Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil
Oil from passion-flower seeds. Up to 70% linoleic acid – a high omega-6 contribution to the barrier, especially for acne-prone skin. Contains tocopherols and carotenoids as natural antioxidants. Non-comedogenic and pregnancy-safe.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Oil with a very high linoleic acid share – a physiological donor for stratum-corneum ceramides. A series of in-vivo studies show reduced comedones with topical high-linoleic oils (Letawe 1998, Darmstadt 2002). Antioxidant activity is documented in vitro.
- Letawe C et al. Digital image analysis of the effect of topically applied linoleic acid on acne microcomedones. Clin Exp Dermatol 1998;23:56-58. DOI 10.1046/j.1365-2230.1998.00315.x
- Darmstadt GL et al. Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier. Acta Paediatr 2002;91:546-554. PMID 12113324
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Passion-flower seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Passiflora incarnata or related species (P. edulis – passion fruit/maracuja). Its fatty-acid profile is unusual: a very high share of linoleic acid (60-75%), compared with 5-15% in olive oil and ~10-15% in avocado oil. INCI: Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil. Biologically active profile. Linoleic acid is a structural component of ceramides 1 and 6 in the stratum corneum. Acne patients show lower linoleic acid and higher oleic acid in their sebum – under the 1991 hypothesis this is part of comedone formation. Topical oils high in linoleic acid normalize this profile and reduce new lesions in a series of in-vivo studies. Additionally the oil contains tocopherols (~150 mg/100 g), phytosterols, and carotenoids that act as antioxidants in the finished formula and slow the oxidation of other sensitive components. Use levels are 1-10%. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. No teratogenic effects in the literature. Oral passion-flower extracts in large doses during pregnancy are discouraged (sedation and a theoretical uterotonic risk), but this does not apply to cosmetic use of the seed oil. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen profile. Non-comedogenic (score 0-1). Suitable for acne-prone, sensitive, and dry skin. In oily skin it helps normalize sebum quality and balance the barrier.
Frequently asked questions
Is Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil safe during pregnancy?
Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil for?
Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Oil from passion-flower seeds.
Is Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil?
The INCI name is Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil. It may also appear as: Passion Fruit Seed Oil, Maracuja Oil.
See Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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