ALTER DO CHÃO® Guide
Amazon OilsA guide to virgin plant oils from the rainforest
The Amazon holds some of the world's most precious raw materials for skin and hair care. Seeds, fruits and trees such as andiroba, copaiba, the pataua palm and the Brazil nut tree give virgin plant oils with unique colour, scent and texture — used for generations by the peoples of the rainforest.
In this guide, ALTER DO CHÃO® presents each oil of its collection, explains the difference between virgin and refined oils and shows how to use each one in your care ritual.
The oils of the collection
Virgin Passion Fruit Seed Oil
Passiflora edulis · Brazil
Light, dry-touch and fast-absorbing — the most delicate oil in the collection.
View oil →
Virgin Andiroba Oil
Carapa guianensis · Brazilian Amazon
The most traditional oil of the rainforest, treasured for generations by Amazonian communities.
View oil →
Brazil Nut Almond Oil
Bertholletia excelsa · Brazilian Amazon
From the kernel of the majestic Brazil nut tree: deep nourishment and silky shine.
View oil →
Virgin Pequi Oil
Caryocar brasiliense · Brazilian Cerrado
From the Brazilian Cerrado: a rich, almost buttery oil with a personality of its own.
View oil →
Virgin Copaiba Oil
Copaifera spp. · Brazilian Amazon
The balm of the copaiba tree, harvested without cutting the tree down.
View oil →
Virgin Pataua Oil
Oenocarpus bataua · Brazilian Amazon
From the pataua palm: the “liquid gold” of the Amazon for strong, shiny hair.
View oil →
Virgin Flaxseed Oil
Linum usitatissimum
An ancient seed, rich in omega-3, with a light and nourishing texture.
View oil →
Virgin Soursop Seed Oil
Annona muricata
Rare and deep amber in colour, extracted from soursop (graviola) seeds.
View oil →
Virgin Coconut Oil
Cocos nucifera
Extracted from fresh coconut meat, in a dark bottle that preserves its purity.
View oil →
Exclusive rituals (gift sets)
- Hydration & Firmness Ritual — Virgin Flaxseed Oil + Brazil Nut Almond Oil: lasting hydration, elasticity and a feeling of firmness for the skin.
- Strong & Nourished Hair Ritual — Virgin Pequi Oil + Virgin Pataua Oil: deep nourishment, strength and shine from scalp to ends.
- Comfort & Well-being Ritual — Virgin Andiroba Oil + Virgin Copaiba Oil: the most traditional oils of the rainforest for massage, comfort and well-being.
Virgin or refined: how to choose
A virgin oil is obtained directly from the seed, fruit or tree, without refining, bleaching or deodorising. It keeps its original colour, scent and texture — which is why each batch may vary slightly. When choosing an Amazon oil, look for “100% virgin”, no additives and a brand that tells you where the raw material comes from.
How to use Amazon oils
All ALTER DO CHÃO® oils are for topical use only. On the skin, apply a few drops to clean skin and massage. On hair, use on lengths and ends, or before washing. Before first use, do a patch test on the inside of your forearm. Keep bottles tightly closed, away from light and heat.
The standing forest
Brazil nuts are collected from pods that fall naturally; copaiba is harvested from the living tree without cutting it down. Choosing these oils supports the people who live in and protect the rainforest — the commitment behind ALTER DO CHÃO® since 2011.
Frequently asked questions
What are Amazonian virgin plant oils?+
They are oils extracted from seeds, fruits and trees of the Amazon rainforest without refining, additives or chemical processes, so they keep their natural colour, scent and texture — such as andiroba, copaiba, pataua and Brazil nut oils.
What is the difference between virgin and refined oil?+
Virgin oil is obtained directly from the raw material and is not refined, bleached or deodorised. Refined oil loses part of its original colour and scent. All ALTER DO CHÃO® oils are 100% virgin.
Which Amazon oils are most popular for hair?+
Virgin Pataua Oil is an Amazonian classic for strong, shiny hair. Brazil Nut Almond Oil and Virgin Pequi Oil are also widely used on lengths and ends.
Which oils are best for the skin?+
Virgin Passion Fruit Seed Oil is the lightest, with a dry touch. Brazil Nut Oil nourishes with a silky texture, and Andiroba is traditional in massages and body-care rituals.
Can the oils be ingested?+
No. All ALTER DO CHÃO® oils are for topical use only, on skin and hair.
Do you ship internationally?+
We offer free shipping within Brazil. For international orders, please contact our team on WhatsApp +55 93 99111-7711 or by email at [email protected].
What is Alter do Chão?+
Alter do Chão is a village on the banks of the Tapajós River, in Santarém, Pará, Brazil, famous for its freshwater beaches. The ALTER DO CHÃO® brand was created in 2011 to protect this name and keep it as a symbol of the Amazon.
Discover the full collection
Explore the Collection