What You Need to Know About Vegan Manuka Oil

I am sure you have heard of the delicious Manuka Honey, but did you know that the oil made from Manuka trees is one of the best kept secrets in our natural skin care? I have already covered all of the amazing benefits of Manuka Honey, but I wanted to share what makes Manuka Oil such a powerfully potent ingredient in all kinds of goodies like body lotion, shampoo, conditioner and even mouthwash!


The flowers on a Manuka tree! (Image: Manuka Biotic.)

What is Manuka Oil?

Manuka Leaf Oil is an essential oil created through steam distillation of the leaves of the Manuka tree. It's different to Manuka Honey in that it is vegan ’ the honey is of course derived from the bees which feed on the Manuka tree. Manuka Oil is perfect for use in skin care products as it can be easily infused, but it is not edible like Manuka Honey.

Manuka Oil properties

Thanks to its ultra-concentrated potency, Manuka Oil is packed full of all the amazing natural properties of the Manuka tree. It's known to have antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, and is also said to be a powerful source of antioxidants.

Manuka Oil history

Native to New Zealand (as well as Australia), Manuka has been harvested and traditionally used for centuries by the Maori people of NZ. Manuka Leaf Oil has long been prized for its naturally powerful properties! According to Manuka Biotic, the Maoris used Manuka bark and leaves to help treat colds, fever, skin ailments and dystentry. In fact, when Captain Cook landed in Mercury Bay, New Zealand in 1769, his ship's crew was sick with scurvy and infection ’ the local Maori people offered his crew a medicinal treatment of boiled Manuka leaves.

Vegan Manuka skin care

Manuka Biotic 100% Organic Manuka & Kanuka Oil
The Manuka Biotic 100% Organic Manuka & Kanuka Oil is a potent blend of wild-harvested Manuka Oil and Kanuka Oil, which is similar to Manuka but native only to New Zealand. According to Manuka Biotic, it's the world's only certified organic Manuka Oil, certified by Bio-Gro, and can be used from head to toe as a targeted treatment or added to your daily skin and body care products, such as body lotion or shampoo.



Sven's Island Skinny Dip All Body Skin Repair Lotion
Perfect for soothing skin all over, the Sven's Island Skinny Dip All Body Skin Repair Lotion is enriched with antibacterial Manuka Oil as well as moisturising Jojoba and Avocado Oils to help target dry skin and irritation associated with mild forms of eczema. This creamy body lotion is suitable for both adults and children ’ gently massage into skin daily for calming hydration.

Kanuka Oil skin care

Sven's Island Spotless Intensive Care Facial Cleanser
As I mentioned, Kanuka Leaf Oil is quite similar to Manuka, which is why it's a star ingredient in the Sven's Island Spotless Intensive Care Facial Cleanser. The Kanuka Oil used in Sven's Island products is organic and hand harvested, and according to the brand, just like Manuka Oil it is one of the strongest antibacterial ingredients found in nature. This gentle, clarifying facial cleanser is perfect for all skin types, but especially acne prone skin.

Natural Manuka shampoo

Manuka Biotic Organic Manuka Oil Shampoo
Specially formulated for sensitive scalps, the Manuka Biotic Organic Manuka Oil Shampoo is a gentle clarifying shampoo. In this lightly foaming formula, soothing Manuka Oil and Chamomile are combined with nourishing Pro-vitamin B5 and Argan Oil to leave hair soft, smooth and shiny. Pair with the matching Manuka Oil Conditioner for added hydration.

Manuka Oil mouthwash

Kiwiherb Manuka Mouthwash
With Manuka Oil and other powerful herbal ingredients, the Kiwiherb Manuka Mouthwash is designed to leave your mouth fresh, clean and free from odour-causing bacteria. This refreshing formula can be used daily or a few times a week to help support dental health.

Sources: Sven's Island, Manuka Biotic.