Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil

Carapa guaianensis seed oil is a fatty emollient oil derived from andiroba seeds. The tree (Carapa guianensis, crab tree) comes from the Amazonia and bears almond-like fruits.

The fatty oil expressed from the seeds is made up of oleic and palmitic acid, solidifies at room temperature, and tastes very bitter; this is due to the presence of compounds called limonoids. These compounds have various biological activities, the most relevant of which (for skincare purposes) is their ability to promote collagen synthesis in skin cells.

All of this makes Carapa guianensis seed oil an occlusive moisturizing and prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient. The only downside is its bitter taste.