Baobab Oil Is The Dry Skin Savior That You Never Knew You Needed
One of the new, buzzworthy beauty ingredients popping up in skincare products is baobab oil. If you’ve seen it on a label and you’re wondering what it is, you’ve come to the right place. While it may seem new to some, baobab oil has been around for centuries and comes from the baobab tree, which is native to Africa (and also goes by the name of Adansonia digitata). It’s commonly referred to as “the tree of life,” because a single tree can live for over 500 years.
It might not be as well-known as jojoba oil or argan oil, but when it comes to skincare (and hair care, too) baobab oil can deliver amazing, long-lasting hydration. “Baobab oil is a natural moisturizer, an emollient,” says Alessandra Caceres, licensed esthetician and founder of Lavender Facial Bar. “It soothes the skin while helping it retain elasticity.”
The oil comes straight from the pulp of the baobab fruit, which is transformed into raw powder and then infused in skincare and hair care products to serve up major moisturization. It’s also very stable, which means its shelf life can vary from two to five years, so you won’t have to worry about the effectiveness of the product after a few months. If you’re looking for a new path to healthy, glowy skin read on to learn about the benefits of baobab oil, and whether it’s right for you.
Meet the Expert
Alessandra Caceres is a licensed esthetician and founder of Lavender Facial Bar in Miami.
Benefits of baobab oil for skin
Baobab oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, (including linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid) and can assist in everything from hydration to aging. Here are some of the top benefits of baobab oil:
It’s majorly moisturizing:
Baobab oil is packed with moisture, making it a must-have for dry skin and hair. It works to restore hydration and also strengthens the skin barrier to ensure the moisture levels aren’t depleted by external aggressors. “Essential fatty acids, like Omega 6 and 9, assist in the skin barrier,” says Caceres. It can also provide soothing relief for a host of skin conditions, including eczema, dryness, and psoriasis. “It contains high levels of vitamins A, E and F, in addition, it contains essential fatty acids like Omega 6 and 9, Beta Carotene, vitamin C and linoleic acid,” says Caceres. These work together to minimize redness and inflammation in the skin (but more on that later).
It corrects hyperpigmentation:
If you suffer from dark spots or melasma or simply want to brighten a dull complexion, then this is the oil for you. “Because of its high levels of vitamin C it helps to control melanin production,” says Caceres. By doing so, it can help fade hyperpigmentation while also brightening the skin.
It’s an anti-aging multitasker:
Not only can baobab oil restore a youthful glow, but it can also boost collagen and elastin which naturally deplete as we age. “Baobab oil has high levels of vitamin C and fatty acids,” Caceres explains. “Vitamin C boosts collagen and elastin production while fatty acids help to repair skin barriers for a healthier, beautiful skin.” It’s also rich in antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage responsible for fine lines and wrinkles.
Soothes redness and inflammation:
Those with sensitive skin or dry skin who are looking for relief will be thrilled to discover the anti-inflammatory properties associated with this skincare savior. “It contains vitamin F,” says Caceres, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, and also contains linoleic acid. “Linoleic acid helps with inflammation and redness on the skin,” says Caceres.
It provides nourishment to hair:
While we’re focusing on the bevy of skincare benefits associated with baobab oil, we would be doing the nourishing oil a disservice by not honing in on the benefits it can provide to your hair and scalp. Since baobab oil is rich in vitamin E and has a high fatty acid content it can also help dry scalps and damaged hair by smoothing over frizz and providing much-needed moisture. It also can help soothe itchiness caused by dandruff. In order to reap the benefits, you can mix a few drops in with your conditioner from root to tip to provide much-needed hydration.
Does baobab oil clog pores?
While baobab oil is an incredible hydrator, it also can soothe acne-prone skin, as it’s non-comedogenic, meaning “it doesn't clog the pores,” says Caceres. Since it’s lightweight you also won’t have to worry about it contributing to breakouts. “Its natural hydrating nature prevents excess oil production that leads to acne,” says Caceres. Not only is it safe for soothing acne-prone skin, but new research shows that it might actually stop acne flare-ups in their tracks. “There are clinical trials showing that the baobab oil may prevent acne,” says Caceres. It can provide soothing relief without clogging pores, making it a nourishing treatment for acne-prone skin.
How to use baobab oil
The beauty of baobab oil is that it’s gentle enough to use on a daily basis. “Baobab oil can be used alone, or in conjunction with your facial moisturizer or masque, daily or night,” says Caceres. Since it contains high antioxidant levels, using it during the day will provide extra environmental protection against free radical damage, (which are responsible for premature signs of aging). While baobab oil is suitable for normal, dry, and sensitive skin, it’s always best to consult your dermatologist before incorporating a new skincare product into your routine. Doing a patch test can also ensure your skin won’t react.
Skincare products with baobab we love
The easiest way to incorporate baobab oil in your skincare routine is to reach for a product that already contains the moisturizing multitasker—and we’ve rounded up our favorite beauty products below to get you started.
DRUNK ELEPHANT Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
The star ingredient in this multitasking cleanser is baobab seed oil, which softens skin while dissolving makeup. It’s gentle enough to use around the eye area but tough enough to remove makeup, dirt, and sunscreen. It’s also ideal for anyone with dry skin who’s hoping to remove makeup without stripping their complexion. Simply add water to watch the oil transform to a milk as you lather and wash away the day.
FENTY SKIN Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream
Treat your complexion to a spa-like experience when you sleep after you apply this moisturizing night cream that’s like an instant refresher for tired skin. We all have those days when our skin can use a little TLC, and this lotion is the perfect addition to your evening routine. It serves up hyaluronic acid, Baobab oil, and Kalahari melon oil to plump your complexion and deliver an 8-hour surge of hydration. In just one week, pores look smaller, dark spots fade, and lines and wrinkles are less noticeable.
AKAR SKIN Soothe Face Oil
Baobab oil deeply penetrates the skin’s surface and works with your skin’s natural lipids to hydrate from the outside in. If you have normal, dry, or sensitive skin, reach for this quick-absorbing, lightweight formula that’s packed with oleic acid, an Omega-9 fatty acid, for healthier, younger-looking skin.
SHEAMOISTURE 100% Pure Baobab Oil Head To Toe Nourishment
This multitasking oil lives up to its name and delivers nourishing, head-to-toe hydration for hair and skin. Omegas 3, 6, and 9 go to work in this potent formula to provide much-needed hydration while also strengthening skin elasticity. The result? A plumper, glowing complexion and stronger strands. What more could you ask for?
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