Monoi de Tahiti Oil

Tahitian for “scented oil,” monoi – pronounced “mah-noy” – is a fragrant elixir made from coconut oil and Tiare flowers (also known as Tahitian gardenias). Although this ingredient has only recently begun to cause a furor in beauty circles, it has been a staple beauty product in the South Pacific for centuries.

What is Monoi de Tahiti oil?

Monoi de Tahiti oil is an ancient preparation made by soaking Tiare flower buds or petals in coconut oil. This fragrant oil has its roots in South Pacific islands, including Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands. Tiare flowers (Gardenia Taitensis), picked by hand as buds, should be used within 24 hours of harvest. At least ten Tiare flowers are required per liter of refined oil.

The tiare plant thrives in a warm, tropical climate with partial to full sun and frequent watering. The beautiful buds bloom from March to November and are usually harvested at dusk. Every year 110 million tiare flowers are harvested in French Polynesia alone. Coconut palms also thrive in warm climates with abundant sunlight and precipitation. These hardy plants also thrive on the sandy soil along coastlines, meaning the South Pacific islands are ideal for their growth.

Monoi oil history

Although its origins are not entirely clear, Monoi de Tahiti oil has been used by Pacific islanders for over 2,000 years, giving it significant cultural significance throughout the region. Traditionally, this light, amber-colored oil liquid has been used in religious ceremonies to purify sacred objects, as a medicinal remedy to relieve common ailments, and as a multipurpose beauty ingredient to soften skin and hair.

Benefits of Monoi Oil

What makes the ingredient Monoi oil so unique? Here are three primary health and beauty benefits of monoi oil for your skin, hair and health:

Monoi de Tahiti Oil deeply moisturizes your skin & hair

Monoi is an emollient and protective oil that deeply moisturizes the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. The people of the South Pacific have long used monoi oil as a full-body moisturizer to protect their skin from the harsh environmental influences such as the intense tropical sun and the drying salt water of their environment.

In more recent years, Monoi’s moisturizing and protective properties have become a sought-after product in the beauty and skin care industry. Monoi oil contains coconut oil, which has been shown to have tremendous moisturizing benefits for the skin and hair. The essential fatty acids in coconut oil, such as lauric acid, repair hair damage and increase shine.

Monoi de Tahiti Oil slows down signs of aging

There is a reason that cultures in the South Pacific have passed down their Monoi beauty secrets from generation to generation. Taking care of your skin with the powerful elixir can minimize the visible signs of aging. Because the base of monoi is coconut oil, this incredible superfood is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, which have powerful anti-aging properties. In fact, vitamin E and ferulic acid help neutralize the effects of free radical damage. Many environmental stressors, such as UV rays, heat and sunlight, expose the skin to free radicals, which cause fine lines and wrinkles.

Monoi de Tahiti Oil soothes and restores dry skin

One of the main benefits of monoi oil is the soothing effect it has on reactive and chronically dry skin. This versatile Tahitian oil has traditionally been used in Polynesian medicine to soothe dry, flaky skin associated with sensitivity and specific conditions. According to Healthline.com, “Monoi oil may also act as an anti-inflammatory that can reduce the symptoms of known skin conditions, including eczema and contact dermatitis.” The tiare flowers used in monoi contain high levels of methyl salicylate and lauric acid, ingredients known for their soothing and restorative properties.