What is "Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil" and what is its utility?

The passion fruit, also known as grenadille, purple granadilla, and maracuja, is a climbing plant belonging to the Passifloraceae family. It primarily grows in South America, specifically in Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Brazil, Peru, and the northeast of Argentina.

"Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil" is the I.N.C.I. name used to refer to the vegetable oil derived from passion fruit seeds, obtained through the first cold pressing process. This is a clear, oily liquid with a light yellow to golden colour and a fine, delicate fragrance. Its dry touch and non-comedogenic properties make it an oil that is quickly absorbed by the epidermis.

Maracuja oil is rich in fatty acids essential such as the linoleic acid (omega-6), the oleic acid (omega-9), the palmitic acid and the stearic acid. As a reminder, oleic acid is the most abundant long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid in our body. Highly nourishing for the skin, it makes it more supple and softer but also more radiant. It also contains vitamins (E and K) as well as carotenoids (beta-carotenes), bioflavonoids and squalene.

As a natural product sensitive to oxidation, maracuja oil should be stored in a cool and dimly lit location.

Maracuja oil is characterised by a biochemical composition rich in elements already present in the skin structure, such as squalene and oleic acid, making it an ideal ingredient for skin care.

• Combatting accelerated skin ageing caused by oxidative stress.

  The skin is daily assaulted by free radicals, these reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. This phenomenon is normal, but stress, pollution, sun exposure, smoking, and of course, an unbalanced diet, promote their excessive production. The skin loses its elasticity and suppleness. Wrinkles form on the surface. Maracuja oil contains anti-radical compounds such as vitamin E and carotenoids that stabilise and neutralise free radicals. It is thus antioxidant and helps to combat premature skin ageing.

• Limiting the degradation of elastin and collagen.

  As a reminder, collagen and elastin are fibrous proteins that make up the connective tissue found in the dermis, the deep layer of the skin. They ensure the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Researchers have demonstrated the anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities of maracuja oil, with elastases and collagenases being the enzymes that respectively degrade elastin and collagen. Thus, maracuja oil helps to maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

• Maintain the hydrolipidic film.

  Its content of omega-6 and omega-9 provides nutrition and elasticity to the skin, and prevents dehydration by strengthening the barrier function of the epidermis. As a reminder, the hydrolipidic film improves the resistance of the horny layer against external aggressions and limits insensible water loss. Therefore, maracuja vegetable oil is recommended for the care of dry and dehydrated skin.

• Reduce redness and promote healing.

  The vitamin K found in maracuja oil enhances circulation by ensuring proper blood coagulation. It helps to alleviate sunburn and redness. It also aids in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.