We Test Every Batch. Here’s What That Actually Means.
“Pure” is everywhere in beauty. On labels, in ads, in product pages designed to reassure. But pure compared to what?
We built Aumenta around that question. Instead of relying on language, we rely on testing. Here’s what we check in every batch of Brilho Brasileiro before it enters the bottle, and why it matters for your scalp and hair.
Cold-pressed describes the extraction method. No added heat, which helps preserve fatty acids and native compounds in castor oil. That's a strong baseline. But it doesn't confirm quality on its own. It doesn't tell you composition, freshness, or safety. For that, we test.
First, the fatty acid profile. Castor oil is known for ricinoleic acid, typically around 85 to 90 percent. This fatty acid is linked to the oil’s conditioning feel on scalp and strands. We use gas chromatography to confirm the exact percentage in each batch. If it falls outside our range, it can signal dilution or lower-quality pressing.
Next, heavy metals. Castor plants can absorb metals from the soil, which makes origin important. We test for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury against international safety standards. Our sourcing in Brazil is intentional, and testing verifies that each time.
We also test for pesticide residues. Pesticide-free farming reduces risk, but it doesn't eliminate it. Drift from nearby crops or water can introduce trace residues. Lab testing confirms that what isn't supposed to be there's truly absent.
Freshness is another focus. Peroxide value and acid value help us understand whether an oil has started to oxidize. As these values rise, the oil can feel harsher on the scalp and less effective overall. We only bottle within a freshness window we trust.
Moisture content matters too. Even small amounts of water in oil can create conditions where microbes grow. We use Karl Fischer testing for a precise measurement. It's more common in pharmaceutical settings, but it has a clear role here.
Finally, microbiology. We screen for bacteria, yeast, and mold. An additive-free composition isn't enough if microbial levels are off. This is our last checkpoint before a batch is approved.
We share all of this for a reason. Ingredient clarity should not rely on soft language alone. Terms like “clean” and “natural” can be meaningful, but without data they stay vague. We prefer to show the structure behind the claim.
If you want to see a batch report, you can ask. We'll share it.
Brilho Brasileiro. Cold-pressed. Lab-tested. Sourced with intention in Brazil, with results we can show.
Frequently asked questions
What do you test castor oil for?
We check fatty acid composition, residual solvents, heavy metals, microbial safety, pesticide residue, and oxidation on every batch, before it ships.
Can I see your lab results?
Yes. We publish a real report from a recent batch on our sourcing page, so you can see exactly what went in and what stayed out.
What is a certificate of analysis?
It's a lab document showing what a specific batch was tested for and what the results were. It's the only real proof of what's in a bottle.
