Meet Maracuja Oil, the Multipurpose Beauty Oil for Hair, Skin, and Nails

Megan Lenzi
·4 min read

The yellow juice has a bevy of benefits.

<p>Viktoriia Hnatiuk/Getty Images</p>

Viktoriia Hnatiuk/Getty Images

Maracuja fruit is delicious, but did you know its juice also creates a powerhouse oil for your skin, hair, and nails? Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, maracuja oil can work wonders in your entire beauty routine. We talked to the best board-certified dermatologists to learn more about how to use maracuja oil and its many benefits.

What Is Maracuja Oil?

“Maracuja oil is derived from yellow passionfruit and is rich in fatty acids as well as vitamins including Vitamin A, C, E, and F, offering antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits. Using antioxidants, it helps to protect against free radical damage and environmental stressors while also helping to brighten the skin,” explains Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist.

Maracuja Oil Benefits

Maracuja oil's key ingredients such as Vitamin C, A, C, E, and F promote healthier hair, skin, and nails. From brighter looking skin to smooth hair, maracuja oil is loaded with benefits for all.

For Hair

Soft, luscious locks start with a healthy scalp. To treat a dry or irritated scalp, Claire Wolinsky, MD, board-certified dermatologist and St. Ives partner, recommends using maracuja oil to moisturize the scalp, manage hair loss, and prevent breakage. The rich content of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids strengthens the hair from the inside out.

Maracuja oil can also be used as a hair treatment or conditioner. According to Shari Sperling, MD, maracuja oil can improve the overall health and appearance of the hair by reducing frizz and increasing shine. “For the hair, it can help to tame frizz while also softening" adds Dr. Garshick.

For Skin

The antioxidants in maracuja oil can protect against environmental stressors on the skin. According to Dr. Wolinsky, maracuja oil can restore the skin barrier because of its high content of nutrients including fatty acids.

Maracuja oil also works as an anti-aging ingredient for a youthful, hydrated glow. “The oil contains antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A, which may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Sperling.

Related: The Surprising Benefits of Using Face Oil on Oily Skin

For Nails

Dr. Garshick recommends using maracuja oil as a cuticle oil because it can improve the overall strength and health of the nails by adding hydration.

How to Use Maracuja Oil

Maracuja oil can be applied on the skin, hair, and nails to provide hydration and moisture. Check out these expert-approved ways to add maracuja oil into your regimen.

  • Skin: Apply a few drops of maracuja oil to your face and neck after active serums. Dr. Wolinsky prefers to use a AHA/BHA toner followed by maracuja oil. "For the oil to best be absorbed into the skin, you want to ensure the skin is primed prior to application with a product containing AHA or BHA such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid," says Dr. Wolinsky. This oil is non-comedogenic and safe to use for all skin types, even oily, acne-prone skin.

  • Hair: Maracuja oil is safe to use on the hair from the roots to the ends. Use a dime-sized amount of the oil on towel dried hair from root to tip. "You should use this oil sparingly (if using it up to the scalp) starting at only 2-3 times a week. It can also be used as a pre-shower treatment on the hair and/or scalp and left on for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing the hair," explains Dr. Wolinsky.

  • Nails: To recreate a nail salon experience, Dr. Wolinsky recommends gently massaging a small amount of maracuja oil around the cuticles. Make sure to not push back the cuticles or massage too aggressively.

Best Maracuja Oil Products to Try

Maracuja oil can be purchased on its own or found in many hair and skin care products. (Dr. Garshick recommends the Tarte Maracuja Oil ($48, tarte.com) for multipurpose use because this product can be used all over to support hair, skin, and nails.) For more options, check out these products ranging from pure maracuja oil to products that incorporate maracuja oil into its formulas.

  • Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo ($53, sephora.com)

  • Leven Rose Maracuja Oil ($12, amazon.com)

  • Selfless By Hyram Niacinamide and Maracuja Moisturizer ($20, target.com)

  • Tarte Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatment ($39, ulta.com)

  • BioSilk Hydrating Therapy Maracuja Oil ($18, amazon.com)

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