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Maracuja Oil Review: tarte Pure Maracuja Oil Review

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It seems every time you turn around in the beauty aisle nowadays, there’s a new exotic oil popping up.  From argan oil to pequi oil, everyone is trying to come up with the next best treatment.  Maracujá oil, derived from a passion fruit native to Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Paraguay, features a high concentration of essential fatty acids (linoleic acid) and nutrients and phytochemicals including beta-carotene, flavonoids, xanthins, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vitamin E  (Prescription for Dietary Wellness, 2003).  In tarte Maracujá Oil, the seeded pulp is reportedly hand-pressed to guarantee the maximum amount of nutritious essential fatty acids and vitamins are preserved within the oil.

Maracujá Oil vs. Argan Oil vs. Pequi Oil as a Conditioning Treatment for the Hair

In general, the heavier the oil, the better it is for frizzy, dry, or brittle hair.  The main constituent in maracujá oil and argan oil is the same, linoleic acid, while the main component of pequi oil is oleic acid.

Linoleic acid is heavier than oleic acid (282 g/mol vs. 280 g/mol).  So on the basis of science alone, I would recommend maracujá oil and argan oil equally for fine to medium hair, and pequi oil for frizzy, dry, or brittle hair.

Maracujá oil vs. Argan Oil vs. Pequi Oil as a Daytime Treatment for the Hair and Skin

I love tarte (they’re one of my all-time favorite companies), so it’s hard for me to say this, but I personally would not maracujá oil on my hair or skin before being exposed to UV light.  The reason?  Maracujá oil contains a high concentration of lycopene (Journal of Medicinal Food, 2005).   Although the studies are limited, it has been suggested lycopene may enhance UVA-induced damage to skin cells (European Journal of Nutrition, 2005).

Now, don’t be alarmed:  The studies are not only limited, but also only conducted in the mouse and on cells in vitro (i.e., in petri dishes).  Also, there are other components in maracujá oil that have been found to be protective against UV light as well, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.  However, given the fact that argan oil has been found to have sunscreen-like UV protective effects (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2005), I would save my tarte maracujá oil for night, and apply argan oil during the day.

Bottom Line

You can expect your hair and skin to benefit from the fatty acids in tarte Maracujá Oil almost immediately.  Linoleic acid is very hydrating, and you will notice your skin and hair appear smooth and supple almost immediately as a result.  A little goes a long way, and a drop or two should cover your entire face and neck.  The scent is also very pleasant, though I personally prefer to keep the scented products to my hair.

As I said before, I would not apply tarte Maracujá Oil before I go outside – I would switch to argan oil if I was dead-set on applying a hydrating oil before leaving the house!

Overall, tarte Maracujá Oil is an excellent product that will hydrate your skin and hair well.  I find it particularly great over a retinoid cream at night.    Product Rating: 9/10 (High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 2/3.  Unique formulation or new technology: 3/3.  Value for the money: 3/3.  Sunscreen: 0/1).

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