Everything you need to know about moringa oil.

Moringa oil, extracted from the seeds of the tree Moringa oleifera, a small honey-producing tree native to India and Sri Lanka. This tree is sometimes referred to as "neverdie", a name derived from the English phrase "never die", due to the ability of its dried shoots to turn green again at the first rains. The seeds of the moringa contain an oil, valued not only for its taste and nutritional properties but also for the benefits it brings to hair and skin. From an organoleptic perspective, moringa oil takes the form of a golden liquid, relatively non-penetrating and carrying a slight herbal fragrance.

The moringa oil has an intriguing biochemical composition that explains its numerous cosmetic benefits.

Suitable for all skin types, the moringa oil stands out for its cosmetic properties. This botanical extract can be used pure or incorporated into skincare products under its INCI name "Moringa Olifeira Seed Oil".

• Moringa oil is hydrating and nourishing.

  Thanks to its high oleic acid content, moringa oil is capable of forming a film on the skin's surface to limit transepidermal water loss and protect the skin. Through biomimicry, it can also act at the level of the skin barrier to strengthen it. Indeed, the linoleic acid it contains can bind to the lipids of the stratum corneum, consolidating their cohesion. Moringa oil thus helps the skin to be more hydrated, more supple, and more elastic.

• Moringa oil protects the skin from oxidative stress.

  The antioxidants found within moringa oil enable it to neutralise free radicals, the primary culprits of premature cellular degeneration. The antioxidant activity of the oil allows it to prevent skin ageing and the pigment disorders that oxidative stress can cause.

• Moringa oil soothes the skin.

  An ally for sensitive skin, moringa oil can reduce the production of inflammation molecules such as interleukin-1β and 8 (IL-1β and IL-8), and macrophage inflammatory proteins β (MIP-β). By inhibiting the synthesis of these pro-inflammatory cytokines, it helps to alleviate everyday irritations.

• Moringa oil is believed to have a brightening effect.

  It is common for the skin to lose its radiance over time, and even to notice the appearance of brown spots. Studies in vitro have shown that moringa oil, thanks to its anti-tyrosinase action, could reduce melanin production and thus brighten the skin.

• Moringa oil has healing properties.

  Moringa oil plays an active role in wound healing. Indeed, in addition to its essential moisturising properties for healing, it promotes the epithelialisation of tissues and the process of angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. In the case of a minor wound or persistent post-inflammatory mark, consistent application of moringa oil over several weeks can be beneficial.

• Moringa oil exhibits antibacterial properties.

  It has been demonstrated that moringa oil possesses broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, effective against both Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae. Therefore, moringa oil could be a potential ally in limiting bacterial proliferation.

• Moringa oil could potentially have a sebostatic effect.

  The application of moringa oil could also benefit individuals with oily skin. Studies in vitro as well as a clinical trial have suggested that this botanical extract could inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by acting on 5α-reductase. Indeed, DHT is responsible for the increase in sebum synthesis. Therefore, moringa oil could be beneficial in combating shininess, and even the blemishes that regularly affect oily skin.

The virtues of the moringa oil extend well beyond skincare. It is also a boon for hair health.

• Moringa oil hydrates and strengthens the lengths.

  The fatty acids found in moringa oil work via various mechanisms to keep hair fibres hydrated and protected. Indeed, these active ingredients strengthen the presence of the hydrolipidic film that coats the hair and contribute to the cohesion of the cuticle scales, making the latter more impermeable and better protected against external aggressions.

• Moringa oil protects the hair from oxidative stress.

  Free radicals are also harmful to hair and can increase its fragility, accelerate its fall, and even alter its colour. Rich in antioxidants, moringa oil can prevent these various inconveniences.

• Moringa oil could potentially aid in combating dandruff.

  A recent clinical trial involving a hundred participants prone to dandruff demonstrated that the application of a moringa oil-based shampoo could help address this hair issue. A 60% reduction in dandruff was observed after four weeks of regular shampoo use.

• Moringa oil could potentially reduce hair loss.

  In addition to stimulating sebum production, DHT triggers the apoptosis of hair matrix cells and leads to hair loss by binding to the Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) protein. Thanks to its anti-tyrosinase activity, moringa oil could reduce hair loss. Furthermore, the linoleic acid it contains would stimulate the signalling pathway of β-catenin, a signalling molecule initiating the transition between the telogen, or shedding phase, and the anagen, or growth phase, of the hair cycle.

The moringa oil is a safe vegetable oil that can be used by all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. It is also suitable for pregnant women and young children. Recent scientific studies have been conducted on the safety of a cosmetic cream formulated with 3% moringa oil. After applying patch-tests for 48 hours on 11 volunteers, no signs of irritation were observed. However, it is important to ensure that your moringa oil is not oxidised before using it as this can deteriorate its compounds and alter its properties. An oxidised vegetable oil can be recognised by its change in texture, colour and smell. To avoid this phenomenon, store your moringa oil in a cool place and out of the light.

Even though moringa oil is a gentle vegetable oil, it is advisable to conduct a tolerance test before using it for the first time.

You can find the nourishing and antioxidant virtues of moringa oil in our shimmering dry oil. Also formulated with safflower oil, sesame oil, plum oil and hibiscus oil, this treatment hydrates and nourishes the skin and hair while protecting them from oxidative stress. Moreover, this dry oil contains ascorbyl palmitate, a form of fat-soluble and stabilised vitamin C that easily penetrates the skin barrier and resists UV and heat. In addition to providing softness, nutrition and protection to the skin and hair, this treatment gives them a luminous finish and a satin glow thanks to the natural nacres present in its formula.

• ZAIDI S. & al. In vivo skin irritation potential of a cream containing Moringa oleifera leaf extract. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2013).

• JUNIOR D. & al. Moringa oleifera seed oil: A review. Journal of Research in Agriculture and Animal Science (2021).

• HENDRIANI R. & al. The Potential of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lamk) Seed Oil as an Anti-Alopecia Agent. Pharmacognosy Journal (2022).

• BASO F. & al. Formulation of Skin Brightening Cream and Tyrosinase Inhibition Assay of Moringa Leaf Extract. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Bio-Medical Science (2022).

• JAID A. & al. Formulation and Evaluation of Moringa 2 in 1 Herbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner. International Journal of Research and Development (2024).