Matcha and turmeric can move over for a second, because there's another natural ingredient making a buzz in the beauty sphere - and there isn't much it can't do.

Enter the (not so) humble moringa leaf.

The unassuming plant's oils and extracts have actually been used in herbal medicinal practises for centuries, but it's suddenly gaining traction amongst nutritionists and skin and hair specialists alike, with luxe beauty brands such as UMA, Farmacy and Herbatint, to name but a few, all jumping on board.

Here's why you should be putting moringa on your face (and everywhere else) ASAP...

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1. Moringa Benefits For Your Skin

    Moringa Can Minimise Breakouts, Wrinkles And Guard Against Pollution

    It's good news for those with problem skin, because moringa is filled to bursting with vitamin A (what retinol is derived from) and it's one of the most potent vitamins out there for near perfect skin.

    When applied topically, it encourages the skin cells to renew themselves at lightning speed, helping to limit pesky breakouts, blur blemishes and pigmentation, and iron fine lines into oblivion. Flawless complexion, here we come.

    'Moringa has natural antimicrobial properties that help to dampen down the bacteria-induced inflammation that ultimately result in breakouts,'explains Dr Kemi Fab, Director of the Joyful Skin Clinic. 'These anti-inflammatory properties therefore reduce breaks in the skin, calming the skin leading to a smoother surface.'

    It gets better, though. The unsung skincare ingredient is also packed with moisture magnet and antioxidant vitamin E, which makes it perfect for combating the double whammy of dry, flaky skin (thanks, winter and central heating) as well as pollution and other environmental aggressors.

    It's also a go-to ingredient for those that suffer with dry skin explains Dr Fab: 'It's rich in oleic acid which is an omega fatty acid. The lightweight oil helps to prevent trans-epidermal water loss, protecting the skins moisture barrier by keeping it well hydrated. It also contains skin-loving vitamins A, C and E, which are powerful anti-aging ingredients that help to promote collagen renewal, reduce hyper-pigmentation and nourish the skin'.

    The fact that it preserves the skin's barrier means it's even suitable for the most sensitive of skin types.

    What makes it different from the other buzzy ingredients out there you may ask? 'Moringa is a potent anti-oxidant; and is now known to be even greater than turmeric and matcha with regards to its ability to neutralise the oxygen radicals that are harmful to the cellular and DNA structures of the skin', says Dr Fab.

    We're sold.

    ELLE Edit: Moringa Skincare
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    Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm - £47

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    Odacité Mo+P Very Dry Skin Serum Concentrate (Moringa + Petitgrain) - £41
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    NUXE Organic Micellar Cleansing Water - £17
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    Farmacy Beauty Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer - £37
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    BYBI Beauty Swipe Clean Facial Cleansing Oil - £26
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    DECLÉOR Neroli Bigarade Hydrating Gel Day Cream - £45
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    Korres Wild Rose Spotless Serum - £55
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    Vichy Pureté Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel - £12
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    Elemis Pro-collagen Marine Mask - £51.15
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    2. Moringa Benefits For Your Hair

    Moringa Will Give You Your Softest, Strongest Hair Ever

    Argan, coconut, macadamia - if your hair is prone to frizz, breakage and parched ends, you probably think you've tried all of the hair oils out there, but stylists and colourists are touting moringa oil as the next best thing in hair-care - and we can vouch for that - our lengths have never felt softer.

    'Many of my clients want natural hair products that don't compromise on the effectiveness of the results and moringa is a great place to start,' says Theo Bambacas, master colourist at Supernatural salon.

    'It's a powerhouse ingredient to apply to your hair because it has a large variety of rich minerals including zinc (essential for healthy hair production) and antioxidants to help boost keratin production. It helps restore strength, promote hair growth and repair damage.'

    3. Moringa Benefits For Your Body

    Moringa Can Help Fight Post-HIIT Fatigue

    Essential for building and maintaining healthy muscles, moringa is estimated to contain several times more iron than spinach, which means incorporating it into your diet could help alleviate barrecore-induced soreness.

    ELLE Edit: Moringa Supplements
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    KIKI Health Organic Moringa Powder - £9.95
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    Aduna Moringa Green Superleaf Powder - £13.99

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    The Naked Pharmacy Black Garlic Gut. Cardio. Immune - £19
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    4. Moringa Benefits For Your General Wellness

    Moringa Can Help Combat Stress And Boost The Immune System

    There's no denying the effects that stress can have on both our body and skin, like spots and feeling run down, but according to nutritionists, sprinkling moringa powder into your morning latte, and even using the leavs as a salad garnish, might just have the ability to counteract them.

    'Moringa is an excellent food for the immune system,' says nutritionist Cassandra Barns. 'It's high in iron, and in beta-carotene, which our body uses to make vitamin A – these are essential immunity nutrients. Moringa leaf is also said to have 'adaptogenic' properties,' says Cassandra, 'meaning it can help protect against the effects of stress.'

    Anything that keeps a cold away gets our vote.

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