From Amazon rainforest to cosmetic excellence: The sustainable journey of Copaíba Oil
Deep within the primary Amazon rainforest lies a treasure of remarkable value born from the Brazilian sociobiodiversity – Copaíba oil. A key component in modern cosmetic formulations, its harvesting methods have changed from scattered individual practices to more sustainable, community-supporting extraction systems. Today, we explore how the journey of this valuable oil connects the guardians of biodiversity to high-performance skincare solutions.
Shaping better practices
The harvesting of Copaiba oil is deeply rooted in families native to the Amazon rainforest. As demand for this precious ingredient increased, sustainable extraction became crucial. No longer could axes be used to get to it, since this would damage the trees long-term. Instead, new practices that avoid harming the tree have been put in place with local communities, ensuring they are able to generate income while conserving their environment. Today, the extraction of Copaíba oil reflects a deep respect for the Amazon forest and its natural cycles.
Agroextractivists, which is to say producers who employ low impact and sustainable agricultural practices with high societal value, collect Copaiba oil using proper tools and safe handling procedures, ensuring both quality and sustainability. Through partnerships with cooperatives like COOPAFLORA, collectors receive fair pay – a significant improvement from the days when middlemen offered minimal compensation for their valuable work.
»Sustainability is part of Beraca’s DNA. From the very beginning, the company committed to producing natural ingredients in a sustainable way. Innovation starts with a simple question: How can we make the most of what nature offers? Can we extract only the oil and reuse the shell or pulp? What else can be utilized?«
Fernando Maia,
Production Manager for Beraca portfolio
Economic security and environmental protection
Beraca’s long-term commitment to fairly source Copaiba oil has created economic security for local communities in the Amazon region. “Since the company started buying directly from us, it has been much better, we can sell locally now,” say Sidney Roberto Castro Cordeiro and Dirceu dos Anjos Santos, agroextractivist producers. “Today we feel more valued, people recognize our work. They know who the trusted collectors are and who handles Copaiba properly.”
The collectors in even the most isolated areas receive the same fair prices as those in more accessible locations. This stability allows for future-proof planning while incentivizing biodiversity conservation in one of Earth's most critical ecosystems.
The science behind the sustainability
What makes Copaíba oil particularly valuable in cosmetics is its rich composition of compounds that promote skin soothing and help reduce irritation, making it an ideal ingredient for addressing well-being and sensitive skin needs. This responds to a growing consumer demand for natural, effective skincare solutions.
The responsible sourcing of Copaíba oil contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15). This comprehensive approach to sustainability demonstrates how thoughtful ingredient sourcing can address interconnected environmental and social challenges.
Innovation meets responsible sourcing in modern formulations
As the cosmetics industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability and transparency, the Copaíba oil supply chain offers valuable lessons. By connecting forest conservation, community development, and consumer products, we see how businesses can create tangible value, protect natural resources and support local communities at the same time.
The journey of Copaíba oil culminates in innovative cosmetic ingredients that honor its origins while meeting modern performance standards. Products like Beraca’s Copaíba oil, CBA, Triple A Organic, and ADA showcase how ingredients from the forest can be transformed into solutions for today's conscious consumers.
This is mirrored by Clariant’s broader focus on health- and sustainability-conscious consumers and brands, as the company innovates to provide bio-based ingredients that combine efficacy and responsible sourcing to meet growing demands for well-being, transparency, and sustainability.
