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The Buriti Tree – To Know It is to Love It
Those of us fortunate enough to live and work in areas surrounded by the lush greenery of trees often take for granted what natural providers trees can be . We often don’t even realize all of the essential functions that trees are performing in our environment on a daily basis. However, at The Body Shop, we’re big fans of an astounding tree known as the Buriti tree (pronounced boo-ree-chee) and are excited to begin incorporating it into some of our newest products. 
Tree of Life
The distinctive Buriti tree, which can reach a height of 100 feet, grows throughout the southern Amazon rainforest. Its name means the “tree of life,” and Brazilian natives treat the Buriti tree as sacred because it contains so many of the nutrients essential to sustaining a healthy life.
Traditionally, fruit from the Buriti tree has been a dependable source of Vitamin C, used to make jams, juices, and a variation of a fermented “wine” type alcohol. Straw from the tree, once processed, can be used for roofing as well as making ropes, baskets, cooking racks, clothing, and jewelry.
Gentle Protection
The Buriti tree produces mild and gentle oil that helps soothe, soften, and protect skin against over drying. Many Brazilians add the leaves of the tree to their bath water to make a natural skin-softening soak.
The oil extracted from the Buriti nut is a mild and gentle natural ingredient used as an emollient throughout South America to protect skin. Buriti oil contains one of the richest sources of beta-carotene and pro-vitamin A, two of the most important ingredients for healthy skin. It’s also an excellent source of oleic fatty acids and other essential fatty acids (EFA’s) that make skin soft and supple.
We’re already incorporating Buriti oil into some of our skin care products and are excited about its possibilities. Stay tuned for news on the newest products containing Buriti oil by subscribing to The Body Shop Blog and following us on Twitter for more updates, deals, and specials.
Photo by Denis A. C. Conrado, via Wikipedia
Oddly, on the incredients list for the “Buriti Baby” products, I don’t see any Buriti oil at all. Is that expected?
Comment by Mike Hoye — May 15, 2009 @ 11:33 am
Hi Mike. Actually, the Buriti Palm is also known as The Moriche Palm, so the ingredient is listed as “Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil” on the packaging. You can learn more about this versatile tree and the protection its oil provides by visiting this blog post:
The Buriti Tree
Comment by admin — May 28, 2009 @ 9:49 am