New York-based C16 Biosciences has launched its first consumer product formulated with its palm oil alternative, Torula oil. It’s a part of the company’s “Palmless” platform. The nourishing skin oil is called “Save the F#$%ing Rainforest.”

It will be available for consumer purchase, but also serves as an example for beauty brands, as well as the industry. “It demonstrates how Torula oil and other bio-designed ingredients can be formulated and used in compelling products across face, body, and haircare applications,” the company states. 

The product is limited-edition and will be available for pre-order now and for purchase and shipping on March 1.

“Our brand stands for change, and this product is our protest to the industry,” says Shara Ticku, co-founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences. “The beauty industry has struggled with the palm oil problem for nearly a decade, but has failed to show meaningful action…Palm oil doesn’t need to be a problem anymore…Let’s work together to save those precious rainforests before it’s too late.”

Torula oil is “biodesigned” and is a luxe emollient made from yeast, rather than trees. C16 Biosciences says it is committed to developing sustainable, traceable, and stable alternatives to palm oil and palm-derived ingredients. 

Torula oil’s USDA-certified biobased composition contains the carotenoids beta carotene and torulene, plus sterols found only in the fungal kingdom. “These antioxidants have the potential to help promote skin barrier function and maintain glowing skin,” the company states. It moisturizes and smooths the skin with its light feel and silicone-like texture. 

“Torula oil is a world-class ingredient, and we wanted to introduce it with a world-class, high-performing formula,” says Ticku. “Not only is nourishing oil fun to use and deeply hydrating, it also showcases that we can launch beautiful products that meet the highest sustainability standards by leveraging biodesign and biotechnology.”

By launching this product, Palmless hopes to pave the way for more innovation in the beauty industry to tackle the climate challenges, environmental and societal issues posed by the $64 billion palm oil industry.