There are so many awesome plant oils used in skincare, but passionfruit (aka maracuja) seed oil is hands down one of our favorites. It contains a plethora of beneficial properties for both skin and hair, is silky and fast-absorbing AND the cold-pressed, unrefined version (what we use) smells absolutely amazing. Let’s get into it!

The Expansive Benefits of Passionfruit 

Passionfruit is rich in many vitamins and minerals, and its edible seed oil is very high in Omegas 3 & 6, vitamins A and E and the antioxidant lycopene, making it an awesome “superfood”. Research has shown significant free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity as a result of the bioactive compounds contained in virgin maracuja oil, and that it may inhibit excess melanin production and promote collagen synthesis. 

Because passionfruit oil is uniquely high in linoleic fatty acid, it feels lightweight, non-greasy and penetrates skin better than many other oils, it is an incredibly effective moisturizer. It also offers fortifying properties for hair to prevent breakage and split ends without creating buildup or residue. Passionfruit oil’s high fatty acid and antioxidant content also helps to promote a healthy scalp and soothe itchy, stressed skin (which is especially helpful when you are pregnant and skin is stretching rapidly). 

Sustainable Sourcing 

Passionfruit grows in abundance in many tropical regions, but Syll’s has worked hard to find the best partners to source this amazing oil. We work with a B Corps in Brazil who is dedicated to promoting renewable agricultural practices that help preserve the Amazon rainforest and promote fair trade for local workers. Our virgin, cold-pressed passionfruit oil is also a zero-waste product because it uses unused seeds to divert waste from the food industry.

Formulation Fact: This oil smells absolutely delicious!

The passionfruit plant produces a sweet/tart fruit with a bright, tropical, citrusy and - we think - addictive smell. While most virgin plant oils smell bland or nutty after being pressed into their oil form, passionfruit oil takes on the scent profile of its pulp. It is the primary carrier oil that we use in the Body & Hair One, and (shhhhh!!) one of the secrets to this serum’s deliciously unique, fresh scent – without utilizing any added fragrance or irritating essential oils. 

Enjoy!!

References: 

Linus Pauling Institute. (n.d.). Essential Fatty Acids. In Micronutrient Information Center. Oregon State University. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/essential-fatty-acids

Malacrida, C. R., & Jorge, N. (2012). Yellow Passion Fruit Seed Oil (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa): Physical and Chemical Characteristics. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 55(1), 127-134. ISSN 1516-8913.

Matsui, Yuko & Sugiyama, Kenkichi & Kamei, Masanori & Takahashi, Toshio & Suzuki, Tamio & Katagata, Yohtaro & Ito, Tatsuhiko. (2010). Extract of Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Seed Containing High Amounts of Piceatannol Inhibits Melanogenesis and Promotes Collagen Synthesis. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 58. 10.1021/jf102650d. 

Mourvaki E, Gizzi S, Rossi R, Rufini S. Passionflower fruit-a "new" source of lycopene? J Med Food. 2005 Spring;8(1):104-6. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2005.8.104. Erratum in: J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):279. Stefania, Gizzi [corrected to Gizzi, Stefania]. PMID: 15857218.

Please note this information is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult with a licensed medical professional for personalized care.