Moringa is truly a miracle tree. With over 46 antioxidants and 90+ nutrients, the oil from moringa seeds makes a fantastic skincare ingredient that you don’t want to miss. In fact, the oil was among the most prized by great ancient cultures of the Mediterranean including the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for its remarkable cosmetic properties. Heralded as 'a classic oil for modern cosmetics' by Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine (1), here are a few reasons you should include it as part of your daily regimen.
1. Rich in Beta-Carotene
Moringa oil has an incredible amount of Beta Carotene, which is the precursor to retinol—an ingredient shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. In fact, it contains 15 times the Vitamin A of carrots! (3) Since it is as gentle as olive oil, you can apply it to the skin generously or use it as a spot treatment on the face, even sensitive areas around the eyes.
2. Powerful, yet gentle
So why not just use any product with retinol in it? Many of the products on the market touting retinol have the ingredient in an artificial, chemical form. Moringa oil by contrast is in a natural form, which is more suitable for longterm use. As with all-natural products in general, it is important to use them consistently as part of a daily routine for a prolonged period to see best results.
3. Nourishing and Moisturizing
Moringa is packed with antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties that accelerate wound healing and help protect the skin. It also absorbs quickly and doesn’t have a greasy or oily feel. As such, it makes a superb moisturizer that leaves the skin radiant for hours.
When choosing moringa oil, be sure to select only cold-pressed, unrefined oil that is stored in dark glass as both heat and light have a tendency to break down retinol to a biologically inactive form.
To maximize the benefits of any skincare product, use them in conjunction with positive lifestyle habits such as staying hydrated, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, avoiding overeating, and limiting exposure to the sun, which is undoubtedly the primary factor in premature aging of the skin.
For a product that features organic, cold-pressed, unrefined moringa oil, check out Lunamy's Classic Oil.
This information is for educational purposes about the traditional uses of essential and carrier oils only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
(1) Le Poole, H.A.C., 1996. Behen Oil: A Classic Oil for Modern Cosmetics. Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine January. 77.
(3) Fuglie, Lowell J. The Miracle Tree. Church World Service. 2001. Data on moringa from Ferrao and Ferrao p. 54.
