What Pili Pulp Oil Feels Like, and Why we Use It.

We share our process so you can feel confident in what you use.

Pili Pulp Oil is the foundation of PiliBee skincare. We discovered it in 2024 through Pure Pili, this oil is a zero-waste byproduct of Pili nut processing. Its fatty acid profile closely resembles that of healthy skin, making it especially well-suited for sensitive and dry skin types.

Pili Pulp Oil naturally contains:

• Oleic Acid (Omega-9) to support the skin barrier and improve softness

• Palmitic Acid, a skin-identical fatty acid that helps retain moisture

• Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) to support barrier repair

• Stearic Acid for structure, creaminess, and a smooth skin feel

Because it is deeply moisturizing without being heavy, Pili Pulp Oil works well in both soap and leave-on skincare. Its skin-identical composition allows it to absorb easily while supporting barrier health.

Why Soap Was the Starting Point

Soap was the natural starting point for PiliBee.

Like many people, I was looking for a gentler, plant-based soap that didn’t leave skin feeling tight or stripped. Early formulations used a high percentage of Pili Pulp Oil, resulting in an exceptionally soft and mild bar.

However, formulation isn’t only about performance, it’s also about accessibility. Over time, the recipe and bar size were refined to maintain the same gentle skin feel while offering a more realistic premium price point. The goal has always been balance: effective, thoughtful skincare that fits into everyday routines.

Anhydrous Body Butters and the Challenge of Heat

One of PiliBee’s most loved products is its anhydrous body butter, made entirely without water, fillers, or emulsifiers. Thanks to the fatty acid profile of Pili Pulp Oil, the formula absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling calm and nourished.

However, anhydrous skincare presents challenges in warm environments. Farmer’s markets, shipping, and summer heat all affect stability. To preserve the integrity of the formula, the body butter is offered in smaller jars and produced in small batches.

This experience highlighted why many skincare brands rely on emulsions and stabilizers. Shelf stability matters, but so does formulation integrity. While some anhydrous formulas may remain small-batch, future emulsified products will stay true to PiliBee’s clean, minimalist approach.

A Thoughtful Approach to Small-Batch Skincare

PiliBee is built on intentional formulation, not shortcuts.

There are no filler oils, unnecessary additives, or trend-driven ingredients. Each product is developed with attention to skin compatibility, ingredient purpose, and real-world use.

As the brand evolves, the mission remains the same: to create gentle, plant-based skincare that respects both skin and process, while staying honest about the realities of small-batch production.

Source: 

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352618115000621?
• https://www.purepili.com/pili-oil-blog