A gentle yet effective plant-based alternative, Cacay Oil is the Amazon’s answer to retinol.

Beauty inspired by the Amazon and its wealth of curative, powerful ingredients is the foundation of Costa Brazil. A key ingredient of our exclusive nutrient-rich trinity, known as Jungle Complex, is cacay, a powerful yet natural source of retinol, thanks to iats high levels of vitamin A. A part of the retinoid family (a class of compounds that derive from vitamin A), retinol is widely hailed as the holy grail of over-the-counter skincare ingredients by dermatologists and skincare experts due to its ability to increase collagen production and therefore improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, and treat and prevent acne.

The side effects of retinol, however, can include redness, irritation, flaking and photosensitivity making it unsuitable for those with dry and sensitive skin. Here’s where phyto-retinols come into play. 

What Are Phyto-Retinols?

Phyto-retinols are a group of ingredients sourced from plants that deliver retinol-like results but with a far lower risk of irritation. There are many phyto-retinols available on the market today including: sea fennel extract, rosehip seed oil, bakuchiol and, our favorite, cacay oil, which we sustainably source from the Amazon. 

Native to South America, including parts of the Brazilian Amazon, cacay is derived from the fruit of a rustic evergreen tree species by the same name. For Costa Brazil, it’s wild harvested by indigenous peoples and local communities in the Amazon. Traditionally, it was used to help heal wounds and burns, and soothe skin irritations. While cacay oil is rich in vitamin A, unlike retinol, it does not cause photosensitivity. Meaning, cacay oil can easily be incorporated into your current routine and used both day and night for brighter, firmer and beautifully hydrated skin.

What Are the Benefits of Cacay Oil?

Cacay oil is a natural, plant-derived source of retinol with three times the amount of vitamin A than rosehip oil. Similar to retinol, cacay oil has been clinically proven to stimulate collagen production and support healthy cell turnover, which in turn improves skin texture and tone, reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, and can treat and prevent acne.

Cacay oil also contains high levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin against the harmful effects of free radicals and pollutants. (In fact, it contains 50% more vitamin E than the ever-popular argan oil.) It’s also rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, which not only decrease trans-epidermal water loss but also contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.  

The result after consistent use of cacay oil? Smoother, brighter and deeply hydrated skin that feels firmer and looks radiant. In our consumer studies, 87% of people tested said their skin felt more hydrated, 83% said they saw improvement in skin texture and elasticity, and 93% said their skin felt softer after 4 weeks of using our Kaya Anti-Aging Face Oil, which is formulated with active amounts of cacay oil.

How to Use Cacay Oil

Easily absorbed into the skin, cacay oil is non-comedogenic and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Suitable for both the face and body, this naturally-occurring retinol can be incorporated into both your daytime and nighttime skincare regime to deliver a powerful dose of vitamin A and E to boost skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and soften and soothe the skin. 

About Costa Brazil Cacay Oil 

At Costa Brazil, we believe that nature provides all the active ingredients and nourishment we need. Cacay oil is part of our nutrient-dense trinity known as Jungle Complex, which features this powerful phyto-retinol as well as Kaya Oil and Breu Branco Resin. It runs through the majority of our line. 

Shop Cacay Oil-Infused Products

Face Oil | Body Oil | Spa-To-Go Kit | Body Cream | Hand & Body Wash | Sun and Moon Body Oil Duo