Back to Ingredient Dictionary

Common Name(s): Pentaclethra macroloba seed oil/behenic acid/aminopropanediol amides/esters

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides outstanding hair conditioning and anti-frizz with the behenic acid-modified amazonian pracaxi oil complex.

Why It's Used: Used in premium hair care for its exceptional hair conditioning and anti-frizz performance from the combined behenic acid + pracaxi oil + amino alcohol system.

How It Works: Pracaxi oil (pentaclethra macroloba) is rich in behenic acid (c22, ~55%) โ€” the most substantive naturally occurring fatty acid for hair conditioning; aminopropanediol amide/ester modification improves hair deposition.

Typically Found In: Premium hair conditioners,anti-frizz products,amazonian hair care

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ€“ hair conditioning

Secondary Functions: Hair conditioning agent,emollient

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ€“5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Pentaclethra macroloba (pracaxi) seed oil from amazon; behenic acid from plant; aminopropanediol synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ€“ very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ€“ non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Silicones,ceramides,other hair conditioners

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Pracaxi oil (pentaclethra macroloba) is the world's richest natural source of behenic acid (c22:0, ~55%); behenic acid is the gold standard for hair fiber substantivity and smoothing.

Last Verified: 2026-03-28

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary