Moringa Oil (Ben Oil): Benefits for Skin and Hair, How to Use It
Extracted from moringa seeds, ben oil has been used for centuries in skin and scalp care for its richness in oleic acid.
Moringa oil, also called ben oil, is extracted from the seeds of moringa (amla/">Moringa oleifera), the nutrient-dense tree already covered in our herbs hub. Unlike moringa leaf, consumed as a powder for its nutritional content, seed oil is traditionally reserved for external use: skin, scalp and hair care, where its richness in oleic acid and its good long-term stability have made it a sought-after ingredient since antiquity — it is even mentioned in ancient Egyptian perfumes.
This article details its profile, traditional uses, and the precautions to know before buying.
What research says about moringa oil's profile
The reference review by Anwar, Latif, Ashraf and Gilani, published in 2007 in Phytotherapy Research, surveys the many documented uses of Moringa oleifera, including the lipid profile of the oil extracted from its seeds. The authors report an exceptionally high oleic-acid content — often above 70% — which gives this oil good oxidative stability, a penetrating texture and greater resistance to rancidity than many common vegetable oils (see the review on Google Scholar). This lipid profile explains its long-standing traditional use in cosmetics, well before modern research characterized it.
Traditional uses of moringa oil
| Use | Application |
|---|---|
| Dry skin care | A few drops massaged onto slightly damp skin, in the evening |
| Scalp care | Scalp massage before shampooing, left in for 30 minutes to overnight |
| Dry hair ends | One to two drops spread over lengths and ends after washing |
| Base for Ayurvedic oil blends | Used alone or combined with other massage oils, as detailed in our guide massage oils by dosha |
How to choose a good-quality moringa oil
Favor a cold-pressed, unrefined tulsi/">moringa oil, packaged in an opaque bottle to limit oxidation from light. The natural color ranges from pale yellow to golden; a colorless oil or a strong solvent smell should raise concern about a chemical rather than mechanical extraction process. As with most pure vegetable oils, an unusually low price relative to volume is often a sign of dilution or blending.
Difference from moringa leaf powder
Don't confuse seed oil, meant for external use, with moringa leaf powder, consumed orally for its nutritional content. Both products come from the same tree but differ in use and in their profile of active compounds: the oil is rich in fatty acids, the leaf powder in vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds.
Precautions
- Always do a patch test on the inner elbow 24 to 48 hours before first use, as with any new vegetable oil.
- Data on concentrated use during pregnancy remain limited: err on the side of caution or seek advice before intensive use.
- This oil remains a traditional cosmetic care product, with no demonstrated effect on a skin or scalp condition; for a persistent issue, see our article on dry skin or consult a dermatologist.
- For general guidance, see our safety and precautions guide.
Your questions about moringa oil (ben oil)
What exactly is moringa oil?
It is the oil extracted by pressing moringa seeds, also called ben oil, used externally on skin and scalp. It differs from moringa leaf powder, which is consumed orally.
Is moringa oil really rich in oleic acid?
Yes: a 2007 review reports a content often above 70% oleic acid, giving it good oxidative stability and a penetrating texture prized in traditional cosmetics.
How do you use moringa oil on hair?
As a scalp massage before shampooing, left in from 30 minutes to overnight, or a few drops on lengths and ends after washing for dry hair.
How do you recognize a good-quality moringa oil?
Favor a cold-pressed, unrefined oil, pale yellow to golden in color, in an opaque bottle. A colorless oil or a strong solvent smell often signals chemical extraction.
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