The best beauty oils: More than argan oil


Mango oil

You might think of the mango as a great fragrance but not truly a beauty ingredient. Mango oil contains high levels of antioxidants and beneficial vitamins A, C and E. Just one cup of mango contains 80 percent of your vitamin C for the day and 25 percent of vitamin A. Studies have shown that vitamins A and C have a direct influence on hair growth, making these vitamins a vital contributor to healthy hair. Mango oil also is excellent to add and retain hair’s moisture. Try a product like Klorane’s Mango Oil (drugstore.com, $14).

Tahitian Monoi oil

Monoi oil takes coconut oil to the next level. The Tahitians place a fragrant flower (the Tiare flower) into coconut oil for a process called enfleurage. The result is an oil you can use to strengthen your hair, moisturize your body, use as a bath oil or even as a perfume. To deep condition, fortify and add shine to your hair, try using it as a pre-shampoo treatment. Simply apply it to your dry hair, massage into your scalp and let sit for 10 minutes before shampooing hair. One to try is Moana Monoi Oil (Moana Beauty, $25).

Marula oil

Marula oil from East Africa contains high levels of omega-3 and 9 fatty acids for amazing skin hydration. It also helps to trap moisture on the skin so your skin stays supple longer. This fast absorbing oil contains higher levels of antioxidants than argan or grape seed oil, making it a great choice for anti-aging skin care. Try Pure Marula Oil by The Leakey Collection (dermstore.com, $78).

Emu oil

Emu oil from Australia comes from an indigenous ostrich-like bird. This oil is rich in omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids (linoleic acid) and omega-9 essential fatty acids (oleic acid). It is great for dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used for sore muscles and massage. One to try is Thunder Ridge 100 percent Emu Oil (Puritan.com, $20).

Hazelnut oil

Hazelnut oil is lightweight and great for sensitive skin. It has astringent properties that help to tighten the pores and limit oil output, which makes it a good choice for people with oily skin. Look for it in Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil (nordstrom.com, $50).

Maracuja oil

Maracuja Oil (AKA passion flower oil) comes from the Amazon and has been used for its beauty benefits for hundreds of years. It is extremely rich in vitamin C and essential fatty acids, making it a great choice to nourish the skin and revitalize damaged hair. This oil is sold pure or integrated into skin care and makeup. Try Tarte’s Pure Maracuja Oil (sephora, $46).

More beauty

8 Near instant ways to get a beauty boost
The BB cream bandwagon
The perfect blowout


Leave a Reply