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Beauty Benefits of Moringa Oil

by Celia Shatzman

An age-old remedy made modern

What’s old is new again. That’s especially true in the beauty world—think argan or jojoba oil. This time, the ancient beauty tradition that’s making waves once more is moringa.

“Ancient Egyptians used moringa oil in wrinkle-removal formulations to keep skin youthful and beautiful, and soaked their hair in moringa oil to keep it silky and conditioned,” says Emily Cunningham, cofounder of True Moringa. “Like so many ‘new’ superfoods and beauty ingredients, moringa has been around for centuries.”

What is Moringa Oil?

So exactly what is it? “The moringa tree is sometimes dubbed ‘wonder tree’ because every single part of the tree has a function,” says Rachel Winard, founder and president of Soapwalla. “Roots, stems, leaves, resin, flowers and seed pods are all considered healing in Ayurveda, and medicinal uses date back to ancient Greek times. The tree bears flowers and fruit all year long.

“The abundant oil that comes from the seed pods is shockingly resistant to oxidation, which makes it a delightful oil to work with in skincare formulations,” she continues. Moringa is native to northern India and parts of Africa, but is now sourced from around the world, including most of Asia, the Caribbean and parts of the United States. Boasting anti-inflammatory properties and packed with vitamins A, C and E and other antioxidants, moringa fights premature aging and dull skin. “When cold-pressed, the oil from the seeds is one of the most effective multitasking moisturizers for all hair and skin types,” Cunningham says. “Its incredibly long shelf life and ability to deliver nutrients deep into the skin makes it an ideal ingredient in soaps, makeup, balms and other hair and skin care products.”

Moringa Oil for Skin

Soften skin with AHAVA Prickly Pear & Moringa Dry Oil Body Mist or Juara Kartini Body Oil. Moringa oil is lightweight and absorbs easily, meaning it won’t clog pores. Even for oily and acne-prone skin, applying moringa oil can help regulate oil production. Those with dry skin should try Soapwalla The Balm; the moringa oil delivers the nutrients dry skin needs.

Moringa Oil for Hair

It’s equally beneficial to hair. “Moringa has one of the highest naturally occurring levels of behenic acid, a common ingredient in hair conditioners,” Cunningham says. “Using moringa oil as a leave-in moisturizer on damp hair allows you the benefits of traditional conditioners and serums without the filler. Moringa also makes a nourishing oil for the scalp that encourages healthy hair growth. Best of all, it won’t leave a greasy after-feel for those with thinner hair who might find coconut or shea oil too heavy.” Brush True Moringa Face-Hair-Body Oil through your strands.

Benefits Outside Your Body

And moringa can do good outside your body—it can help farming families break the cycle of poverty. “Moringa trees can grow from a tiny seed to a full-sized, seed producing tree in less than eight months, and a single acre can increase farming family incomes by four to 10 times,” Cunningham says. “Moringa trees can be intercropped with existing crops farmers already grow, and provide a source of food security and income in the dry season. Last year, we launched our nucleus moringa farm, which will soon be home to one million moringa trees to combat deforestation and malnutrition, and with each purchase through truemoringa.com, we will plant a tree in the name of each customer.”

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