Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract?

Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract is a botanical ingredient taken from the large, sweet fruit of the giant granadilla, a climbing vine native to Central and South America. The fruit pulp is rich in natural sugars, flavonoids, vitamins A and C, and small amounts of fatty acids, all of which help give the extract its skin friendly profile. Indigenous communities have long valued the fruit for food and traditional skin applications. Modern cosmetic chemists began studying passionflower fruits in the late twentieth century, noting that their antioxidant and calming compounds could support skin comfort and resilience.

To make the extract, cleaned ripe fruits are crushed and macerated in a mixture of water and gentle food grade solvents. The liquid portion is then filtered, concentrated, and often stabilized with a mild preservative to ensure purity. The end result is a clear to pale yellow fluid or soft powder that blends easily into water based cosmetic formulas.

You will most often see Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract in soothing face masks, daily moisturizers, after sun gels, anti aging serums, baby care lotions, and repair creams designed for sensitive or stressed skin.

Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This fruit derived extract brings two key actions to skin care products

  • Skin protecting: Its natural antioxidants help shield the skin surface from damage caused by everyday environmental stress like pollution and UV exposure. When added to a formula it can support a healthier looking complexion and may slow the appearance of premature aging signs
  • Soothing: Bioactive flavonoids and sugars give the extract a calming quality that can help reduce the feeling of irritation, tightness, or mild redness. Products containing it are often marketed for sensitive or post treatment skin because the ingredient promotes comfort and softness

Who Can Use Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract

Thanks to its gentle soothing nature this fruit extract suits most skin types including dry, sensitive and mature skin. Oily or blemish prone complexions usually tolerate it well because the ingredient is light and water based so it does not leave a greasy film that could clog pores. There are no known skin types for which the extract is specifically unsuitable.

Because it is derived entirely from a plant source and processed without animal by products Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract is considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. Always check the full ingredient list of a finished product though since other components in the formula may not meet vegan standards.

No specific restrictions exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when it comes to topical use of this extract. Research has not linked it to hormonal activity or systemic absorption concerns. Even so this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any new skincare product past a qualified health professional just to be on the safe side.

The extract does not contain photo reactive molecules so it is not known to increase photosensitivity. Normal daily sun protection habits remain advisable for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract can vary. The points below outline potential side effects though these are rarely experienced by the average user when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild redness or stinging on very reactive skin
  • Localized itching linked to an allergy to passionflower or related plants
  • Contact dermatitis if applied to broken or compromised skin barriers
  • Interaction with other active ingredients that are highly acidic or exfoliating which could increase sensitivity

If any discomfort or visible irritation occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare or skin care professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5 – non comedogenic

Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract is primarily water soluble and contains negligible amounts of heavy oils or waxes that could block pores. The sugars, vitamins and flavonoids it provides are light molecules that rinse cleanly from skin and do not build up inside follicles. Because of this the extract earns the lowest possible score on the comedogenic scale.

In practical terms this means the ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

As with any plant material minute variances in extraction methods can affect final composition but current commercial grades remain free of pore clogging lipids.

Summary

Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract works mainly as a skin protecting and soothing booster. Its natural antioxidants form a light shield against everyday environmental stress while its flavonoids and simple sugars calm skin that feels tight or irritated. These combined actions help maintain a comfortable healthier looking complexion.

The extract is not yet a headline making star but it is quietly gaining traction in masks, daily creams and after sun formulas aimed at sensitive users. Formulators appreciate its gentle profile and plant based story.

Overall safety data are reassuring. Adverse reactions are rare and the ingredient is considered safe for regular topical use. Still everyone’s skin is different so it is smart to do a small patch test whenever trying a new product that contains it.

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