Mangosteen and Moringa, Natural Ingredients for Supporting Skin Health
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) are tropical plants that have been used traditionally for their nutritional value and potential wellness benefits. Modern research is beginning to explore how their bioactive compounds (such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibacterial properties) can also support healthy skin.
While neither plant should be considered a treatment for skin conditions, incorporating products with mangosteen and moringa into your skincare routine can help promote overall skin wellness.
Antioxidant Power
Both mangosteen and moringa are rich sources of antioxidants, which play an essential role in maintaining skin health. Mangosteen provides xanthones, a class of plant-derived compounds studied for their strong free-radical–scavenging activity, while moringa offers a wide spectrum of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, along with flavonoids and polyphenols.
These compounds are recognized for their ability to help defend skin cells against oxidative stress—a process triggered by environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and lifestyle habits that can accelerate premature aging and contribute to fine lines, uneven skin tone, and overall skin damage (Panche et al., 2016, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry)
By helping neutralize free radicals before they cause harm, antioxidants from mangosteen and moringa may contribute to maintaining skin elasticity, suppleness, and a healthier overall appearance (Widowati et al., 2020, Trop Life Sci Res.; Ali A, Akhtar N, Chowdhary F., 2014, Dermatol Alergol.). These studies on plant-derived antioxidants suggest they play an important role in supporting the body’s natural defenses and promoting vibrant-looking skin.
Calming Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the skin’s natural defense responses, but when it becomes excessive or prolonged, it can contribute to sensitivity, redness, irritation, and premature aging. Everyday factors—such as sun exposure, pollution, harsh skincare ingredients, or stress—can activate inflammatory pathways in skin cells, leading to visible discomfort and damage over time.
Research suggests that mangosteen xanthones offer support in regulating certain inflammatory processes by modulating pathways linked to oxidative stress and immune signaling (Setiawan A. A, & Budiman J, Prasetyo A., 2023, Maced J Med Sci.), while moringa has been shown to exhibit natural anti-inflammatory activity (Cui et al., 2019, Int J Biol Macromol.).
When combined, mangosteen and moringa could potentially offer complementary support for the skin, helping to soothe irritation and potentially promote a calmer complexion. While additional clinical research is needed, these botanicals are promising candidates for maintaining skin balance, particularly for those exposed to daily environmental stressors.
Natural Defense Against Bacteria
Skin is constantly exposed not only to environmental microbes but also to stressors such as UV light, pollution, and minor abrasions that can trigger localized inflammation. Chronic or repeated inflammation is one factor that may accelerate visible signs of aging and compromise the skin’s natural barrier.
Research indicates that mangosteen extracts demonstrate antibacterial properties against certain skin-relevant bacteria (Suksamrarn et al., 2003, Planta Medica). Similarly, moringa leaf extracts have been studied for their antimicrobial activity due to phytochemicals such as niazimicin and isothiocyanates (Anwar F., Latif S., Ashraf M., Gilani A. H., 2007, Phytotherapy Research).
While more human-based studies are still needed, these findings suggest that mangosteen and moringa can help support the skin’s resilience by helping manage everyday inflammatory stressors and by reducing exposure to certain bacteria on the skin surface. Together, these botanicals could contribute to a calmer, healthier-looking complexion.
Polyphenols and Skin Vitality
Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds found in plants like mangosteen and moringa, are widely recognized for their antioxidant and protective roles in supporting overall skin health. These compounds work by helping the body counter oxidative stress, which is a key contributor to premature skin aging and visible changes such as dullness, fine lines, and uneven tone.
In mangosteen, polyphenols are present in the form of xanthones, while moringa provides a range of polyphenolic compounds that complement its rich vitamin profile. Research suggests that these plant-based compounds may promote antioxidant and photoprotective effects in skin cells, offering a defense against damage caused by UV exposure and environmental stressors (Hengpratom et al., 2025, Antioxidants; Luangpraditkun et al., 2025, Cosmetics).
Although more clinical studies are needed, these findings indicate that incorporating polyphenol-rich botanicals like mangosteen and moringa into daily routines can indirectly support skin vitality, elasticity, and tone, contributing to a healthier and more radiant-looking complexion.
Mangosteen & Moringa: A Herbal Soap Blend for Gentle Cleansing
Together, mangosteen and moringa provide a powerful combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and nutrients that may help support skin health. From defending against oxidative stress to promoting microcirculation, these ingredients are being increasingly recognized for their potential role in natural skincare and wellness.
That’s why we designed Maxabon, a herbal soap formulated with magosteen and moringa, and made without sulfates or parabens—providing a gentle cleansing experience that is designed for daily use. Add it to your routine and enjoy the comfort of a soap made for everyday use.