If you’re at all into skincare, you probably use various oils to help moisturise and maintain a healthy glow, but have you been getting the benefits of moringa oil? You might be missing out on a much-loved ingredient. 

As much as we love skin innovations, there’s nothing like the ingredients that have been around for centuries to get the job done. Moringa oil is firmly among those. It’s great for most skin types and works well with pretty much all other ingredients, making it a fantastic addition to any skincare routine. 

Today, we’re going to dive into the nitty gritty of moringa oil and how you can get the most from its many benefits.

What is moringa oil?

Moringa oil — you may also see it listed as moringa oleifera seed oil — is extracted from seeds of the moringa tree, which is native to the Himalayan mountains and also grows throughout Africa.

Moringa oil is high in something called oleic acid; what makes oleic acid so great is that it's full of omega fatty acids, which the skin loves. It also contains antioxidants, which are hugely beneficial for the skin in fighting free radicals, in turn helping to reduce dark spots.

Not only are the ingredients fantastic, it's also got a lovely light consistency, which, when it comes to oils in skincare, is a huge bonus.

What are the benefits of moringa oil?

Moringa oil is one that’s been used for centuries thanks to its ability as a fantastic all-rounder — this has even earned the moringa plant the name of the “miracle tree”. 

The benefits of moringa oil include: 

• Hydration. The main use of oils in skincare is to add some extra hydration and moringa oil is no exception. Since it's comprised of skin-loving fatty acids, it works as an excellent support to keep the skin barrier functioning — basically keeping the good stuff (moisture) in and bad stuff (like pollution) out.
• Anti-ageing. Moringa oil is noted as being great at plumping the skin and some studies have shown that using a concentrated version of the oil supported anti-ageing effects [1]. Though, it’s important to note that this study was only done on men. 
• Hair hydration. Moringa oil is also great for the hair. Since it contains lovely fatty acids, it can be used as a scalp treatment to increase moisture levels; ideal if you suffer from a dry, itchy scalp. It can also add some shine and extra hydration to dry ends. 
• Scraps and cuts. Now, don’t just take our word for it on this one because you need to use your judgment, but moringa oil has long been used for its healing benefits for minor cuts and scrapes (and we cannot emphasise minor enough), thanks to its antibacterial properties [2]. It’s also said to have microbial activity, which is another reason it's been used for centuries [3].

Are there any side effects?

The great news is that there aren’t many side effects at all from moringa oil. In fact, that’s one of its selling points: pretty much everyone can experience benefits from it. Having said that, as with all skincare, there’s a small risk of minor side effects. 

As with all products applied topically to the skin, irritation can occur so this is something to bear in mind, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Try a patch test before applying it to your whole face if you’re unsure whether your skin likes moringa oil or not. In most cases though, moringa oil will actually help decrease skin irritation. 

When it comes to natural oils like moringa, there is a lack of scientific studies to determine side effects and how common these may be. More research is needed to fully determine the benefits of the moringa plant to skin and hair.

In addition to this, make sure you're using moringa oil from high-quality sources, and use formulas that have been made specifically for the skin to avoid damage skin or irritation.

Is moringa oil good for all skin types?

One of the reasons moringa oil is so popular is that it’s great for all skin types.

Since it’s lightweight and contains fantastic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s actually excellent for acne-prone skin. In addition to this, it’s non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog your pores as a lot of other oils (like coconut oil) can. 

It’s also excellent for dry and sensitive skin types that want some extra hydration using an oil but find that other, heavier oils aren’t a great fit for their skin.

Can you use moringa oil on your face every day?

Moringa oil can absolutely be used every day.

Having said that, it’s best to start slowly and work your way up. The frequency with which you use a product doesn’t always determine how effective it’s going to be, which is something to bear in mind. 

You can certainly use moringa oil on your face every day, whether that’s morning or evening — depending on what you personally prefer in your routine. 

It’s a fantastic ingredient to be used on other types of skincare too, including cleansers. Software's Hydrating Cleansing Oil is supercharged with moringa oil, along with other powerful ingredients like raspberry seed oil, jojoba seed, and oat kernel oils.

Packed with prebiotics, postbiotics, and fatty acids, this oil-to-milk cleanser is suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin and ageing or dull skin. Thanks to its unique formula, it removes makeup and daily debris without stripping the skin of its natural oils, while also supporting the skin's natural microbiome and fighting inflammation.

How to use moringa oil in skincare

Moringa oil can be used in the morning and/or evening — it’s really down to personal preference. 

Morning

If the moringa oil is incorporated into a cleanser, then this can be used twice daily (AM and PM) and is particularly great if you massage into dry skin before washing off. This hydrates the skin as it cleanses to make sure you’re not stripping the skin of oils as you wash off dirt and leftover makeup from the day. Studies show it’s a fantastic cleansing agent, noting its ability to help remove dirt from the skin [4].

As an oil, we recommend adding this as the last step in your routine before applying your sunscreen and makeup. You’ll want to make sure that you’ve given plenty of time for the oil to absorb into your skin before moving onto sunscreen to make sure it’s not interfering with it. A little goes a long way to use moringa oil sparingly in the morning; just a few drops will do.

Evening 

In the evening, again, you can use moringa oil as a cleanser; it works fantastically at removing dirt and makeup. 

You can also apply it as an oil, either before your moisturiser or afterwards. You can even mix the 2 together to make your own rich, oily cream. 

You can also use it as a hair treatment, letting it work its magic while you sleep before washing off well in the morning. Either pop the cold pressed moringa oil on your scalp, which soothes inflammation or add to the ends to protect and moisturise ends.

As with all skincare, introduce it slowly so that you can be sure your skin isn’t reactive to it and you’re getting those benefits.