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Ingredient

Andiroba Oil

Carapa Guaianensis


Benefits

Natural


Such a beautiful oil to apply to the skin, andiroba soothes and moisturises. It also helps smooth the hair and adds a certain lushness.

What is andiroba?

The name 'andiroba' can refer to two species. At Lush, we purchase an oil produced from the Carapa guianensis Aubl. This tree mainly grows in humid areas of the Amazon, Central America and the Caribbean. It thrives in both flooded and dry soils and can reach 30 meters (98 feet) in height.

Andiroba is the kind of plant that is used to treat every possible ailment in the traditional medicine of local people. Every piece of the tree is used, from the bark to the leaves, and the seeds are pressed to produce the andiroba oil, which has an extremely bitter taste that repels insects.

Where does Lush source andiroba oil?

Lush UK, Australia, Japan and Croatia's supplier*, CitroBio, works toward sustainable development in the Amazon, aiming to preserve the environment while supporting people who depend on nature for their livelihoods. By providing comprehensive technical support, they enable farmers and partner communities to earn a living by harvesting fruits and seeds rather than timber, which inevitably encourages forest preservation.

The oil is produced by families in the north of Brazil. Our supplier supports them throughout every stage of production, providing them with all sorts of equipment, including adequate protective workwear and footwear.

Andiroba seeds are harvested from May to June, when the fruits fall in greatest quantities. Harvesters wait for the fruits to fall to the ground, as it means they’ve reached their ideal maturity. They always leave enough fruit on site for the regeneration of the species and to feed the wildlife.

*With several manufacturing sites across the globe, information may vary depending on where your Lush products were made.

What are the benefits of andiroba oil?

  • Andiroba seeds are packed with many different fatty acids (arachidic, linoleic and palmitic to name a few), which not only give the oil moisturising benefits, but also soothing and healing properties*. 
  • It is used as a conditioner that helps straighten, or more realistically, smooth the hair
  • Applied on the scalp, it is said to encourage healthy hair growth.

* source: Fonseca ASAD, et al. Effects of andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis aublet) on the immune system in inflammation and wound healing: A scoping review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Jun 12.

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