Tahitian Monoi, a beauty secret
Tahitian Monoi, whose native meaning is "perfumed oil" is a beauty oil obtained by macerating Tiare flowers in Coconut oil, also known as Copra oil.
Tahitian monoi is known and recognized for the softening properties of Tiaré and the emollient properties of Coconut oil.
Repairing and sublimating, Tahitian monoi is present in the entire range of Polynesian care Clairjoie.
Tahitian Monoi, a controlled designation of origin
Tahitian Monoi is a recognized and defended beauty secret, since 1992 a decree strictly regulates its production process to guarantee its origin and quality.
"The appellation of origin "Monoï de Tahiti" is reserved for the product made in French Polynesia in accordance with local customs, by macerating flowers of Gardenia tahitensis (Candolle flora, Rubiaceae family) of Polynesian origin, hereinafter referred to as tiare, in refined coconut oil. The tiare flowers and coconuts used for the manufacture of the product must be exclusively harvested in the defined geographical area.
It is important to know that the appellation Monoï de Tahiti can be followed by the precise name of the island where the Tiaré flowers and coconuts come from.
These appellations can be "Marquesas", "Tuamotu", "Gambier Islands", "Austral Islands", "Society Islands", "Moorea" or "Bora Bora"...
Coconut oil
Coconuts must be harvested when mature and come from coconut trees cultivated according to traditional methods on soils of coral origin.
The kernels of the coconuts are extracted and then put to dry in the sun for about ten days and then pressed hot.
The oil obtained is then filtered and refined through a strictly controlled process.
The quality of the Tiare flowers used in the composition of Monoï is also strictly controlled.
The Tahitian Tiare flower
The other component of Monoï is the Tiaré flower.
The Tiaré flower is a white flower with a powerful fragrance that grows on a semi-evergreen shrub.
Unfortunately, it is often confused visually with the white flower with a yellow heart of the Frangipani tree.
The quality of Tiare flowers used in the composition of Monoï is also strictly controlled.
The legislator stipulates that the flowers must be picked at the budding stage (the stage before they bloom).
The Tiaré flowers thus obtained must be used to make Monoï no later than the day after they are picked.
A minimum of 10 Tiaré flowers must be macerated per liter of Coconut oil for a minimum of 10 days; this is to guarantee the concentration of active principles of the flower in the Monoï thus obtained.