It evokes sun, sea, golden skin and vacations. But behind its bewitching fragrance, Monoï hides a precious botanical and sensory richness. Used for centuries by Polynesians, it has stood the test of time without losing its aura. Moisturizing, soothing, nourishing… Monoï isn’t just a summer souvenir: it’s a skincare product in its own right.
Origin: ancestral Polynesian know-how
Tahitian Monoï is obtained by macerating fresh Tiaré (Gardenia taitensis) flowers in coconut oil. This traditional process, known as enfleurage, has been protected by an appellation d’origine (AOC) since 1992.
In Polynesian culture, Monoï is used to protect, soften and perfume the skin after sea bathing, as well as in massages, birth or healing rituals.
Precious know-how handed down from generation to generation.
The benefits of Monoï for the skin
Riche en acides gras saturés (principalement acide laurique), le Monoï possède des propriétés reconnues pour :
- Deeply nourish skin, without leaving a greasy film
- Repair the hydrolipidic barrier, especially after exposure to sun or wind
- Soothe mild inflammation and feelings of tightness
- Enhance skin’s natural radiance, with a soft-touch satin finish
Its fine, silky feel makes it ideal for dry areas such as legs, arms or shoulders after a shower.
What science says
While few studies focus on Monoï as a finished product, several studies highlight the properties of its active components:
- The coconut oil used as a base is highly penetrating and rich in lauric acid, recognized for its antimicrobial and nourishing effects (Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2003).
- Tiaré flower contains flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the skin (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009).
- Instrumental tests conducted by the Institut du Monoï confirm a significant improvement in skin hydration after regular application.
These data confirm what Polynesian traditions have always practiced: Monoï is a gentle, effective, multi-purpose skincare product.
How do you use it every day?
Contrary to popular belief, Monoï is not just for vacations. It’s a perfect part of a simple, sensorial routine, all year round:
- After a shower, on still damp skin, for optimum hydration
- After sun exposure, to soothe and nourish
- Before or after shampooing, to protect and repair hair
- As a finishing touch, to sublimate legs or décolleté
And if you like light textures, there are modernized formulas like our Monoï-based Huile Douceur Exotique, which combines ease of application with botanical efficacy.
A precious ally for hair
It is also a natural hair care product with multiple uses:
- As an oil bath before shampooing, to nourish lengths
- Protective care against sun, salt and chlorine aggression
- As a finishing serum on the tips, to provide softness and supplenes
- To tame frizz or lightly smooth curls
Between Polynesian tradition and modern cosmetics, Monoï remains a must-have. A natural, effective and infinitely sensorial skincare product that enhances skin day after day, without superfluity.