Monoi Oil: what it is and how it’s made

Most plant-based oils are liquid and viscous, but there are also solid ones—commonly referred to as butters. These are especially beneficial for skin care because they not only nourish and moisturize the skin but also help maintain its elasticity.

One particularly rare yet incredibly valuable product is monoi oil—a traditional beauty elixir cherished by the women of the exotic island of Tahiti. Everything about this oil is unique, from its exotic fragrance to the special method of extraction. Rich in micro- and macro-elements, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, monoi oil supports skin health and protects it from environmental stressors, particularly harmful UV rays.

How Monoi Oil is made

Unlike most essential or base oils, monoi oil is not extracted by steam distillation or cold pressing. Instead, it’s made through a method called enfleurage. This involves soaking Tiare flowers (Tahitian gardenias) in coconut oil over a long period—at least two weeks.

The result is a luxurious butter that combines all the valuable components found in both coconuts and Tiare blossoms. This is one of the most effective natural oils for skin and hair care. Its use helps to:

• Soothe irritation and itching caused by sun exposure and/or strong winds;
• Stimulate collagen production, slowing down skin aging;
• Deeply moisturize and nourish the epidermis and dermis;
• Eliminate dandruff caused by a dry scalp;
• Add shine and smoothness to hair by sealing the hair cuticle;
• Reduce hair static when brushing or wearing hats;

In addition, the lipids in monoi oil reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, forming an invisible film that prevents moisture loss.

With regular application, monoi oil strengthens hair structure, making strands appear thicker and more voluminous.

How to use Monoi Oil

Monoi butter can be used in its pure form or blended with other plant-based oils. It can be applied directly to the skin and hair or added to masks, lotions, hair rinses, and other cosmetic formulations.

Since monoi oil is solid at room temperature, it should be melted before use. Warm it in a water bath for 10–15 minutes at around 50°C (122°F).

The oil infusion of Tiare flowers is considered a versatile product because it pairs beautifully with many other oils—such as sesame, hemp, black cumin and flaxseed oil.

The exact oil blend for your face, hair, or body care routine depends on the desired effect. For example:

Sesame oil is rich in calcium and potassium, strengthening hair and nails while preventing dry skin.

Flaxseed oil contains omega fatty acids that maintain the skin’s moisture balance.

Hemp oil is packed with phytosterols and offers UV protection, boosting the skin’s resilience to environmental stress.

CraftOil’s organic oils: effective care for skin and hair

CraftOil is a trusted brand offering not just aromatic and flavorful, but truly 100% natural, organic, and «living» oils. The product range includes pumpkin seed oil, hemp oil, flaxseed oil, poppy seed oil, hazelnut oil, chia seed oil, and many more.

The brand also provides ready-made oil sets for targeted beauty and wellness needs: «Stretch Mark Skin Care», «Body Regeneration and Care», «Hair Repair and Strengthening», «Comprehensive Cuticle Care»
and others.

Our products are known for their premium quality, freshness, and genuinely effective impact on the human body. To learn more or find the right oil for your needs, contact our expert consultants.