Moringa seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera plant: a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree that’s native to the Indian subcontinent, but widely cultivated across the globe. The moringa tree has been dubbed the Miracle Tree for its hardiness and abundant nutritional and homeopathic uses - all components of the tree, from its leaves to its seeds, to its roots, can be utilised for food, supplements, and cosmetic purposes. Leaves of the moringa plant contain seven times the vitamin C of an orange, four times the calcium of dairy milk, and three times the potassium of a banana when compared gram for gram!
Moringa oil, which we use in some of our products, is a lightweight, golden-olive oil with a mild nutty scent. It’s packed with fatty acids – most dominantly oleic acid. It’s rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E and has a wonderful smoothing effect on skin and hair. A natural fixative and stable oil thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, it’s often used as a carrier oil for volatile fragrances and is often used in aromatherapy for this purpose.
Lightweight, yet intensely nourishing, moringa oil is excellent for applications to both hair and skin.
Benefits of moringa oil for skin
Similar in composition to the sebum that we naturally produce, moringa oil is well-tolerated by most skin types, and is able to nourish and support the skin barrier, without feeling overly heavy or greasy. As an emollient, it forms a protective barrier to help seal moisture in the upper layers of the skin to prevent dryness. It is a key ingredient in our lip balms and lipsticks!
Traditional Asian and African medicine tout its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it commonly used as a healing salve for minor cuts and burns. Some studies have been conducted to explore its healing properties and potential for combatting breakouts. Its high concentration of vitamins C and A could help plump the appearance of skin and reduce the prominence of fine lines.
Benefits of moringa oil for hair
Containing a fatty acid known as behenic acid, moringa oil is exceptionally smoothing for hair. A fantastic emollient, it helps restore softness and shine, whilst still feeling lightweight on strands. It’s not currently used in any of our haircare products, but it is an ingredient we certainly are interested in utilising more... so watch this space!
Ethique products that contain moringa oil
Our nourishing plastic-free lip balms
Moringa oil has a high concentration of fatty acids and antioxidants, giving it excellent nourishing properties. So naturally, it was the perfect ingredient to include in our lip balms.
Packed with other luxurious plant-based ingredients; cocoa butter, castor seed, and jojoba oils, our lip balms nourish and leave your lips feeling smooth and supple for longer. This concoction of heavy-moisture-hitters lock in hydration for your lips. In fact, 94% of testers found an immediate improvement in the appearance of dry lips!
Our plastic-free and vegan lipstick range
You can find moringa oil in our seven highly pigmented and buildable lipsticks. As moringa oil is a supremely nourishing oil, it has a high concentration of fatty acids and antioxidants to help soften and protect lips. Formulated in our lab in Aotearoa, New Zealand, our industry leading team of women-led scientists have also combined a unique blend of nutrient-rich emollients and bold pigments to offer buildable colour with a smooth satin finish.
Where does moringa seed oil come from?
Our Moringa oil is sourced directly from growers in Rwanda through social enterprise Asili Oils, who help connect hundreds of small-holder farmers with international brands (like us at Ethique) to support the local communities through this primarily women-run industry.
We’re big believers in the honest and fair or direct trade of ingredients as it has far-reaching benefits for the communities. Not only does fair and direct trade ensure fair prices, reliable income, and good working conditions for the growers, but it also reduces the environmental impact of raw materials sourcing. When growers are not under pressure to over-use the land for resources in order to survive, they are far more inclined to cultivate crops in a sustainable manner. It also ensures longevity – techniques and skills can be passed down for generations to continue to support economic and social progression for the long-term.
References:
Meireles, D., Gomes, J., Lopes, L. et al. (2020). A review of properties, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications of Moringa oleifera: integrative approach on conventional and traditional Asian medicine. ADV TRADIT MED (ADTM) 20, 495–515.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00468-0
Nadeem, M., Imran, M. (2016). Promising features of Moringa oleifera oil: recent updates and perspectives. Lipids Health Dis 15, 212.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-016-0379-0
Stohs, S. J., & Hartman, M. J. (2015). Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Moringa oleifera. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 29(6), 796–804.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5325
Coppin, Julia. (2008) A study of the nutritional and medicinal values of Moringa oleifera leaves from sub-Saharan Africa: Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal and Zambia.
https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3MG7PVN
https://www.renature.co/articles/moringa-oleifera-the-miracle-tree/
