Introducing Moringa Oil—the Potent Skincare Ingredient Your Skin Desperately Needs

This super oil has been around for ages, but it has been popping up more often in various skincare products. Thank goodness, because it truly is a miracle elixir that offers a long list of benefits. We chatted with Dr. Shuting Hu, founder of ACADERMA, and Alexia Wambua, owner of clean beauty brand NATIVE ATLAS, to learn more about moringa oil's benefits, how to use it, and the best moringa oil products. Read on to discover what these experts had to share!

First Things First, What Is Moringa Oil?

We previously referred to moringa oil as a miracle, and that's because it basically is one! Derived from the seeds of the moringa oleifera tree, the plant is often referred to as the "miracle tree." This is "because the moringa tree's seeds, roots, bark, flowers, and leaves all have nutritional or medicinal purposes, but the seed oil is especially popular in skin and hair care because of its bioactive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties," shares Dr. Hu.

Native to the Himalayan mountains, the tree's oil has been sought after by many in the skincare world for its beneficial properties. "The oil is chock full of omega fatty acids and antioxidants, which actively work to soothe and protect the skin," Wambua says.

What Are the Biggest Moringa Oil Benefits for Your Skin?

The benefits of moringa oil include hydration, balance, anti-aging properties, and more. We can't even believe we weren't aware of all the ways it improves our complexion until relatively recently. Once you see all this oil has to offer, you'll never want to use anything else. We'll let the experts take it from here!

1. It's incredibly hydrating.

Dr. Hu points out that moringa oil is made up of 70% oleic acid, so it "hydrates dry skin by supporting the skin barrier." This support of the skin barrier "ultimately seals in hydration and protects the skin from potentially harmful environmental factors and free radicals," says Wambua.

2. It helps balance the skin.

Because of the high oleic acid content, Dr. Hu explains, "it's similar to natural sebum, which means moringa oil helps balance the skin." Even if your complexion is already oily, you don't have to worry about moringa oil amping up the greasiness.

"Moringa oil is a non-comedogenic oil and hydrates, while also balancing oil production," says Dr. Hu.

3. It will keep you looking youthful.

"Moringa oil is an effective anti-aging ingredient due to its antioxidant properties and hydrating, plumping effect," says Dr. Hu. You'll notice a dramatic decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles once you start incorporating moringa oil into your skincare routine. We say this because we know from first-hand experience.

4. The oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.

This is a huge benefit, even if you don't care to know what this means (but we’ll tell you anyway!). The oil's high vitamin E content gives it these anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which, in turn, gives the oil power to combat "breakouts and other inflammatory conditions like psoriasis or eczema. It can even heal cuts and other minor skin traumas," according to Dr. Hu.

5. It's nutrient-dense.

Aside from the high oleic acid and vitamin E contents, moringa oil also contains high amounts of "antioxidant tocopherols, omega fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin C." Dr. Hu notes that these nutritious ingredients all work together to protect the skin and boost its youthful glow.

6. It plays well with other skincare ingredients.

Some skincare ingredients don't get along all that well. But that isn't an issue with moringa oil, so you can feel comfortable incorporating it right into your routine. 

7. It benefits all skin types.

Oily skin, dry skin, combination skin—you name it, moringa oil is here to repair all your major skin concerns. "Perhaps one of the greatest perks of moringa oil is that it can be used on all skin types, including those with sensitive skin that is especially prone to breakouts," Wambua says.

While every skin type benefits from moringa oil, those with drier complexions may notice the benefits more due to the oil's emollient nature. "Dry and mature skin will benefit the most from moringa seed oil, because of its hydrating and plumping qualities," Dr. Hu mentions. 

You shouldn't notice any side effects when using the oil, though it's always best to do a patch test before applying any new product to your face.

8. It benefits more than just your skin.

Yes, moringa oil has many skincare benefits, but the buck doesn't stop there. The essential oil also benefits your hair and scalp by moisturizing and strengthening your strands with its potent blend of ingredients. "You can even use the oil as more than just a skincare product," Wambua notes. "It also makes a wonderful moisturizer, hair treatment, or ingredient for cooking." Have we sold you on moringa oil yet or what? Healthy skin has never been more achievable, we'll tell you that much.

How Should You Use Moringa Oil in Your Skincare Routine?

Incorporating moringa oil into your skincare routine is fairly easy. You likely won't need to update much, other than replacing a few products here and there in favor of moringa oil-based products. Dr. Hu notes that "the easiest way to incorporate pure moringa oil into your skincare routine would be to add a few drops to your nighttime moisturizer."

Wambua notes that if you're using the oil on its own, you'll want to apply it as the final step of your skincare routine. "After washing your face and using any moisturizers and/or toners, simply add a few drops of the oil to your hands and gently massage it into your face and neck," she says. Yes, it really is that easy to reap the skin and health benefits of moringa oil.

Our Favorite Moringa Oil Products

Moringa oil can be used on its own, though it's even more powerful when used with others. "There are many products that are formulated with moringa oil that also incorporate other active ingredients to maximize its effectiveness," Dr. Hu says. Of course, we had to share some of our favorites.

1. Best Moringa Oil-Based Primer: LUSH Magical Moringa Beauty Balm

In need of a nourishing primer to prep your complexion for the day? Congrats, you've found it. Along with moringa oil, rosehip oil and shea butter work together to hydrate your skin like it has never been hydrated before. You can even forgo the makeup to bask in the radiant glow this primer offers.

2. Best Moringa Oil-Based Toner: FARMACY Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner

Those with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin will especially appreciate this toner. The BHA gently exfoliates and cleans any gunk out of your pores, while the moringa oil ensures they stay moisturized and don't dry out.

3. Best Moringa Oil Product for Your Entire Body: AHAVA Dry Oil Body Mist

Your face shouldn't be the only part of your body reaping the benefits of moringa oil. The miracle oil and prickly pear in this body mist will keep every inch of your skin nourished and hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Once the temperatures start to rise, we never leave the house without it.

4. Best Moringa Oil Treatment: KATE SOMERVILLE® Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment

Moringa oil isn't the featured ingredient in this oil, though it's definitely the reason this treatment is as restorative as it is. Boosting the benefits of the Fiji-derived dilo oil, the moringa seed oil gives it an extra kick to really give you the benefits you desire. Get ready for an even skin tone, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and an increase in firmness and elasticity.

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