Why Passionfruit Oil?
Passiflora edulis
Passionfruit oil comes from the seeds of the passionfruit and the passionflower tree, which natively grows in South American and Africa, it’s not only a great source of fiber, but it’s also helpful for promoting digestive health, fighting cancer, soothing asthma and reducing pain that comes from osteoporosis—all of which promote beauty from the inside out. The passionfruit flower can be found growing wild in Mexico, Central America, the United States and South America. I was first introduced to this magnificent flower when I moved to the sunshine state. It grew wild in my backyard. My neighbor told me the history/legend of this flower.
The legend of the passionflower dates back to the 1600’s when the Spanish Christian Missionaries explained each part of the flower with the story of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Its color, intricate shape and many parts explain why. It has a distinctive fruity smell of grapes and gardenia, both of which I personally enjoy.
The legend states:
The flower is purple*: the color of the season of Lent
The five sepals and five petals: the ten apostles present with Jesus during his passion (excluding Peter and Judas)
The three stigma: the three nails that held Jesus to the cross
The five anthers: the five wounds of Jesus (hands, feet and side)
The filaments: the crown of thorns
The leaves with 3 points: the Holy Trinity
The vine: God’s attachment to the earth
Back to the fruit. The benefits include it is a delicious snack, but its benefits don’t stop when you snack on the fruit: Passionfruit oil is an incredibly multi-faceted ingredient that boosts skin health. It’s full of vitamins and antioxidants and is a protectant for skin. It inhibits the growth of cancer-causing agents, while it fights DNA-damaging free radicals. Its light, non-greasy texture ensures the skin drinks it up quickly, making it a great moisturizer. Passionfruit oil is noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and is gentle enough for even sensitive skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, as it’s absorbed into skin.
Vitamin A in the form of carotenoids helps skin cells regrow and repair; passionfruit oil encourages our bodies to produce more vitamin A, which promotes cell turnover and plumps skin. Linoleic and oleic acids (two fatty acids essential to balanced, blemish-free, hydrated skin) also plump skin, giving it a smoother, younger appearance.
Passionfruit oil helps preserve the collagen and elastin in our skin. That is why I use it as an ingredient in our products. When paired with other powerful, plant-based oils, passionfruit oil helps provide deep hydration and nourishment as well as boost collagen production. Formulated alongside our other nourishing ingredients such as clementine, sweet orange and caiaue (ojon) oil, just to name a few, this oil is fast-absorbing, non-greasy and provides a wonderful glide.
*Please note, not all passionflowers are purple.
For more information on how to grow passionflowers visit Gardening Solutions at UFL the University of Florida website.