I couldn't help but notice that a few beauty brands are including a new super ingredient–that happens to be Latin American!–in their products: the cupuaçu fruit (also known as copoazu). Not sure what that is? No worries, I didn't either! But apparently it's a fruit that's related to cacao and grown in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. It contains natural antioxidants as well as essential fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins A and C, and due to its ability to soften and hydrate, does wonders on both your skin and hair.
You can find this beneficial ingredient in hair care, skincare, and even makeup products or just purchase cupuaçu butter at a rare foods store. Check out some of the beauty benefits–and some great products–you can receive from this fantastic herbal fruit!
Read more in ¿Qué más?: Miracle Latino beauty trick: Coconut oil is the perfect hair and skin savior
Image via Robekssmoothieblog.com
For your skin
Cupuaçu is packed with vitamins C and A, fatty acids and phytosterols that deeply hydrate skin as well and work to lock in moisture, leaving your body silky smooth and supple. Try Burt’s Bees Richly Replenishing Cocoa & Cupuaçu Butter Body Lotion ($8).
For bathing
This super fruit helps bind moisture to the skin. Try a highly moisturizing soap, like John Masters Organics Lavender Rose Geranium & Ylang Ylang Soap ($8), which also contains extract of the wonder fruit, to deeply hydrate skin as you cleanse.
For anti-aging
In Brazil women use cupuaçu extract or butter as an anti-aging beauty remedy. That’s because this super fruit is filled with natural antioxidants that work to nourish, repair and regenerate skin cells. It also helps protect skin from free radicals, like environmental stresses and harmful UV rays. Try Organic Cupuacu Day Moisturizer by Mercola ($40).
For hair care
Cupuaçu is known for its high fatty acid and amino acid content that helps nourish and moisturized, dry, damaged hair, leaving it soft and silky. Try Alba Botanica Rainforest Hair Care Cupuaçu Deep Shampoo ($8).
For hairstyling
While most gels leave hair dry and stiff, LUSH The Big Tease ($20) does exactly the opposite. It’s filled with cupuaçu butter that helps style your hair while still keeping it moisturized and soft.
For your lips
The moisturizing properties found in cupuaçu are great for smoothing dry, chapped lips. The JOUR Hydrating lipstick ($22) includes cupuaçu to help treat your pout while delivering amazing long-lasting color.
