Botanical Name: Annona muricata.
Family Name: Annonaceae.
Common Name: Guanabana, Annona, Guanabano, graviola, Graviola, Custard apple, Paw paw, Corossolier, Anon, Nangka belanda, Sirsak.
INCI: Annona muricata Seed Oil.
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed.
Parts Used: Seeds.
Odor: Sweet nuances, soft, balsamic.
Appearance: Pale yellow.
Country of Origin: Seeds: Brazil.
Comodogenic index: 1-2
The soursop tree (Annona muricata) belongs to the Annonaceae family and thrives in tropical climates. The tree produces large, spiny green fruits with a creamy white pulp. Inside the pulp are numerous black or dark brown seeds, which account for only a small percentage of the fruit’s mass. These seeds are collected, dried, and cold-pressed or solvent-extracted to yield the oil. Because of the relatively low oil content of the seeds, soursop seed oil remains a rare and expensive commodity compared to more common carrier oils.
Soursop seed oil, also known as graviola seed oil, is a rare and intriguing botanical oil obtained from the seeds of the Annona muricata fruit. Commonly referred to as soursop, guanábana, or graviola, this tropical fruit has been prized for centuries in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and parts of Africa for its delicious flavor and numerous traditional medicinal uses. While the pulp of the fruit is widely consumed, the seeds contain a lesser-known but highly valuable oil rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that make it an emerging ingredient in natural skincare and wellness formulations.
With its light-to-medium texture, nourishing properties, and antioxidant-rich profile, soursop seed oil is increasingly attracting attention as a specialty carrier oil for premium cosmetics, hair care, and therapeutic applications.
Soursop seed oil is a rare and luxurious botanical oil with a unique balance of oleic and linoleic acids, natural antioxidants, and skin-soothing properties. Lightweight yet nourishing, it is well-suited for facial care, body treatments, and hair care applications. With its growing reputation in natural and exotic skincare markets, soursop seed oil is poised to become a sought-after ingredient for premium formulations that value both tradition and efficacy.
Skin Care Benefits:
1. Moisturizing and Barrier Protection:
The high oleic acid content makes soursop seed oil an excellent emollient for dry and mature skin. It penetrates deeply into the epidermis, replenishing lipids and reinforcing the skin barrier, thereby reducing water loss and improving softness.
2. Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory:
Linoleic acid helps reduce inflammation, calm redness, and support the needs of sensitive or irritated skin. This makes soursop seed oil a gentle yet effective option for formulations targeting reactive skin.
3. Antioxidant Activity:
Soursop seed oil contains natural antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, protecting the skin against premature aging caused by UV exposure and environmental stressors. Regular application may promote improved elasticity, a more even tone, and a radiant complexion.
4. Non-Greasy Absorption:
Despite its nourishing properties, soursop seed oil is relatively lightweight compared to heavier butters like cocoa or shea. Its comedogenic rating is estimated at 2 out of 5, which means it has a low to moderate likelihood of clogging pores. It is generally suitable for most skin types, including combination and normal skin.
Soursop seed oil also offers benefits for hair care:
Scalp Nourishment: Its linoleic and oleic acid content helps moisturize a dry scalp, reduce flakiness, and calm irritation.
Hair Conditioning: When applied to the lengths of the hair, it smooths frizz, enhances shine, and helps protect strands from environmental stress.
Lightweight Texture: Unlike heavier oils, it conditions hair without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for fine to medium hair types.
-Fatty acid profile:
1) Oleic Acid: 38-55%
2) Linoleic Acid: 15-35%
3) Palmitic Acid: 15-22%
4) Stearic Acid: 2-6%
5) Alpha-Linolenic Acid: <2%
6) Palmitoleic Acid: <2%
Comodogenic index:
-Comedogenic level 0: it is non-comedogenic and does not cause pore clogging.
-Comedogenic level 1: there is a small (very low) possibility that the ingredient is comedogenic and may clog pores.
-Comedogenic level 2: in most cases, it will not clog pores. The possibility that it may clog pores is moderate to low.
-Comedogenic level 3: they have a medium chance of clogging pores, depending especially on the skin type.
-Comedogenic level 4: the chance of clogging pores, regardless of the skin type, is quite high.
-Comedogenic level 5: they tend, in almost all cases, to clog skin pores. In fact, very few people tolerate the oils found here.
