Moringa Oil Is a Hydrating, Healing Ingredient Experts Can't Get Enough Of

When you picture your holy-grail of skincare ingredients, you’re probably imagining a shelf full of glass bottles and various containers, because skincare takes a lot. The benefits of each bottle most likely do some form of the following: moisturize, clarify, reduce dark spots, have anti-aging benefits, or help build collagen. Now, imagine you could get those skin-enhancing benefits from one source entirely—no more clanking bottles and overflowing bathroom cabinets. Sure, we love a good shelfie as much as the next person, but sometimes it’s good to simplify things. Crazy enough, the solution to the various skincare cocktails of oils and moisturizers you've been collecting over time has actually been around for centuries. What is it, you ask? It's called moringa oil.

This all-natural source of skincare greatness is praised as an all-around wonder oil. Of course, we're going to give you the lowdown on this must-have oil straight from skincare experts.

Keep scrolling for all the info about moringa oil from the experts, including what it does for your skin.

What Is Moringa Oil?

"Moringa seed oil is an oil that comes from the moringa plant found in the Himalayan mountains," says Zeichner. "The oil is rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, which soothe and protect the skin." The antioxidants act as natural preservatives, making it a stable oil resistant to rancidity, and allowing for longer shelf life. The seeds of the moringa tree are also high in oleic acid, another fatty acid, at 73 percent, which gives it additional beneficial properties we'll discuss later on. It's also nutrient-dense, high in palmitoleic and linoleic acids, and contains vitamins A and C as well.

"Its seeds contain about 40 percent of oil, which is high in oleic acid triglycerides and, for this reason, is often compared to olive oil," says Olioso, who notes that the oil leaves behind a nice texture on the skin, and also contains powerful antioxidant tocopherols—like vitamin E and calming sterols, which she says makes it ideal for cosmetic applications. Moringa oil is found in numerous cosmetics due to its moisturizing, cleansing, and emollient properties.

Benefits of Moringa Oil for Skin

• Hydrates skin: "Moringa oil is 40 percent monounsaturated fatty acids, with 70 percent of that being oleic acid," says King. "This makes it great for supporting the skin barrier, which seals in hydration and protects us from environmental insults. This means that it is a good moisturizer, very cleansing, and beneficial for dry and sensitive skin."
• Anti-aging ingredient: Providing that the product is comprised of "relatively fresh oil with low free oleic acid content," says Olioso, it will be effective at plumping fine lines and contributing to an overall more youthful appearance.
• Healing properties: Because of its emollient properties, moringa is a solid choice for applying to minor cuts, burns, and scrapes.
• Balances natural oils: "Moringa oil is also similar to the oil naturally produced by our skin, which means that it can help to balance and nourish all skin types without being greasy," says King.
• Antimicrobial: "It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well, and because of its high content of vitamin E, it also has potent antioxidant properties," says King.
• Combats breakouts: The anti-inflammatory properties may also help contribute to clearer skin, counteracting breakouts. "It is an ingredient commonly used to address skin issues like pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and even acne-prone skin," says Zeichner.
• Therapeutic: Moringa is often used in aromatherapy products as a carrier oil (due to its long shelf life).

Side Effects of Moringa Oil

Unfortunately, there's no scientific proof available to verify all of its potential side effects. While certain professionals revere the oil's miracle powers, clinical trials have not been conducted to prove these claims. "We need more data to fully understand the effects of moringa oil in topical products because there have not yet been many studies about this," says King. As with any new product, experts recommend patients do a spot test behind the ear and leave it on for 24 hours. If any reaction occurs, discontinue use.

How to Use Moringa Oil

While moringa can be purchased as an oil (i.e. one containing no other ingredients), it's most often used in conjunction with other ingredients. The oil itself can be used as a moisturizer, hair treatment, or even in cooking. You can use moringa oil in the morning and night, but it is best to use it at the final step of your nighttime routine, or before your sunscreen in the morning. You can also use moringa oil to condition dry lips and other rough, dry skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.