Trader Joe’s Cacay Oil Body Butter

A luxuriously thick body cream formulated with Shea Butter, Peptides, and premium oils like Squalane and Argan to firm and hydrate the skin.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This is a robust moisturizing formula with Shea Butter as the second ingredient, ensuring a rich, occlusive barrier for dry skin. It features a sophisticated blend of emollients including Argan Oil, Squalane, Coconut Oil, and Cacay Oil. The addition of Tripeptide-29 is a standout feature for a body product, offering collagen-supporting properties, while Glycerin and Isopentyldiol provide effective hydration.

Safety Rating: 3.8

The formula relies on standard, generally safe preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin. However, the presence of Fragrance along with specific allergens (Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone and Benzyl Salicylate) poses a risk of contact dermatitis for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, Coconut Oil is fairly comedogenic and may cause breakouts on body-acne prone areas (like the back or chest).

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a high-performance body moisturizer that bridges the gap between basic hydration and anti-aging skincare through the use of peptides and premium plant oils. It is excellent for repairing the moisture barrier. The score is only impacted by the inclusion of potentially irritating fragrance components, making it less suitable for highly sensitive or reactive skin types.

Verdict

This body moisturizer features an impressive ingredient profile that bridges the gap between basic hydration and advanced anti-aging skincare. The formula is anchored by a high concentration of Shea Butter, a gold-standard emollient that provides immediate relief for dryness and helps repair the skin barrier. The texture is likely rich and substantial, thanks to a blend of fatty alcohols like Cetearyl Alcohol and Behenyl Alcohol, making it ideal for those who prefer a cream that feels protective rather than watery. The inclusion of Tripeptide-29 is a significant highlight; this small collagen-boosting molecule is typically reserved for facial serums, suggesting that this product is designed to help with skin firmness and elasticity over time. To further support skin health, the formula utilizes Squalane and Argan Oil, both of which are excellent for mimicrying natural skin lipids and providing non-greasy nourishment. There is also a robust antioxidant complex featuring Rice Bran, Sunflower, and Rosemary Leaf extracts, which helps defend the skin against environmental stressors and free radical damage. The addition of Cacay Seed Oil adds a source of natural retinol (Vitamin A) and linoleic acid, further enhancing the anti-aging claims. However, users should be aware of the sensory components. The product contains added Fragrance alongside specific scent compounds like Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone and Benzyl Salicylate. While these make the application experience luxurious, they are known sensitizers that can irritate reactive skin types. Additionally, the presence of Coconut Oil, while excellent for moisture, can be comedogenic. Therefore, individuals prone to breakouts on the chest or back might find it too heavy. Overall, this is a sophisticated choice for anyone with dry, aging skin looking for a premium body care experience.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 WATER (AQUA) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base carrier for the formula.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A classic ingredient that draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 ISOPENTYLDIOL / 异戊二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps hydrate and improve texture.

🧪 PENTYLENE GLYCOL / 戊二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Also boosts the efficacy of preservatives.

📁 Emollients & Oils / 柔润剂与植物油

🧪 BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER / 牛油果树果脂

Purpose: Emollient, Occlusive

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich moisturizing butter.

🧪 ARGANIA SPINOSA (ARGAN) KERNEL OIL / 刺阿干树仁油

Purpose: Emollient, Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E.

🧪 COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL / 椰子油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Comedogenic rating can be high for acne-prone skin

Notes: Deeply moisturizing oil.

🧪 SQUALANE / 角鲨烷

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Highly stable, skin-identical moisturizer.

🧪 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, lightweight.

🧪 C13-16 ISOALKANE (FORMERLY C13-16 ISOPARAFFIN) / C13-16 异烷烃

Purpose: Emollient, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth, silicone-like feel.

🧪 CARYODENDRON ORINOCENSE (CACAY) SEED OIL / 奥里诺科基(CACAY)籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Known to contain natural retinol and linoleic acid.

🧪 HEPTYL UNDECYLENATE / 十一碳烯酸庚酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A lightweight, vegetable-derived alternative to silicones.

🧪 COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS (BALSAM COPAIBA) RESIN OIL / 香胶百树油

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Fragrance

Concerns: Potential allergen (rare)

Notes: Has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂与质地调节剂

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes the cream.

🧪 BEHENYL ALCOHOL / 山嵛醇

Purpose: Thickener, Opacifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol.

🧪 GLYCERYL STEARATE / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 GLYCOL DISTEARATE / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Opacifier, Pearlizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the product a pearlescent appearance.

🧪 POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE / 鲸蜡醇磷酸酯钾

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Boosts SPF in sunscreens, stabilizes emulsions here.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural polysaccharide used for texture.

📁 Active Ingredients & Botanical Extracts / 活性成分与植物提取物

🧪 TRIPEPTIDE-29 / 三肽-29

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A peptide consisting of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, aims to support collagen.

🧪 DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA (CARROT) ROOT EXTRACT / 胡萝卜根提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in beta-carotene.

🧪 HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) EXTRACT / 向日葵提取物

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Supports skin barrier.

🧪 ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN EXTRACT / 稻糠提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Soothing and rich in antioxidants.

🧪 PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) FRUIT EXTRACT / 苹果果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Exfoliant

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains mild alpha-hydroxy acids.

🧪 ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT / 迷迭香叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to protect oils from oxidation.

🧪 TOCOPHEROL / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects skin and product stability.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与酸碱调节剂

🧪 TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE / 谷氨酸二乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Boosts preservative efficacy by binding metal ions.

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Standard safe preservative.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with phenoxyethanol.

🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in pure form

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize the formula.

📁 Fragrance & Sensitizers / 香精与致敏原

🧪 FRAGRANCE / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common sensitizer

Notes: Undefined blend of scent chemicals.

🧪 ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE / α-异甲基紫罗兰酮

Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient

Concerns: EU 26 Allergen

Notes: Synthetic scent compound.

🧪 BENZYL SALICYLATE / 水杨酸苄酯

Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient, UV Absorber

Concerns: EU 26 Allergen

Notes: Floral scent component.