Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Baobab

While beauty trends may come and go, many are rooted in centuries of routine. That's certainly the case with baobab, a trendy ingredient with a lengthy history. Often referred to as the “tree of life,” the baobab tree is native to Africa, and the nickname certainly makes sense, considering that a single tree may live for over 500 years. Part of its appeal is that the pulp of baobab fruit—extracted from baobab pods and then transformed into raw powder—has been a favorite ingredient in wellness and beauty treatments for millennia. 

Arguably the biggest benefit of baobab is its many uses. "You can mix the oil in with products in your skincare routine, such as your moisturizer, or you can use it alone, in small amounts," notes Zain Husain, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New Jersey Dermatology & Aesthetics Center. Husain adds that the efficacy of the product depends on its strength. "You can find baobab oil in health shops or your local beauty store, but make sure that the ingredients contain a high amount of the product itself."

Keep scrolling to discover the many benefits of baobab when it comes to transforming your hair, skin, and nails, according to Husain; Rajani Katta, MD, the author of Glow: The Dermatologist's Guide to a Whole Foods Younger Skin Diet; Rachel Ho, cosmetic chemist and founder of Rho Cosmetics; and skincare brand Kaibae's founders Tom Cole, Barbara Berger Maes and Luc Maes.

What is Baobab?

Baobab has a myriad of benefits—as you'll see below—but is most notable for its moisturizing properties. "Because Baobab is packed with vitamins B, C, and Omega 3s, when used for the face, it can help with dry, aging, and dull skin," says Husain. "The oil form can help soothe eczema and dandruff as well, because it is moisturizing, but it does not replace medications for the conditions."

Despite its popularity, we have very little scientific research on how baobab seed oil works for the skin, notes Katta. A small 2017 study found that baobab oil moisturizes and improves skin barrier function. "This study analyzed the chemical composition of the oil and found that the three major fatty acids in the oil were linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. In general, to have a good moisturizing ability, natural oils should have a higher proportion of linoleic acid than oleic acid, so the fact that this chemical study found a higher proportion of linoleic acid is very promising," Katta adds. Although this study was very small (comprised of only 20 volunteers), the researchers did find that baobab seed oil was able to reduce water loss from the skin and helped improve moisture retention in the skin.

Benefits of Baobab

Lightens dark spots: Baobab offers so many potential benefits to the hair, skin, and nails due to the vitamins and minerals it contains. "Vitamin C is commonly found in baobab, which helps relieve the skin of dullness and can lighten dark spots," notes Husain.

Boosts antioxidants: Believe it or not, baobab boasts some of the highest antioxidant content of all superfoods per serving. This, along with its ability to fight free radicals, makes it a perfect ingredient for aging skin.

Heals dry skin: Baobab’s moisturizing properties have been documented in scientific research. As a result, body oils and lotions formulated with baobab are the ideal addition to a skincare routine for those looking for a little added moisture. "The Baobab seeds, when pressed, produce a beautiful antioxidant-rich golden oil with omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids that aid in locking in moisture even for the driest skin," Kaibae's founders say.

Promotes a healthy skin barrier: "[Baobab] does contain skin friendly fatty acids such as omega 3, 6, 9 and a handful of vitamins," notes Ho. "Due to its omega content, it's considered a great ingredient for maintaining a healthy skin barrier."

Increases collagen: Not only is baobab rich in antioxidants but it also has more vitamin C than most other fruits. This, paired with the oil's omega fatty acid content, makes baobab a vital substance for radiant, youthful-looking skin.

Strengthens nails: One of the most impressive potential benefits of baobab is its ability to heal cracked and dry nails. This is because baobab contains high amounts of protein and calcium, both of which might aid in healing and maintaining strong, healthy nails.

Nourishes hair: With the exceptional moisturizing and collagen-producing properties of baobab, it should come as no surprise that healthy, silky hair is one of our favorite baobab benefits. Baobab oil itself is abundant in vitamin E and antioxidants, which means that it's the perfect antidote for dry scalp and damaged hair. "Because baobab contains moisturizing components, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, using it in oil form for your hair can smooth out frizzy, dry hair," says Husain.

Provides gentle cleansing: Like many natural oils (tea tree, jojoba, and sea buckthorn—to name a few), baobab oil is not only nourishing but cleansing as well. Gently massage the oil into damp skin and rinse thoroughly with warm water for a healthy, natural glow.

Side Effects

Baobab oil is incredibly gentle, and therefore has no known side effects. But if you're just incorporating it into your routine, it's best to start slowly, as with any new product. "As with any natural oil, be especially careful if you have a history of allergic reactions," says Katta. "Although we don’t have much in the way of reports of allergy to this natural oil, for my patients with sensitive skin I always recommend testing a small amount of the oil on the forearm twice a day for seven days before using it more widely. "

How to Use It

Baobab oil can be used daily or at night but—thanks to its skin-brightening benefits—it's a better product for use during the daytime. "For anti-aging and skin protection benefits, use it in the morning," says Husain.

The Best Products With Baobab

R + Co On a Cloud Baobab Oil Repair Splash-On Styler $32.00

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This leave-on styling masque from R + Co helps strengthen and repair your hair. Containing innovative baobab oil-protein technology, it promises to help rebuild bonds, seal the cuticle, and soften your strands.

Kaibae Microbiome Mist $68.00

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Kaibae's Microbiome Mist is made with baobab, neroli, and prebiotic and postbiotic peptides meant to work together to nourish your skin barrier and support natural microbiome balance. With regular use on your face and body, you'll notice improved skin resilience, decreased signs of photoaging, and lessened effects of pollution and other environmental stressors.

Pantene Nutrient Blends Hydrating Glow Conditioner $7.00

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Pantene recently rolled out its Sulfate-free Hydrating Glow Collection, which contains a Vitamin E-rich essence cold-pressed from the seeds of the Tanzanian baobab tree. One of the star products from the collection is the Sulfate-Free Hydrating Glow Conditioner which instantly restores softness and shine to dry, damaged strands.

Milk + Honey Intense Hydration Cream $68.00

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This absorbent hand and body lotion treats dry skin and repairs it with continued use. Skin is plump and healed as a result, but without any residual greasiness.

Phyto Phytokeratine Extreme Exceptional Cream $36.00

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One of the best baobab benefits is its ability to alleviate irritation from common skin conditions. Baobab naturally has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce redness, itchiness, and dryness both when applied topically and when ingested. It can also hydrate the hair, as users of this ultra-hydrating cream (which targets dry and brittle strands) can attest.

Dr. Jackson's Baobab and Rose Oil $60.00

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Packed with vitamins and nutrients, baobab oil can be directly applied to the skin. Its high vitamin C content may promote collagen formation, boosting the skin’s natural elasticity and smoothness.

Hurraw! Baobab Banana Lip Balm $5.00

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Those not keen on DIY-ing a lip balm with raw baobab oil can turn to product like Hurraw!'s, which already has the soothing ingredient formulated within. Better yet, it's vegan and all-natural, with a range of cold-pressed oils that nourish your lips upon application.

de Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm $64.00

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This replenishing cleanser doubles as a moisturizer, leaving behind a host of naturally-sourced ingredients that soothe the skin well after it's been washed. It's meant to be used as a ritual of sorts—so apply it twice daily to wash away stress, dirt, and accumulated toxins.

The Ordinary "B" Oil $9.00

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The Ordinary's B Oil contains a blend of nourishing oils, including Adansonia Digitata seed oil—which is just baobab by another name. "Applying a few drops to the skin can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles and even out your skin tone," says Husain.