Moringa oleifera is a perennial tree originating in India that is cultivated in many tropical regions and can withstand and grow even in the most undesirable conditions. It is referred to as the drumstick tree or tree of life, and its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content has been used to treat many conditions, including malnutrition. 

mprestriction ids="3,4,26,18,6,7,8,9,14,18,43,44"}

In skin care, it can serve as a multifunctional ingredient that benefits skin with a combination of active and moisturizing properties but also adds to the safety of products. Utilizing multifunctional products is a recent trend in skin care product manufacturing since using innovative raw materials, ingredients, and product forms (foams, jellies, creams, and more) became outdated as a competitive advantage. Moringa is one of the plant extracts that provides moisturizing, soothing, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant benefits all in one ingredient. With natural and safe skin care products trending with consumer demand, moringa can protect against environmental concerns like pollution and reduce adverse effects that other ingredients might have on skin. 

The moringa tree’s different parts contribute to various benefits; many of them acknowledged in ayurvedic medicine. Its leaves contain various flavonoids, or naturally occurring phenolic compounds, like myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and others. The phenolic compounds have antioxidant properties because they consist of a hydroxyl group that donates hydrogen to neutralize free radicals. This improves skin quality through increased hydration and contributes antiaging benefits. Moringa has also been studied for sunscreen and photoprotective characteristics. 

Studies show that tested moringa oleifera leaf extracts in concentrations of up to 5% have a positive effect on cellular proliferation and metabolism and may reduce oxidative stress in cells and skin irritation, in addition to aiding product safety. 

While there are no studies detailing the potential side effects of moringa, it is a multifunctional ingredient that fits the current manufacturer trend of offering many benefits to products, both for skin results and product safety function, successfully replacing synthetic ingredients. 

References

1. Nizioł-Łukaszewska, Z., Furman-Toczek, D., Bujak, T., Wasilewski, T., & Hordyjewicz-Baran, Z. (2020). Moringa oleifera L. Extracts as Bioactive Ingredients That Increase Safety of Body Wash Cosmetics. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2020, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8197902
2. Meireles, D., Gomes, J., Lopes, L., Hinzmann, M., & Machado, J. (2020). A review of properties, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications of Moringa Oleifera: Integrative approach on conventional and traditional Asian medicine. Advances in Traditional Medicine, 20(4), 495–515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00468-0

{/mprestriction}