Vegetable oils are increasingly valued in cosmetic formulation. Indeed, their naturalness, their organoleptic characteristics, as well as their benefits for the skin and hair make them very popular. However, some are subject to usage precautions that are interesting to know. What about moringa oil? Discover here whether the topical application of this natural ingredient poses any risks.
Moringa Vegetable Oil: Are there dangers to be aware of?
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
Themes:
Does the cosmetic use of moringa oil pose any risks?
The moringa vegetable oil is extracted from the resinous tree of the same name, sometimes referred to as the "tree of life" or "miracle tree". Generally obtained by cold pressing, its richness in unsaturated fatty acids makes it beneficial for the body, but also for the skin and hair. Moringa oil is indeed nourishing, antioxidant, soothing and softening. Ideal for dry skin, it can particularly be used to prevent photoaging or alleviate certain redness and itching. Moreover, several studies have shown that the moringa oil accelerates the skin healing process, suggesting that it could potentially reduce the visibility of purple stretch marks.
As of today, there are no known contraindications for the topical use of moringa oil, whether pure or diluted in another vegetable oil.
Extremely gentle, moringa oil is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used by both pregnant women and young children. A recent study focused on the safety of a cosmetic cream formulated with 3% moringa oil. Patch tests were conducted with 11 volunteers over a 48-hour period. At the end of this time, no signs of irritation were observed in the participants, whether in the form of erythema or oedema. The researchers thus concluded that the cream based on moringa oil has no irritating potential.
However, it is important to note that moringa oil is slightly comedogenic. Therefore, its use as a pure ingredient may not be suitable for individuals with oily and/or acne-prone skin. It is instead recommended for these individuals to opt for plant oils with a zero comedogenicity index, such as argan oil, hazelnut oil, baobab oil, or even sunflower oil.
Important : Even though moringa oil is also a culinary vegetable oil, we are only discussing the precautions related to its topical application here.
Precautions to take before applying moringa oil?
Like all vegetable oils, moringa oil is prone to oxidation, a phenomenon that can not only impair its quality but also jeopardise its good skin tolerance. To determine if your oil has gone rancid, we recommend regularly checking its organoleptic characteristics and ensuring it has not changed in colour, texture or smell. For your information, moringa oil typically has a pale to golden yellow colour, a fairly fluid and light texture, and emits a rather subtle scent, sometimes compared to that of a hazelnut.
If there is any doubt about a potential oxidation of your vegetable oil, it is better not to use it.
To prevent the risks of rancidity, we recommend always securely closing the bottle containing the moringa oil, as the primary factor of oxidation is the oxygen in the air. Also, ensure to store it in a cool place and out of direct light, as this can potentially deteriorate it. Finally, after opening, moringa oil can be kept for six months. Once you have started using your oil, it may be useful to stick a label on the bottle with the opening date, to prevent any forgetfulness.
Good Practice : Even though moringa oil is generally well tolerated by all skin types, it is advisable to perform a tolerance test the first time you use it.
Sources
UL HAQ I. & al. Moringa oleifera: a natural gift-A review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (2010).
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).
