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Here's an ingredient that I have always wanted to incorporate in soap making. It is native to Sarawak, Malaysia (located in the northwest of Borneo Island).
Rich in healthy fat, vitamin, protein and antioxidant content, these glossy black-colored fruits are not only delicious to eat, but have a lot to offer on skin as well.
Where They Grow
The plants can only be found in Borneo Island, especially in the Sibu and Kapit regions of Sarawak. In my paternal hometown of Kuching, these seasonal delicacies grow wild in the jungle and usually produced by small-scale farmer, bearing fruits in May – June and December – January.
Species
The scientific name of dabai is Canarium odontophyllum. In Malaysia, four Canarium species have been identified with C. odontophyllum as the most common species.
Dabai Soap
The dabai pulp is rich and creamy, resemble the texture of avocado. Adding freshly-pureed dabai will increase the creaminess of natural soap. The fruit is full of healthy fatty acid that rehydrates skin. It moisturize the upper layers of skin and it is good for dry, sensitive and mature skins.
In Peninsular Malaysia, we do not have the privilege to buy these yummy fruits from the fresh market, however, I will be getting these Borneo delicacies in two weeks as my family is visiting me!!
One of the mission of Native Body & Skin is to discover Borneo ingredients and infused them in skin care products so more people know about what this beautiful island got to offer.
I will make a batch dabai soap for the very first time as soon as I receive them from my family. So, stay tuned!
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