Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Also known as Passion Fruit Seed Oil, Maracuja Oil, Maracuja Seed Oil, Passionflower Seed Oil
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil is the cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the passion fruit (Passiflora edulis, Passifloraceae), commonly known as maracuja oil. The lipid profile is dominated by linoleic acid (~70%) with oleic acid (~15%) as the second major component, plus tocopherols and minor polyphenolic constituents — the high linoleic content distinguishes it from oleic-dominant oils like marula or argan. CIR Expert Panel rated Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil S (Safe) under the Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils group assessment (IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51-129, 2017). A 2020 dermatology study (PMID 32388391) formulated nanostructured lipid carriers containing the oil and demonstrated non-irritant potential by HET-CAM assay alongside antioxidant activity. A 2021 follow-up (PMID 33713760) confirmed the formulations did not damage human skin cells and showed tyrosinase-inhibitory (depigmenting) activity. A 2022 wound-healing study in rats (PMID 36269233) found that a passion fruit seed oil emulgel reduced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) and accelerated tissue regeneration.
Very high linoleic acid content (~70%) supports skin barrier function and is well-tolerated by acne-prone skin types (linoleic-rich oils are non-comedogenic)
Lightweight emollient with rapid skin absorption — preferred over oleic-dominant oils for facial formulations
Antioxidant activity from tocopherols and polyphenolic fractions
Demonstrated non-irritant in HET-CAM assay and non-cytotoxic to human skin cells in formulation studies (PMIDs 32388391, 33713760)
Anti-inflammatory effect in animal wound-healing model: reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and supports collagen formation
CIR-assessed safe under the 244-ingredient Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils group:51-129, 2017)
- · As with any plant-derived oil, theoretical risk of contact sensitization in individuals with pre-existing botanical allergies; not commonly reported for passion fruit specifically
- · Cold-pressed oils may carry trace polyphenols and other unsaponifiables whose composition varies by lot — relevant for marketing claims, not for safety at cosmetic use levels
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51-129, 2017 (Plant-Der…
“Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil | S | | IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51-129, 2017”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 319