Evoq introduces first cacay oil skin care products to U.S. market
As commercial interest in sustainable, easily sourced alternative oils for cosmetic formulation remains high, personal beauty care companies remain vigilant in researching industry innovations in ingredients and applications. Recently, beauty industry consortium Evoq launched a three-part skin care collection formulated with cacay oil.
The oil, a new introduction to the U.S. market, offers many potential cosmetic benefits and has been shown in research studies to have antioxidant properties. Sustainably sourced in the Amazon, cacay oil is a promising new bioactive emerging in the skin care space for consumers seeking eco-friendly anti-aging product options.
CosmeticsDesign sat down and spoke with CACAYE executives, Karl Obrecht, CEO of Evoq Brand Lab, and Annette Falso, CACAYE Head of Innovation and Brand, to learn more about cacay oil, its notable qualities as a bioactive ingredient, and the formulation and launch of the new product line in the United States.
What is cacay oil?
“Cacay oil has been in use by indigenous communities for millennia,” explained CACAYE executives, “prized for its ability to heal and hydrate skin.” Obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the Cacay (Caryodendron orinocense Karst.) plant, the process “retains the oil’s maximum regenerative and antioxidant properties” for greater efficacy in the formulation.
A study published in PLOS ONE in 2020 characterizes cacay oil’s “high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as linoleic acid and being a rich source of phenolic compounds” as a valuable alternative raw material source for the cosmetic industry “which can be used as health promoting products.”
A “true skin care powerhouse,” cacay oil is indicated to help address “signs of aging including improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles, tone of the skin, hydration, reducing dark spots, and soothing skin irritation and sensitivity.”
According to the study, the ingredient also readily lends itself to a cosmetic formulation as it possesses “excellent sensorial characteristics” and “does not leave a greasy feel on the skin,” per CACAYE executives.
Sustainable beauty bioactive
Of particular importance to consumers and manufacturers alike is that cacay oil is “ethically and sustainably harvested in Colombia through wild harvesting, which allows comprehensive use of the fruit and derivatives.” To close the loop of circular beauty practices, cacay oil suppliers also “reinvest to support farmers and small businesses associated with harvesting and production,” said CACAYE executives.
According to a market research study conducted by Statista in 2021, “the majority of U.S. beauty shoppers across different generations stated that they searched for sustainable beauty products,” a trend that continues as the U.S. cosmetics and beauty care industry exceeded $49 billion in 2022. As consumers consistently place a high value on and demand sustainable beauty and personal care options, collections like CACAYE will continue to emerge to meet demand better.
Source: PLOS ONE
2020 Apr 28;15(4): https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232224
“Physicochemical characterization, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity and antibacterial potential of cacay oil, coconut oil and cacay butter.”
Authors: Sousa Junior FC et al.
