Passiflora Quadrangularis Hull 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 Hull Extract?

Passiflora Quadrangularis Hull Extract comes from the outer shell of the giant granadilla, a type of passionflower native to tropical regions of Central and South America. The hull is rich in natural sugars, flavonoids, and small amounts of fatty acids that can soothe and soften skin. Indigenous communities have long valued passionflower parts for calming rituals, and modern cosmetic chemists took note of its skin friendly traits in the late twentieth century. To create the extract, cleaned hulls are crushed, soaked in a food grade solvent like glycerin or water, then filtered and concentrated. The result is a gentle liquid or powder that blends easily into skin care formulas. You will most often see it in moisturizers, soothing masks, lightweight lotions, and leave on treatments aimed at boosting comfort and softness.

Passiflora Quadrangularis Hull Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is classified as a skin conditioning agent, meaning it helps the surface of the skin feel smoother and look healthier. When added to a product it supports the natural moisture barrier, reduces the feeling of dryness, and leaves a soft touch finish without heaviness.

Who Can Use Passiflora Quadrangularis Hull Extract

This botanical suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and even sensitive skin because it is gentle and mainly acts as a hydrator. Oily or acne prone users can usually apply it too since it is lightweight and non greasy, though they may prefer formulas where it is combined with oil balancing ingredients.

The extract is plant derived with no animal by-products so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished formula avoids animal sourced additives elsewhere.

Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is applied topically in cosmetic amounts, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare product with their healthcare provider to be safe.

It does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so extra sun precautions beyond a daily sunscreen are not required for this ingredient alone.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to Passiflora Quadrangularis Hull Extract can vary from person to person. The following points outline potential side effects yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Redness or mild irritation
  • Itching or tingling on very reactive skin
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to passionflower family plants
  • Stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin

If you notice any of the above reactions discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5. Passiflora Quadrangularis Hull Extract is mainly composed of water-soluble sugars and flavonoids with only trace levels of fatty acids, so it is unlikely to clog pores. The tiny amount of lipids keeps the skin feeling soft without creating an occlusive film. Because of this low rating it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. If the finished product contains heavier oils or waxes, the overall formula rather than this extract might be the pore-clogging factor to watch.

Summary

Passiflora Quadrangularis Hull Extract is a gentle skin-conditioning ingredient that softens, hydrates and supports the skin’s natural barrier thanks to its mix of plant sugars, flavonoids and light emollient components. While not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid it appears in a growing number of moisturizers, soothing gels and masks aimed at comfort seeking skin types. Topical use is considered very safe with only rare reports of irritation or allergy, yet as with any new cosmetic it is smart to patch test before full use to make sure your skin agrees with it.

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