(Carapa guianensis)
Andiroba oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Carapa guianensis tree, native to the Amazon basin. It is rich in limonoids — a class of tetranortriterpenoid compounds with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties. Its fatty acid profile is high in oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6), both of which support the skin's natural lipid barrier. For reactive skin, Andiroba's anti-inflammatory action helps reduce the skin's sensitisation response while its fatty acids assist in barrier repair. It absorbs readily without leaving an occlusive film.
Clinical FAQ
Formulation science, ingredient biology, and honest answers for skin that needs more care.
OUR FORMULATION APPROACH
Water is the primary ingredient in most conventional skincare — often listed as aqua and comprising 60–80% of the formula. Water dilutes active ingredients, requires preservatives to prevent microbial growth, and contributes nothing to skin repair. A waterless formula delivers actives at full concentration with no dilution, no preservative system, and no risk of water-borne contamination. For reactive and barrier-compromised skin, fewer ingredients means fewer potential irritants.
Every ingredient in a Peruda formulation is natural or nature-derived — sourced from plants or naturally occurring sources. There are no petroleum derivatives, no synthetic fragrance compounds, no silicones, no PEGs, and no synthetic preservatives. This is independently verified by our NATRUE certification, which holds formulations to the highest international standard for natural cosmetics. The full ingredient list for each product is available on the product page.
Peruda formulations contain no added perfume or fragrance — no synthetic fragrance compounds, no fragrance blends, and no ingredients added for scent alone. This is what "no perfume" means in practice.
Some Peruda formulations do contain essential oils — specifically thyme oil, myrtle oil, and copaiba oil resin — but exclusively for their documented bioactive properties, not for scent. Thyme oil and myrtle oil are included for their antimicrobial and skin-conditioning effects. Myrtle oil contains α-pinene, which have well-documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity — directly relevant for reactive and sensitised skin where the microbiome is disrupted and chronic low-grade inflammation is a driver of symptoms. Copaiba oil resin is included for its beta-caryophyllene content, a sesquiterpene that modulates the skin's inflammatory response via CB2 receptor activation.
The fragrance molecules present in these oils are inseparable from the bioactives that make them therapeutically relevant. They are not present for scent.
The risk associated with fragrance in skincare comes primarily from synthetic fragrance compounds and fragrance blends added at cosmetic concentrations for scent. Peruda does not use these. All essential oil inclusions are at levels determined by their functional dose, not their scent profile, and are fully disclosed on the ingredient list.
Peruda formulations are designed for reactive, sensitised, and barrier-compromised skin and are dermatologically approved for sensitive skin. They do not contain known irritants or allergens. However, every skin condition is individual — if you are managing a diagnosed condition, we recommend patch testing before full application and consulting your dermatologist if you are unsure.
No. Peruda formulations contain no parabens, no phthalates, no chemical UV filters, no formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and no compounds classified as endocrine disruptors under EU cosmetic regulations. All formulations are NATRUE certified, which independently verifies the absence of synthetic and potentially harmful compounds. Our full ingredient lists are publicly available on each product page so you can verify this yourself.
Peruda products have undergone a dermatological study conducted on 50 or more test subjects — this goes beyond the standard dermatological tolerance test required under EU cosmetic regulation, which typically involves a smaller panel. A study at this scale generates statistically meaningful data on skin tolerance and irritation potential across a range of skin types, including sensitive skin.
This is sometimes referred to as a clinical study. It does not mean the products are prescription or medical-grade, and it does not mean they are approved for use by people with diagnosed allergies — if you have a known allergy to any botanical ingredient, check the full ingredient list before use and consult your allergist if you are unsure.
NATRUE is an international non-profit association that sets and independently verifies standards for natural and organic cosmetics.
NATRUE certification means that only natural, derived natural, and a strictly limited list of nature-identical substances are permitted in the formulation.
Specifically it excludes GMOs, mineral oils, silicones, parabens, synthetic fragrances, microplastics, and synthetic preservatives. It also governs how ingredients are processed — only green chemistry processing methods are permitted, meaning the number of chemical modifications an ingredient can undergo is strictly limited.
Certification is verified by an independent, NATRUE-accredited third-party organisation, not self-declared.
OUR WILD-GROWN INGREDIENTS
(Copaifera officinalis)
Copaiba oil resin is harvested by tapping the trunk of Copaifera officinalis trees — a process that does not harm the tree. Its primary active compound is beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene that acts as a selective agonist of CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the skin.
CB2 receptor activation has been associated with modulation of the skin's inflammatory response, making Copaiba relevant for skin conditions characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation — including reactive, sensitised, and rosacea-prone skin. Unlike many anti-inflammatory actives, beta-caryophyllene is non-irritating and well tolerated by sensitive skin.
(Theobroma grandiflorum)
Cupuaçu butter is extracted from the seeds of the Theobroma grandiflorum fruit, a close relative of cacao. It has an exceptional capacity to absorb water — up to 440% of its own weight — making it one of the most effective humectant-emollient combinations available in natural formulation (and significantly outperforming conventional emollients including shea butter).
Its phytosterol content supports barrier restoration by reinforcing the intercellular lipid matrix. For barrier-compromised skin, cupuaçu butter addresses two simultaneous needs: drawing moisture into the skin and rebuilding the structural integrity of the barrier that retains it.
(Astrocaryum murumuru)
Murumuru butter is derived from the seeds of the Astrocaryum murumuru palm. It is exceptionally high in lauric acid — a medium-chain saturated fatty acid with antimicrobial and emollient properties — and myristic acid, which contributes to its characteristic skin-feel.
Murumuru melts at skin temperature, allowing it to spread and absorb without requiring emulsifiers. For sensitive skin it provides a protective occlusive layer that reduces transepidermal water loss without clogging pores or triggering comedogenic responses.
(Pentaclethra macroloba)
Pracaxi oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Pentaclethra macroloba tree. It is unusually high in behenic acid — a very long-chain fatty acid that is rarely found in plant oils at significant concentration. Behenic acid has a particular affinity for damaged and porous skin structures, filling gaps in the intercellular lipid matrix and reducing permeability.
This makes Pracaxi particularly relevant for barrier-compromised skin — skin that has lost the structural integrity to prevent irritants from penetrating and moisture from escaping. It also contains significant levels of oleic and linoleic acid, supporting ongoing barrier maintenance alongside the acute repair function of behenic acid.
(Astrocaryum vulgare)
Tucumã oil is cold-pressed from the fruit pulp of the Astrocaryum vulgare palm, native to the Amazon basin and a close relative of the murumuru palm. Its fatty acid profile is dominated by oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6), with additional lauric and myristic acids contributing emollient and antimicrobial properties.
Tucumã is exceptionally rich in beta-carotene — one of the highest concentrations found in any plant oil — which acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralising free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress in compromised skin.
Tucumã also contains tocopherols (vitamin E), which support the skin's antioxidant defence system and assist in barrier maintenance. For reactive and sensitised skin, its combination of anti-inflammatory fatty acids, antimicrobial lauric acid, and antioxidant carotenoids makes it a multi-functional active — addressing inflammation, microbiome disruption, and oxidative damage simultaneously. It spreads readily and absorbs without heaviness.
OUR PRODUCT APPLICATION
If your skin is reactive or known to respond quickly to new products, patch testing before full application is recommended.
Apply a small amount of the product to a clean area on the inside of your forearm. Leave for 24 hours without washing the area. If you experience any redness, itching, or swelling during this period, wash the area immediately and discontinue use. If no reaction occurs after 24 hours, the product is likely well tolerated. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions or highly reactive skin, extend the patch test to 48 hours before proceeding.
Yes. The formulations are designed to work together and share the same ingredient philosophy. There are no conflicting actives across the range.
Barrier repair is a physiological process and timelines vary depending on the degree of barrier compromise, skin condition, and consistency of application.
Improvement in transepidermal water loss and skin hydration is measurable before it becomes visible — structural changes in the barrier typically precede visible changes in texture and reactivity. Results are individual and cannot be guaranteed.
We recommend consulting your physician or oncologist before introducing any new skincare during pregnancy or active cancer treatment. Peruda formulations contain no known teratogens and no synthetic chemicals, but individual medical circumstances vary and professional guidance takes precedence.
Peruda formulations are 100% natural and contain no synthetic preservatives, which means thoughtful storage helps maintain their stability and effectiveness.
Store products at room temperature — ideally between 19–25°C — in a dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. UV exposure can degrade key bioactive compounds, and temperature extremes can affect consistency and formula integrity.
Close lids fully after each use to prevent contamination. The Face Wash and Exfoliating Mask in particular should not come into contact with water until application — moisture introduction can compromise the formula. Store all products in their original containers, which are designed to maintain stability.
There are no special storage requirements beyond these. Properly stored, Peruda products will remain effective for the duration of their shelf life as indicated on the packaging.
OUR COMPANY & COMMITMENTS
Clean beauty is an unregulated term with no universal definition. At Peruda it means the following, specifically:
All formulations are waterless — no water is used as a base or filler ingredient. All ingredients are natural or nature-derived, independently verified under NATRUE certification. There are no synthetic fragrance compounds, no parabens, no silicones, no PEGs, no mineral oils, and no synthetic preservatives. Wild-grown Amazonian botanicals are ethically sourced under UEBT membership, which verifies traceability and responsible harvesting. Base ingredients are certified organic from European producers.
Some Peruda formulations contain essential oils — specifically for their bioactive properties, not for scent. These are fully disclosed on each product's ingredient list.
Clean beauty at Peruda is independently verified, not self-declared. NATRUE certification, UEBT membership, and the Swiss Seal of Business Ethics each provide external validation of different aspects of this commitment.
UEBT — the Union for Ethical BioTrade — is an international organisation whose membership requires verified commitment to sourcing with respect for people and biodiversity.
For Peruda this means our Amazonian ingredients are sourced under traceability requirements that cover origin, harvesting conditions, community relationships, and ecosystem impact.
UEBT membership addresses the ethical and ecological dimension of sourcing — who harvests the ingredients, under what conditions, and what effect that has on the ecosystems and communities involved.
Peruda is actively pursuing B Corp certification — the gold standard for verified social and environmental performance — with a target of 2026.
B Corp certification requires meeting rigorous standards across governance, workers, community, environment, and customers, verified by an independent third party.
Peruda is built around a triple impact model — health, society, and nature — and sustainability is embedded as an operating standard, not a marketing position.
Nature: Amazonian botanicals are sourced through development cooperatives under UEBT membership, which independently verifies ethical sourcing, biodiversity protection, and indigenous community stewardship. Base ingredients include upcycled innovations from the food industry. All formulations are waterless, reducing water consumption at the production stage. Packaging is PP mono material — fully recyclable while protecting formula integrity.
Society: Peruda operates under the Swiss Seal of Business Ethics, providing third-party validation of business conduct. Peruda is actively pursuing B Corp certification — the gold standard for verified social and environmental performance — with a target of 2026. Supplier relationships are governed by a published Code of Conduct.
Health: Formulation purity is independently validated through NATRUE certification and a dermatological study conducted on 50+ test subjects. Skin recovery is treated as a driver of systemic health and quality of life, not a cosmetic outcome.
Peruda's accountability extends across five stakeholder groups: environment, employees, customers, communities, and investors — each with defined commitments rather than aspirational statements.
Peruda's climate approach is currently embedded in our sourcing and formulation decisions — waterless formulas reduce water consumption at production level, PP mono material packaging is fully recyclable, and Amazonian ingredients are sourced through development cooperatives that protect biodiversity, support environmental stewardship, and contribute to a regional bioeconomy.
We are developing a formal climate action plan with SMART targets aligned to the 1.5°C global ambition, as part of our B Corp certification process. This plan will be published on this page when complete.
Yes. Peruda's Code of Conduct sets out the ethical standards that govern how we operate — covering supplier relationships, sourcing practices, employee standards, and business conduct. It is publicly available and can be read in full here.
Last updated: 18 Jul 2026
