the pericarp of the Açai berry. |
| INCI | Euterpe Oleracea Oil |
| Appearance | Yellow liquid (though I’ve read it can also be green) |
| Usage rate | Up to 100% |
| Texture | Rich, smooth oil |
| Scent | Subtle; soft woody notes |
| Absorbency Speed | Fast side of average |
| Approximate Melting Point | Liquid at room temperature & straight out of the fridge. |
| Solubility | Oil |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | Açai berry oil is a lovely luxury emollient. It is said to have anti-ageing and regenerative properties and has great label appeal thanks to acai berry’s fame as a “superfood”. It is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and is said to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Do you need it? | No |
| Refined or unrefined? | I have virgin acai berry oil and I like it. |
| Strengths | Great label appeal and skin feel, antioxidant content. |
| Weaknesses | It can be harder to find, depending on where you live. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | The fatty acid composition of Açai Berry Oil is pretty unique. Modern Cosmetics recommends avocado, macadamia nut, and sea buckthorn as possible alternatives. I would probably choose a different luxurious liquid oil, like argan or prickly pear. |
| How to Work with It | Include Açai Berry Oil in the oil phase of your formulations; it can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, Açai Berry Oil should last up to two years. I keep mine in the fridge. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | Açai is pronounced “ah-sigh-ee“. |
| Recommended starter amount | 100mL (3.3fl oz) |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
Check out my book!
Make it Up: The Essential Guide to DIY Makeup and Skin Care is now available at booksellers all over the world!