Ingredients
Ingredients That Nurture
We believe hair deserves to be treated with care, and that starts with ingredients that nurture, not harm.
Hair is delicate, especially curls and coils, and can easily be damaged by harsh treatments or synthetic additives. That’s why we keep our formulations simple, effective, and rooted in nature. We lean into pure plant oils, rich vitamins, and powerful antioxidants to restore and maintain healthy hair from root to tip.
We avoid sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. Instead, we’re always seeking out high-performing, nature-based ingredients — especially those with deep roots in Southern African traditions — to bring you real results and long-term hair health.
Here are some of the ingredients we love, and why they’re at the heart of Mauyu.
Baobab Oil
Abundant in omega fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and F. Baobab oil sinks deep into the hair shaft to strengthen, moisturize, and protect, especially for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair. Light in texture but rich in nutrients, it helps restore elasticity, reduce breakage, and bring dull curls back to life with softness and shine.
Mongongo Oil
From the dry woodlands of Zambia and Namibia, the Mongongo tree bears a fruit whose seeds are rich in a silky, golden oil. Traditionally used by communities to protect skin and hair from the sun, Mongongo oil forms a breathable shield that locks in moisture, defends against heat damage, and keeps curls nourished — even in the harshest environments.
Mafura Butter
Harvested from the wild Trichilia trees of Southern Africa, Mafura butter has long been used to heal, soften, and restore. Its luxurious texture melts into the hair, replenishing lost moisture and bringing brittle strands back to life. It’s our go-to for deep treatments that repair without buildup.
Marula Oil
Once considered sacred, the Marula tree is known as the “marriage tree” in many cultures. Its oil is a symbol of renewal — packed with antioxidants, oleic acid, and natural strength. Marula brings a weightless gloss to hair, restoring elasticity, bounce, and brilliance..
Ximenia Oil
Known as the "sour plum," Ximenia is a hidden gem with potent, scalp-loving benefits. Its rare fatty acids stimulate circulation, helping create a healthier foundation for hair growth. For dry or irritated scalps, Ximenia soothes like nothing else — rich, silky, and deeply grounding.
Mango Butter
While not exclusive to Africa, mango trees flourish in warm climates across the continent. We choose Mango Butter for its smooth texture and vitamin-rich nourishment — a lightweight yet deeply hydrating butter that keeps curls soft, defined, and frizz-free.
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil
In the sands of the Kalahari, this wild melon survives against all odds. Its seeds yield a rare oil that’s incredibly light, yet deeply hydrating — perfect for fine or low-porosity hair. It absorbs quickly, balances oils, and leaves hair with a natural, healthy sheen.
Kigelia Africana
More than a curiosity of the African landscape, Kigelia has long been revered for its soothing and toning properties. Its extract is used to calm inflammation, support healthy follicles, and bring harmony to the scalp — a quiet powerhouse in hair wellness.
Resurrection Bush
This miracle plant can survive for years without water — and when rain finally falls, it blooms back to life. We channel that same energy into our products. Resurrection bush extract revives dry, depleted hair, offering an infusion of hydration and resilience. It’s like a reset button for curls.
Zumbani
Used for centuries as an herbal tea and natural remedy, Lippia is a fragrant, wild-growing plant with powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In our formulas, it helps to clarify the scalp, reduce buildup, and support a clean, thriving hair environment.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a great ingredient for people with thick hair because it is similar to the natural oil your hair creates on its own. I like jojoba because it is not greasy or heavy, it relieves dryness and strengthens hair
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a great ability to retain moisture, we love it because it adds luster, shine and softness to hair
Sweet Orange Oil
Sweet orange oil has a soothing effect on irritated skin, it is both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, which makes it perfect for those prone to dandruff and other scalp issues. I like that this oil infuses vitamin C into the hair
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil deep conditions the hair,
keeps it shiny, and helps control
dandruff.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil stimulates the roots, improves hair growth, and increases circulation in the scalp.
What we exclude
Ever check the ingredients on your products? You might find chemicals found in car oil, toxic laboratories, or worse! Don’t stress, we obsess over our clean, non-toxic formulations so you don’t have to.
Our Ingredient Blacklist
NO Parabens
Scientific Studies indicate that there may be a link between the ingestion of parabens and certain forms of cancer.
NO Sulphates
Harsh sulphates can irritate the scalp, inflame hair follicles and cause the hair to become dry and dull
No Mineral Oils
Paraffin and other petroleum-based products can clog the hair follicles and stop moisture from entering the hair shaft
NO Silicones
Silicones can cause excessive build up and clogging of the hair follicles leading to scalp ailments and hair loss
NO Phthalates
Research suggests phthalates are responsible for reproductive and developmental toxicity.
No Triclosan
Although it is not a key ingredient in many products studies suggest that triclosan may be harmful to the immune system
NO Artificial Dyes
Artificial dyes can cause skin irritation and exacerbate skin conditions.
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