What is Monoï de Tahiti?

Monoï de Tahiti is an ancient, fragrant oil from French Polynesia, made by soaking fresh Tiare Tahiti flowers (Gardenia tahitensis) in refined coconut oil. The name Monoï means 'fragrant oil' in Tahitian and the oil has been used for over 2000 years by the indigenous Maohi people for skin, hair and ritual purposes. Our Monoï is 100% natural and without synthetic fragrance, and carries the official Appellation d'Origine.

What does Appellation d'Origine mean?

Since 1992, Monoï de Tahiti has been protected by an Appellation d'Origine (AO), a French designation of origin. This means that only oil made according to strict rules in French Polynesia may carry this name. The AO requires:

• Fresh Tiare flowers, picked in bud stage within 24 hours after picking
• Refined coconut oil from coconuts harvested on coral soil in French Polynesia
• Minimum 10 flowers per liter of oil
• Maceration according to an established protocol

Our Monoï meets all these requirements and is made entirely in French Polynesia.

How is Monoï de Tahiti made?

The Tiare flowers are hand-picked before sunrise, in bud stage, and immersed in the refined coconut oil within 24 hours. This happens at room temperature, without heating, so that the aromatic compounds of the flower gently transfer into the oil. After 10 to 15 days of maceration, the oil is left to rest for 24 hours and then filtered. A natural antioxidant (tocopherol) may be added to support shelf life.

Difference between our 100% and 99% version

Our 100% natural Monoï contains a high concentration of the Tiare Tahiti plant extract and falls under natural cosmetics according to IFRA legislation. The 99% variant contains 1% synthetic fragrance that intensifies the scent. Both oils are made the same way through maceration of Tiare flowers in coconut oil. Which you choose depends on your preference for 100% natural composition or an even more pronounced floral scent.

Benefits of Monoï de Tahiti for your skin

Nourishes and hydrates intensely
The coconut oil as base makes Monoï a rich, nourishing oil that leaves skin soft and supple.

Soothing effect
Monoï is known for its calming effect and is traditionally used after exposure to sun, salt and wind.

Lovely tropical scent
The natural scent of Tiare flowers gives the skin a subtle, tropical floral fragrance that lingers gently throughout the day.

Benefits of Monoï de Tahiti for your hair

Gives shine and softness
Monoï is one of the most used oils for hair care in Polynesia. The oil makes dry, dull and frizzy hair softer and gives a natural shine.

Great as a hair mask
Melt a little Monoï between your hands, apply to dry hair as a hair mask and let it absorb for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Then wash out with shampoo.

Helps with curly and frizzy hair
For curly, frizzy or unruly hair, Monoï works excellently to define curls and tame frizz.

How to use Monoï de Tahiti?

For your skin, melt a small amount of Monoï between your hands and spread over your body, preferably still damp after showering or bathing. A tablespoon of Monoï in a warm bath gives a soothing and fragrant effect. As hair care, massage the melted oil into dry hair as a hair mask, let it work and wash it out with shampoo.

Tips when using Monoï de Tahiti

• Below 24 degrees, Monoï becomes solid and white, above that liquid and clear. This is normal for this oil. Melt it by holding the bottle between your hands or under warm running water for a moment.
• Because the oil can melt and solidify again, the substance may sometimes look uneven. Stir it well or let the bottle stand at room temperature.
• Monoï has a pronounced tropical floral scent that lingers on skin and hair for several hours.