What it is
Luffa Cylindrica is derived from the luffa plant, a climbing gourd whose mature fruit dries into a fibrous network familiar as the loofah sponge. In cosmetic formulas the botanical is used as a conditioning ingredient, while the dried fibrous fruit is the source of natural exfoliating sponges. In a liquid sunscreen it appears as a supporting botanical rather than a functional active.
Safety & warnings
As a botanical it is generally well tolerated in leave-on formulas. Physical loofah sponges can be abrasive if used vigorously on the skin, so gentle use is advisable for sensitive skin.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; sourced from the Luffa cylindrica plant, including its fruit.
History
Luffa has long been cultivated across Asia as both a young edible vegetable and, when mature and dried, as a natural sponge.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as a loofah?
Yes. The dried, fibrous mature fruit of Luffa cylindrica is the natural loofah sponge, while extracts of the plant are used in formulas.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
In a liquid sunscreen it is a supporting botanical conditioning ingredient rather than a UV filter.