Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil

An occlusive moisturizing fatty oil derived from the seeds of a South American tree known as Inca nut. It is rich in emollient alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E, and various phenolic compounds.
Moisturizing
Antioxidant
Other functions
Origin
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil

Overview

Plukenetia Volubilis seed oil is a fatty oil expressed from the seeds of the Plukenetia Volubilis, a South American tree known as Inca nut or Sacha inchi.

This oil is unusually rich in alpha-linolenic acid (up to 46%, similar to linseed oil), making it a lightweight and emollient oil especially suitable for oily and inflammation-prone skin. The oil also contains linoleic acid (35%), vitamin E, and various antioxidant phenolic compounds.

Plukenetia volubilis seed oil has versatile uses in skincare, most commonly as an occlusive moisturizing ingredient. It has to be protected from light and air, as it tends to thicken and oxidize.

Science

1
Fanali, C., et al. (2011). Chemical Characterization of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilisL.) Oil. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59(24), 13043–13049.