How To Incorporate Monoi Oil Into Your Beauty Routine

With all the natural oils on the market for cosmetic purposes — like coconut, argan, avocado, and jojoba — one product is often overlooked: monoi oil.

Monoi oil has a very specific formulation, according to the haircare line Carol's Daughter. It's created by adding petals from the gardenia flower, which is also sometimes referred to as the tiare flower, to pure coconut oil. In order for monoi oil to be authentic, the petals must originate from Tahiti, like how Champagne with a capital "C" must come from Champagne, France.

Monoi oil is deeply restorative and hydrating for skin and hair. Dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi tells Byrdie that this "centuries-old remedy from Tahiti" — where it's called a sacred oil — is used as a perfume oil, typically applied from head to toe for its moisturizing properties and lovely scent.

Here's how to incorporate monoi oil into your beauty routine.

Monoi oil isn't just beneficial for your face and body because of its moisturizing properties. It's anti-inflammatory, helping treat contact dermatitis and eczema, and the coconut oil within the formula is chock full of fatty acids, which are naturally antibacterial and effective in protecting against skin issues like acne and cellulitis, per Healthline. 

Monoi oil's nourishing ingredients, including vitamin E, help make the skin more supple, according to Beauty Coliseum, which cites research showing that skin elasticity can be boosted by 27% after 28 days of consistent use.

Using monoi oil is simple and straightforward. You can massage monoi oil directly onto your skin (don't forget extra-dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles), mix it with your current lotion or body wash, or even pour some into a bath. Another option is to look for products that already contain monoi oil, such as creams, body washes, scrubs, and soaps.

The same properties of monoi oil that nourish your skin are also healthful for your hair. While many natural oils are beneficial for your tresses, coconut oil (found in monoi oil) is more readily absorbed into the hair shaft, per a 2003 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, meaning it's more effective in treating and preventing damage than sunflower or mineral oils. Monoi oil can help reduce frizz and split ends while boosting shine and strength.

One way to use monoi oil is as a treatment before you shampoo your hair, per Evolve Beauty. Simply pour a small amount into your hand and work it into the strands from the middle of the shaft through the ends of your hair — the same way you would a conditioner. Though it works best on the ends because they are typically the driest parts of your hair, thanks to monoi oil's antioxidant content, it's even beneficial for your scalp, reportedly helping to revitalize hair follicles. Leave it on for 20 minutes or overnight before proceeding like normal.

Just like monoi oil skin products you can find on the shelf, many hair products already contain this wonder ingredient, like anti-frizz serums, styling creams, and conditioners. A trip down the beauty aisle will bring you one step closer to introducing the myriad natural benefits of monoi oil into your life. And did we mention it smells amazing?