The Secretary of Science & Technology of Tocantins state, along with research groups from the states of Amazonas, Pará, and Maranhão are launching a R$6.9 million study to examine the cosmetic properties of Amazon fruits and plants, including the andiroba, copaíba, castanha and babaçu.
The study intends to create a network of groups that will identify the best ingredients for products like soaps, shampoo, and lotions. The organizers hope to bring scientists together with researchers throughout the Amazon to work on the study.
The other purpose of the study is to eventually bring profits to the people of the Amazon, since products are often sold or exported as primary materials rather than finished goods. Researchers hope the study will enable small businesses to create Amazon-based cosmetics and sell the goods directly.
There are already several companies that make cosmetics with Amazon fruits and natural ingredients. Here are your best bets:
- Natura: One of the best, if not the best for Amazon cosmetics, this Brazilian-based company has a wide variety of products and ingredients. The Ekos line is especially good, which uses a variety of Amazon fruits, like cupuaçu, pitanga, and castanha do brasil.
- Granado: A Rio-based cosmetics company, they use both Amazon and foreign ingredients in their simple and excellent products.
- Amazon Herb Co: This American-based company sells cleansers and creams with Amazon ingredients.
- Brazilian Beauty Products: Also American-based, this company sells lotions and soaps using a variety of Amazon fruits, like guaraná and açaí.
