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ABSTRACT Dry and sensitive skin, particularly in tropical climates, requires moisturizers that are safe, effective, and derived from natural sources. Plant-based oils such as sacha inchi oil hold promise in meeting this need; however, scientific understanding of their topical mechanisms and effectiveness remains limited. In addition, formulation challenges such as oxidative stability and sensory acceptability must be addressed. To evaluate the potential of sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) as an active ingredient in topical moisturizers through analysis of its chemical profile, biological mechanisms of fatty acids, and recent preclinical and clinical evidence. This literature review was conducted by collecting scientific articles from Google Scholar published between 2015 and 2025. Selection criteria included studies related to chemical composition, biological activity, and topical application of sacha inchi oil. The analysis confirms that Sacha Inchi oil contains key bioactive components namely essential fatty acids, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds that contribute significantly to maintaining skin moisture, enhancing elasticity, and providing antioxidant protection. Its topical application has shown a low potential for irritation, indicating a high level of dermatological compatibility, even for sensitive skin types. Sacha Inchi oil holds considerable promise as a natural active compound in contemporary cosmetic science. Its multifunctional properties and broad formulation compatibility highlight its value in developing safe, effective, and science-driven skincare products that promote long-term skin health. Keywords: Sacha Inchi Oil, Topical Moisturizer, Omega-3-6-9, Skin Barrier, Natural Cosmetics. ABSTRAK Kulit kering dan sensitif, terutama di wilayah beriklim tropis, memerlukan agen pelembap yang aman, efektif, dan berasal dari sumber alami. Minyak nabati seperti minyak sacha inchi berpotensi memenuhi kebutuhan ini, namun pemahaman ilmiah mengenai mekanisme dan efektivitasnya secara topikal masih terbatas. Selain itu, terdapat tantangan formulatif terkait kestabilan oksidatif dan kenyamanan sensorik. Mengkaji potensi minyak sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) sebagai bahan aktif pelembap topikal melalui analisis profil kimia, mekanisme biologis asam lemak, serta bukti preklinis dan klinis terkini. Tinjauan pustaka ini dilakukan dengan menelusuri artikel ilmiah yang dipublikasikan melalui Google Scholar pada rentang tahun 2015–2025. Kriteria seleksi mencakup studi yang membahas komposisi kimia, efek biologis, dan aplikasi topikal minyak sacha inchi. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa minyak Sacha Inchi mengandung komponen bioaktif utama seperti asam lemak esensial, tokoferol, dan senyawa fenolik yang berperan penting dalam menjaga kelembapan kulit, meningkatkan elastisitas, serta memberikan perlindungan terhadap stres oksidatif. Aplikasi topikal minyak ini menunjukkan potensi iritasi yang sangat rendah, sehingga dinilai aman digunakan, termasuk untuk jenis kulit sensitif. Minyak Sacha Inchi memiliki potensi yang kuat sebagai bahan aktif alami dalam formulasi kosmetik modern. Sifatnya yang multifungsi dan kompatibel dalam berbagai bentuk sediaan mendukung pemanfaatannya dalam pengembangan produk perawatan kulit yang aman, efektif, dan berbasis pada pendekatan ilmiah yang berorientasi pada kesehatan kulit jangka panjang. Kata Kunci: Minyak Sacha Inchi, Pelembap Topikal, Omega 3‑6‑9, Sawar Kulit, Kosmetik Alami.
Published in: MAHESA Malahayati Health Student Journal
Volume 6, Issue 4, pp. 279-295