It's magic for your hair, skin, and (yes) underarms.
There's a new superfood in town called moringa and it's coming for your beauty products. It's not a huge mystery why—the tropical plant's moisturizing, nourishing, and antioxidant powers are exactly what you'd expect from a plant nicknamed "the tree of life." And while it's been used in skin and hair potions since ancient times, recently it's gained attention in the science world. "The moringa plant has very high concentrations of vitamins and micro-nutrients, and a record-high content of protein," explains Ilya Raskin, president of the Global Institute for BioExploration at Rutgers University. Plus, according to research by Raskin's team (in partnership with Estée Lauder), when extracted under a special bioconversion process, it can act as an anti-aging powerhouse. No wonder the ingredient has hit peak buzz.
Here, eight hair, makeup, and skin products that'll get you in on the moringa action.
It was truly only a matter of time before the moringa tree made its way into your moisturizers, hair hydrators, and body washes. Lauded for being both nutrient-dense and fast-growing even in times of drought in places like India, Ethiopia, the Philippines, the Sudan, South Africa, and Florida, it has recently become the darling of both the food and beauty worlds.
The powerful, exclusive-to-Estée Lauder Moringa Oleifera extract in this luxe cream provides important anti-aging benefits that come, as Dr. Nadine Pernodet, executive director of global research and development, skin biology for the brand, explains, "by activating your natural anti-irritant, anti-oxidant, and defense mechanisms in your skin." That translates into firmer, happier skin with fewer wrinkles.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme, $52, esteelauder.com.
This mask is sort of like an air filter for your strands, thanks to moringa's purifying and cleansing abilities. It's incredibly rich, so be warned: It could be a bit too intense for fine-haired-types. If that describes you, leave this one to the normal-to-thick-textured crowd.
Shu Uemura Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Deep Treatment Mask, $68, shuuemuraartofhair.com.
This little stick gives you surprisingly bold color pay-off, while conditioning lips with moringa and raspberry seed oils and the brand's signature beeswax. It's available in 14 shades, but we say the rich berry hue, Juniper Water (shown here), is just screaming to be worn this season.
Burt's Bees Lipstick, $8.99, ulta.com.
The moringa additive in this styler forms a protective barrier around the hair to block out humidity while the coconut oil keeps frizz at bay. The result: Rain-proof spirals.
Madam C.J. Walker Coconut & Moringa Oils Curl Defining Milk, $26, sephora.com.
Research suggests moringa improves hydration, so infusing a body oil with it is a no-brainer. And this heavenly-smelling floral-scented concoction also contains oils of plumeria, passion fruit, candlenut, and turmeric, so this bottle is basically a moisturizing-ingredient convention for your skin.
Juara Kartini Body Oil, $58, juaraskincare.com.
This ultra-gentle deodorant is all-natural, fragrance-free, and, thanks to the moringa inside, completely nourishing. Because, hey, even naturally-minded types want pretty-smelling underarms.
Lavanilla The Healthy Deodorant Deodorant, $14, lavanilla.com.
This skin brightener's pearly finish instantly ups your glow, while sea lavender flower extract energizes for an instant pick-me-up. And, over time, that aforementioned exclusive, moringa-based technology helps skin's firmness and elasticity by triggering your skin's natural anti-aging pathways.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Aging Wakeup Balm, $62, esteelauder.com.
The moringa seed oil, shea butter, and aloe in this cleanser allow for a washing experience that doesn't leave your skin screaming for an immediate post-shower lotioning. Consider the lovely white floral fragrance it leaves behind a bonus.
The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel, $10, thebodyshop-usa.com.