They say you are what you eat, and at Eminence Organics we are big believers in this age-old saying. A diet that includes fresh, organic produce can help you feel good and may even have an effect on the overall appearance of your skin. The lilikoi fruit, rich in Vitamin C as well as other vitamins and minerals, is a prime example of such a beneficial ingredient.

This tropical superfruit contains vital elements, not just for the body but also for the complexion. Here’s what you need to know about lilikoi, its benefits, and why it’s good for your health and your skin.

What is Lilikoi?

Lilikoi, also known as passion fruit, is a small, round fruit that grows on a vine-like plant in tropical climates. Measuring anywhere from one and a half to three inches wide, passion fruit has a smooth yet tough rind that ranges in color from dark purple with white specks to pale yellow or dark orange. Inside, the sweet and slightly tart fruit is filled with little sacs of pulpy juice and black seeds. It takes about one to three years from sowing the seeds for the passion fruit plant to bear fruit from. Once the passion flowers have been pollinated, the fruit begins to appear within 70-80 days. As it ripens, the passion fruit will fall off the vine, signalling that it’s ready for eating or juicing.

Lilikoi, the Hawaiian word for passion fruit, is one variant of the species. Although it was introduced to Hawaii in 1923, passion fruit originated in South America as early as the 16th century, and this is where Eminence Organics sources its fruits as ingredients for our skin care products.

How to Eat Passion Fruit

Like many fruits and vegetables with a tough outer layer, the lilikoi needs to be cut open to expose the edible insides. The center is made up of juicy flesh and crunchy seeds, and the fruit is often eaten straight out of the rind. The seeds are high in magnesium, and the flesh of the fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, as well as Vitamin A, essential fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids, riboflavin and niacin, calcium and potassium. No wonder it’s known as a superfood! 

Lilikoi is used in a number of different ways. Each fruit holds between one and three tablespoons of juice, and lilikoi juice is the most common way the fruit is consumed. But this flavorful food is highly versatile, and is used as an ingredient in everything from sweets like cookies, bars and pies, to jams, cocktails, teas, ice cream and even savory items like ceviche, hot sauce and salads. This fresh, tart fruit with unique texture is a beautiful addition to so many recipes – and to your skin care routine too.

Fruits With Benefits

The Vitamin C, Vitamin A, essential fatty acids and antioxidants contained in the seeds make for a potent anti-inflammatory combination when eaten or used topically. Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system, while Vitamin A is a crucial element for good eyesight. In addition to the high vitamin content, lilikoi is a great source of soluble fiber, which keeps the gut healthy, helps with digestion and prevents spikes in blood sugar levels.

Lilikoi in Skin Care

We know a lot about how passion fruit helps the body from a nutrition perspective, but the skin also reaps the benefits! Antioxidants and nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin A are key to reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And other nutrients like essential fatty acids, riboflavin and niacin round out lilikoi’s nutritional profile, making it both a skin care wonder and a shield against drying environmental stressors. Here’s how each of these nutrients functions to keep your skin looking healthy and young.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that combats oxidative stress and helps skin look firm and youthful, and it also helps treat and prevent the look of dark spots. In a study done by the National Library of Medicine, the vitamin’s antioxidant quality was shown to reduce the activity which produces the skin pigment called melanin. By affecting excess melanin production, the vitamin effectively decreases the look of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to safeguard the strength of our skin and prevents the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to its effect on the look of aging skin, Vitamin A also dives deep into our skin, repairing and protecting against damage and increasing cellular turnover rates.

Essential Fatty Acids

Lilikoi contains essential fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids – lipids that help reestablish the barrier function in the skin. These fatty acids help rebuild the skin’s natural shield in order to protect the skin. In addition, these lipids help rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles and ensuring skin looks smooth and plump.

Riboflavin And Niacin

Another important key nutrient in lilikoi is Vitamin B – specifically riboflavin and niacin. Riboflavin (or Vitamin B2) is known to support cellular health, minimizing inflammation and brightening the look of hyperpigmentation. Niacin (or Vitamin B3) also helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, blotchiness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Visit our Eminence Organics blog to dive deeper into the benefits of these nutrients for your skin. 

Eminence Products With Lilikoi

With its tropical lineage, lilikoi was a natural pairing with sun care in our SPF products. We combine the potency of passion fruit with mineral products in our Lilikoi Mineral Defense Collection, which include Lilikoi Mineral Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 and Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30. These skin care essentials work together to defend your skin from drying environmental stressors with easy-to-layer, lightweight sun protection.

Together, the products in the Lilikoi Mineral Defense Collection combine to provide comprehensive protection against pollution, blue light and the sun. With lilikoi as a key ingredient and a mineral formulation, this collection shields you from the elements, leaving your skin protected and looking healthy and youthful.

Is passion fruit something you would incorporate into your diet and skin care routine? Let us know below or comment on social media.