Natural care products & cosmetics from the fenua

In Moorea, coconut is at the heart of traditional and contemporary skincare practices. Long used in everyday life, it is found in many natural products for both skin and hair. Coconut oil is obtained from the flesh of the coconut. It can be used pure as a nourishing treatment for the skin, hair, or lips, but also as a base for making soaps, balms, and creams. It is appreciated for its versatility and ease of use, both on a daily basis and as an occasional treatment. Monoï, often confused with coconut oil, is a different product. It is a refined coconut oil in which tiare flowers have been macerated. This maceration gives it its characteristic fragrance and certain specific properties. Monoï is traditionally used for body and hair care, particularly to protect against dryness, sun, and salt. Beyond oil and monoi, coconut is used in other forms: milk, cream, pulp, fibers, and charcoal. In natural cosmetics, coconut is found in handmade soaps, scrubs, balms, and moisturizers, sometimes combined with other local plants or flowers. Fenua soaps and cosmetics are often produced in small batches, using simple, minimally processed ingredients. The fragrances are inspired by the surrounding nature: flowers, plants, citrus fruits, and botanical notes. Local organizations such as Apipur, Florana, and La Cosmetic du Fenua promote these uses of coconut through products made in Moorea or Polynesia. These natural skincare products are part of an approach that emphasizes local sourcing, respect for raw materials, and the transmission of local expertise.