What is moringa oil and what are its benefits for the skin? It’s pressed from the seeds of a plant (Moringa oleifera) that grows in the Himalayan Mountains. Locals call it the “miracle tree” for good reason. The oil has been used for millennia to treat wounds and heal dry skin, plus it’s edible and good for the hair (1).
Peoples as diverse as the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Hindus have extracted the oil to use in perfumes and ointments. Moringa is suitable for all skin types and it won’t clog pores. Instead, it reduces inflammation and smooths wrinkles and lines.
Of course, it takes time to work. But if you put moringa oil directly on your face every day, over time it will make the skin plumper and more radiant, giving it a youthful appearance. And since it’s packed with vitamin C, it not only brightens the complexion, but moringa oil also lightens skin discoloration.
How to use moringa oil on the face
It’s straightforward to use moringa oil as a moisturizer. It penetrates better and absorbs faster if you apply it to clean slightly damp, or dry skin. (We prefer to put it on damp skin because the oil seals in the moisture to fix those pesky dry patches). But you can also smooth it on after serum or add a drop to your moisturizer.
Dispense a couple of drops of the oil in the palm of your hand and massage it gently into your face. Wait 3 to 5 minutes before applying makeup or going to bed. By then, it should have absorbed.
Moringa oil benefits for the face
As we age, the skin needs more lipids and nutrients to stay firm and hydrated. Moringa oil provides fatty acids and lots of antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. It helps the skin maintain a healthy barrier against moisture loss while it defends against damage from pollution and sun exposure. The high amount of vitamin C can gradually fade hyperpigmentation, too (2).
Moreover, moringa is antimicrobial and it naturally balances sebum production and reduces inflammation. That makes it useful for treating acne-prone faces.
Lastly, moringa blends well with other oils including essential oils. Check out the in-depth moringa oil reviews below to find what you need.
| The best moringa oils for the face | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Green Virgin Products Organic Moringa Oil |
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| Mother Nature Moringa Oil |
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| SVA Organics Moringa Oil |
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| Prime Natural Organic Moringa Oil |
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| Desert Essence Moringa, Jojoba and Rosehip Oil |
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| Beauty by Earth Organic Face Oil |
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| MARA - Natural Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil |
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Best Moringa Oils for the Face in 2024
Green Virgin Products Organic Moringa Oil
If you want the purest moringa oil possible, choose one that’s labeled “food grade”. It will be edible and therefore also safe for use on the skin. This particular oil is extra virgin and certified organic, meaning it has not been refined, bleached, or deodorized, and the trees it comes from are grown without harmful pesticides.
If you examine it, it has a light yellow color and a slight nutty scent and flavor. The brand sources the oil from farms in Nicaragua because it’s true extra virgin oil since it’s only pressed once from the seeds and not reprocessed. (Should you happen to purchase moringa oil that’s either completely unscented or has a burned odor, chances are it’s been refined and it may not be as potent and pure).
The oil is packaged in a glass bottle with an eyedropper for easy dispensing. Reviewers say it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy sheen. It soothes dry skin immediately and improves its appearance with repeated applications.
Pros:
- Food grade certified organic, extra virgin moringa oil
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy
- Packaged in a glass bottle with an eyedropper
Cons:
- None
Mother Nature Moringa Oil
Here’s another organic moringa oil for the face that’s sustainably sourced from farms in India. It’s cold-pressed from the seeds, which means no heat is used to extract it so it retains all of its natural nutrients. Moreover, the trees from which it comes are non-GMO and are naturally quick to grow another crop.
Feel free to use the oil on your skin and hair as it’s also an excellent conditioner. Apply it directly to the scalp to clear up dandruff and leave it on the tips to prevent frizz and split ends.
The brand produces and bottles the moringa oil in small batches for maximum freshness. Each amber glass bottle guards against oxidation but has a clearly marked expiration date all the same. Plus, the cap features a built-in dropper.
Users say the oil has a nutty aroma and will solidify if stored in the refrigerator. Some prefer the thicker texture as it’s like rubbing butter into the skin.
Pros:
- Non-GMO, certified organic moringa oil sustainably sourced from India
- Cold-pressed and undiluted
- Produced in small batches and packaged in amber glass with a dropper
Cons:
- None
SVA Organics Moringa Oil
This moringa oil also comes from India. It’s cold-press extracted, which means it’s hexane-free as the process requires no solvents. Furthermore, it’s USDA-certified organic and bottled in the USA.
Keep in mind that it’s not food grade, but instead, it’s recommended for massages, skin care, and hair care. The oil is packed with a dropper for precise application and easy measurement.
Plus, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee that it’s 100% authentic. If you aren’t pleased with it, you can get a full refund or a replacement.
Pros:
- Hexane-free, cold-pressed, and USDA-certified organic
- Packaged in the USA
- Comes with an eyedropper
Cons:
- Not food grade but made for the skin and hair
Prime Natural Organic Moringa Oil
What’s unique about this moringa oil? It’s been clinically tested by Bioscreen Testing Services and verified to be non-irritating for sensitive skin.
As a rule, moringa oil is rich in behenic acid, a fatty acid essential for lubricating and conditioning the skin. Of course, it’s packed with antioxidants to counteract premature aging, too.
Although it’s sourced in Kenya, the cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin oil is bottled in the USA. It comes in amber glass with both a pump top and a glass dropper. It’s produced by a brand based in Oregon that manufactures in an FDA-registered facility.
Pros:
- Cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin moringa oil from Kenya
- Bottled in an FDA-registered facility in Oregon
- Comes with both a pump top and an eyedropper
Cons:
- None except that it’s not food grade or certified organic
Desert Essence Moringa, Jojoba and Rosehip Oil
You’ve heard of retinol – did you know it’s derived from vitamin A? This natural blend of oils is packed with vitamin A to stimulate skin repair and erase lines, wrinkles, and even stretch marks.
It’s not just moringa oil, but also jojoba, rosehip, and orange peel oil. While the jojoba is certified organic, the other ingredients are not. In any case, all three oils are outstanding for the face. They improve elasticity and firmness while reducing irritation and boosting hydration.
This blend can balance sebum production to reduce oiliness at the same time it leaves the complexion radiant and dewy fresh. It has a light citrusy aroma that fades as it absorbs into the skin.
Pros:
- Organic jojoba, moringa, and rosehip oils calm the skin and boost hydration
- Vitamins A and E and fatty acids firm the skin
- Vitamin C leaves the complexion radiant while evening tone
Cons:
- None
Beauty by Earth Organic Face Oil
Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up with smooth, soft skin? And if it were even-toned, not blotchy? Then it’s time to try this facial oil with moringa. It’s specially crafted to be ultra-moisturizing for sensitive, dry skin and to neutralize signs of aging at the same time.
It features the triple threat powerhouse of moringa, argan, and jojoba oils, but that’s not all. It’s extra rich in blemish-erasing vitamin C because it also has passion fruit and pomegranate oil. But don’t forget the blend of essential oils like rosemary, lavender, and calendula for extra skin soothing. It’s these plus the citrus oils that give it the pleasing light fragrance.
Every ingredient but one (vitamin E) is certified organic. Also, the product is produced in the USA and packaged with a dropper.
Pros:
- Softens and smooths skin, evens tone, makes the complexion radiant and youthful
- Every plant oil is certified organic including moringa, jojoba, and argan
- Also features essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and calendula
- Comes with a dropper, produced in the USA
Cons:
- None unless you have an allergy to any of the natural ingredients
MARA – Natural Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil
What about moringa oil for skin lightening? Although it’s not as potent against hyperpigmentation as hydroquinone or kojic acid, moringa oil is full of vitamin C which fades discoloration. Moreover, it won’t bleach naturally dark skin. This moringa face oil promises to brighten the complexion and do so much more.
The beneficial effects of moringa are supported by an algae plankton blend. All of these contain antioxidants to plump and firm aging skin. What’s more, algae encourages hyaluronic acid to form in the skin and help it stay hydrated.
Next, there’s baobab oil that’s overflowing with vitamins just like its companion, Kalahari watermelon. Both keep the skin supple and radiant. After that, bilberry brings omega fatty acids and resveratrol, another potent anti-aging nutrient. Lastly, bergamot and bitter orange work their magic to brighten the skin.
It’s no surprise that this is an award-winning skincare product. It’s safe for all skin types, even sensitive complexions, plus it’s unscented. Happily, it has no artificial fragrance, parabens, dyes, silicone, phthalates, or PEGs. It’s also cruelty-free and tested by dermatologists to be hypoallergenic.
By the way, the oil comes in a dark-colored glass bottle with a dropper inside the lid. Both the bottle and the lid are recyclable, and the business as a whole uses green manufacturing practices.
Pros:
- Rich blend of natural oils including moringa, baobab, and bilberry
- Supported by algae and plankton with essential oils
- Brightens the complexion and firms and moisturizes the skin
- Tested for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic
- No artificial fragrance, parabens, or phthalates
- Packaged in dark-colored recyclable glass with a dropper
Cons:
- Not free from scent neutralizers
Conclusion
Moringa oil is a safe and natural choice for all skin types, even sensitive faces. With no added ingredients, it’s a potent anti-aging treatment that strengthens the skin and beautifies the complexion. Plus, it blends well with other natural oils, making it a top choice for skincare products and cosmetics.
We hope our reviews helped you discover the benefits of moringa oil today. Feel free to leave us a question or comment below.
Sources:
1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13596-020-00468-0 Meireles, D., Gomes, J., Lopes, L. et al. 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 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00468-0
2. https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-016-0379-0 Nadeem, M., Imran, M. Promising features of Moringa oleifera oil: recent updates and perspectives. Lipids Health Dis 15, 212 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-016-0379-0