Experts Say Batana Oil Is a Miracle Ingredient for Skin and Hair

In the dry winter months, it's only right we do everything we can to protect our skin barrier. And let's be honest: Moisturizer alone might not cut it. So allow us to introduce you to batana oil. Adding this ingredient to your cold-month regimen will help to boost hair's shine and make your skin glow. Intrigued?

To learn more about batana oil and its benefits, we spoke with cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, M.D., and certified trichologist Sara Hallajian. From who it's for to how best to use it in your routine to its potential side effects, keep reading for everything you need to know about the buzzy botanical.

What Is Batana Oil?

Batana oil usually comes in a yellow liquid or thicker brown substance. According to Robinson, batana oil is "extracted from the American palm tree that is native to Central and South America." It can be used to hydrate and moisturize the scalp—which helps achieve and maintain luscious locks and even repairs some damage.

Despite the name of the tree it comes from, it's important to acknowledge batana oil's Latin American roots. According to Dr. Penzi, its history goes back to Honduras—where it's traditionally been used for beauty products. "The native Miskito people of Honduras have used it for hundreds of years—they have referred to it as 'miracle oil,' as it has helped them to grow longer, stronger hair and also has many benefits for the skin," she adds.

Benefits of Batana Oil

• Moisturizes skin: "Given [batana oil] is rich in vitamins and omega-6 fatty acids, it can work as an emollient to help moisturize the skin," notes Robinson.
• Nourishes hair: "When applied to the hair shaft, [batana oil] is deeply nourishing and hydrating," says Hallajian. The thick substance has fatty acids to nourish and strengthen hair while locking in moisture and shine, she adds.
• Repairs hair structure: According to Hallajian, batana oil contains a lot of antioxidants and vitamin E. This "can help rebuild the hair's structure and reduce oxidative stress," Hallajian says.
  
• Can enhance hair color: Batana oil may also have a tinting effect on dark hair because of its dark color, Hallajian says. "However, it does not contain pigments like henna or chemical dyes, so its coloring effect is more about enhancing the existing color and adding shine rather than changing hair color."
• Light protection from UV rays: "Batana oil has tocopherols and tocotrienols that act as antioxidants, protecting the skin against UV rays and environmental pollution while fighting free radicals that lead to photodamage," explains Dr. Penzi. However, using a traditional SPF is still critical, so, no—you can't replace your sunscreen with batana oil.

Potential Side Effects

"As with any natural botanical product, there is always a risk of an allergy or sensitivity to the product, manifesting as redness, scaling, itching, and so forth," says Dr. Penzi. However, you shouldn't be too worried. Batana oil is generally safe for all skin types, Dr. Penzi adds.

Still, everyone's skin and hair tolerance is different. Before slathering any product or new skincare ingredient on your face, do a patch test or consult your dermatologist. If you're testing it at home, Dr. Penzi advises applying a small amount to your inner forearm for two to three nights in a row. "If no reaction occurs, you should feel comfortable to start using the product on your face," she says. 

How to Use Batana Oil

Skincare

There are plenty of ways to incorporate batana oil into your routine to make your skin feel and look amazing. "This oil can be incorporated into facial cleansers, moisturizers, and masks," says Robinson. However, please don't overdo it. Per Dr. Penzi, implementing this ingredient a few times a week is more than enough. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, she recommends using the oil one to two nights a week. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, she says to use the oil as a first step in your regimen, followed by a water-based cleanser to avoid clogging the pores.

Haircare

Similar to how you'd want to patch test batana oil on your skin, you'll want to follow that process before you douse your hair in it. After all, your scalp is still skin. You don't have to pick a place on your scalp for a patch test, though. In fact, you can use the results from the patch test you conducted on your forearm. If you didn't experience a reaction, you're good to use this on your hair. Once you're ready, dispense about a quarter-sized amount on your palms before massaging it into your hair. You can leave it in for a half-hour and then wash it out.

The Bottom Line

Batana oil has myriad benefits for skin and hair, which the people of Honduras have known for centuries. Still, more research needs to be conducted to support these claims. Since there are potential side effects to using this natural ingredient—especially if you have oily skin—you'll want to patch-test it before applying it all over your face or scalp. If you notice that the small area is relatively unchanged, you're in the clear to use batana oil. Just keep in mind that you're only supposed to use it a couple of times a week to really reap the benefits.

From non-toxic makeup and skin care to sustainability practices, Clean Slate is an exploration of all things in the green beauty space.