ICS 71.100.70 
 
Reference number  
DRS 489-7: 2023  
© RSB 2023  
  
 RWANDA 
STANDARD            DRS 
489-7  
 
First edition  
yyyy-mm-dd 
 
Oil for cosmetic use — Specification  — 
Part 7: Moringa oil  
   
DRS 489-7: 2023  
©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved                  ii 
 In order to match with technological development and to keep continuous progress in industries, 
standards are subject to periodic review. Users shall ascertain that they are in possession of the latest 
edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© RSB 2023  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized 
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without 
prior written permission from R SB. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to : 
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Website: www.rsb.gov.rw  
ePortal: www.portal.rsb.gov.rw   DRS 489-7: 2023  
iii                ©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved  
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
4 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  2 
4.1 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
4.2 Specific requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
5 Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
6 Labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  4 
7 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  4 
Annex  A (normative)  Determination of critical solution temperature  ................................ ..........................  5 
A.1 Reagent  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  5 
A.2 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  5 
 DRS 489-7: 2023  
©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved                  iv 
 Foreword   
Rwanda Standard s are prepared  by Technical Committees and approved by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) 
Board  of Directors in  accordance with the procedures of RSB, in compliance with Annex 3 of the WTO/TBT 
agreement on the preparation, adoption and application of standards.  
The main task of technical committees is to prepare national standards.  Final Draft Rwanda S tandards 
adopted by Technical committ ees are ratified  by me mbers of RSB Board of Director s for publication and 
gazettment as Rwanda Standards.  
DRS 489-7 was prepared by Technical Committee RSB/TC 011, Cosmetics and related products . 
This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of RS 400: 2019 , of which has been technically revised.   
DRS  489 consists of the following parts, under the general title Oils for cosmetic use — Specification:  
⎯ Part 1: Baobab seed oil  
⎯ Part 2: Chia seeds oil  
⎯ Part 3: Passion fruits (maracuja) seed oil  
⎯ Part 4: Castor oil  
⎯ Part 5: Macadamia oil  
⎯ Part 6: Calabash oil  
Committee membership  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee on Cosmetic and related products  
(RSB/TC 011) in the preparation of this standard.  
ALYVO RWANDA Ltd  
Beauty Makers Association (BMA)  
GAKO Organic Farming Training Center (GOFTC/Rwanda All Green Investment Ltd)  
J&K 
KAN-HAN Ltd  DRS 489-7: 2023  
v                ©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved  
 MORIJA Cosmetics/Morija Supply Ltd  
National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA)  
PHARMACIE NOVA  
Rwanda Agriculture Livestock Inspection and Certification Services (RALIS)  
Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC)  
SULFO Rwanda Industries  
Trust Industries Ltd  
University of Rwanda/College of Science and Technology (UR/CST)  
Rwanda Forensic Laboratory (RFL)  
Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA)  
Rwanda  Standards Board  (RSB) – Secretariat  DRS 489-7: 2023  
©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved                  vi 
 Introduction   
Moringa oil comes from seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree, a fast -growing leafy tree species native to the 
Himalayas. The seeds, harvested from their pods, yield approximately 35 % − 40 % of non -drying Moringa oil, 
also known as Ben oil or Behen oil.  
Moringa seed oil is clear and smells nutty. Thanks to the numerous antioxidants in it, the oil does not become 
rancid for several years after it is produced. This makes it sought after for a number of health and beauty 
applications.  
Although the oil is viable for use as a cooking oil, its high demand and low levels of production do not make it 
conducive for everyday use as a dietary product. However, small amounts of oils are often used in recipes 
calling for a rich, nutty flavor, such as stir -fried dishes and marinades. Moringa oil is also occasionally used as 
a dressing for vegetables, salads, and other green dishes.  
Moringa oil is among the most desired oils in the formulation of skin care products and cosmetics, chosen for 
its many antioxidants and documented skin -rejuvenating properties. These antioxidants do wonders for aging 
and nutrient -depleted skin. You can experience these benefits today.  
With an impressive oleic acid content of 72 %, Moringa oil penetrates deeply into the skin, delivering vital 
nutrients and also helping the skin and hair retain moisture. Moringa oil’s benefits include skin care and 
rejuvenation, stronger and healthier hair, wrinkle reduction and skin blemish removal. Moringa oil suppliers 
often have a tough time keeping up with the demand for this rare and luxurious oil.  
Another interesting application of moringa oil is in the production of expensive and natural perfumes and 
fragrances.  Many commercially produced perfumes are created with scents that are synthesized using 
chemicals. However, a portion of the perfume market  still employs more traditional and natural produ ction 
practices to create their perfumes, using a technique known as "enflourage ". This procedure uses oils to 
capture the scents of natural plant materials, looking the scent molecules into the oil. Moringa oil’s high oleic 
level, combined with its enduring shelf life, make it a popular choice for traditional perfume production.  
Moringa contains powerful antioxidants, it is included in soaps, shampoos, body washes, and skin scrubs. 
Moringa oils absorbs quickly into the skin, so it is a good choice for beauty products that are rinsed off the 
skin, such as soaps and bath scrubs.  
Moringa oil can also be found in hand lotions, lip balm, and other products that target dry and flaking skin, and 
is a popular ingredient in blended massage oils. It is pleasant to the touch, warms well, is not sticky, and 
combines well with other oils and fragrances.  
 DRS 489-7: 2023  
1                ©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved  
 Oils for cosmetic use — Specification  — Part 7: Moringa oil  
1 Scope   
This Draft  Rwanda  Standard  specifies the requirements, sampling and test methods for moringa oil for 
cosmetic industry.  This standard does not cover the moringa  oil for which therapeutic claims are made.  
2 Normative references   
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of  their content constitutes 
requirements of this document.  For dated references, only the edition  cited applies. For undated references, 
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
RS EAS 346, Labelling of cosmetics — General requirements  
RS EAS 846, Glossary of terms relating to the cosmetic industry  
RS EAS 847 – 2, Cosmetics — Analytical methods — part 2: Determination of moisture content and volatile 
matter content  
RS EAS 847 -5, Cosmetics — Analytical methods — Part 5: Determination of unsaponifiable matter  
RS EAS 847 -7, Cosmetics — Analytical methods — Part 7: Determination of specific gravity  
RS EAS 847 -9, Cosmetics — Analytical methods — Part 9: Determination of colour  
RS EAS 847 -10, Cosmetics — Analytical methods — Part 10: Determination of acetyl value and hydroxyl 
value  
RS EAS 847 -12, Cosmetic — Analytic methods — Part 12: Determination of flash point by Pensky — Martens 
Closed Cap Tester   
RS EAS 847 -13, Cosmetic — Analytic methods — Part 13: Determination of rancidity  
RS EAS 847 -16, Cosmetic — Analytic methods — Part 16: Determination of lead, mercury and arsenic 
content  
RS ISO 22717, Cosmetics — Microbiology — Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa  
RS ISO 2271 8, Cosmetics — Microbiology — Detection of Staphylococcus aureus  
RS ISO 18416 , Cosmetics — Microbiology — Detection of Candida albicans  
  
©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved                  2 
 RS ISO 660, Animal and vegetable fats and oils — Determination of acid value and acidity  
RS ISO 663, Animal and vegetable fats and oils — Determination of insoluble impurities content  
RS ISO 3657, Animal and vegetable fats and oils — Determination of saponification value  
RS ISO 3961, Animal and vegetable fats and oils — Determination of iodine value  
RS ISO 6320, Animal and vegetable fats and oils — Determination of refractive index  
RS 278, Cosmetics — Methods of sampling  
RS ISO 6887 -1, Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs — Preparation of test samples, initial 
suspension and decimal dilutions for microbiological examination — Part 1: General rules for preparation of 
the initial suspensions and decimal dilutions  
3 Terms and definitions   
For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in RS EAS 846 and the following apply . 
moringa oil  
pure refined oil obtained from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera  tree, a fast -growing leafy tree species. The 
seeds, harvested from their pods, yield approximately 35 % − 40 % of non -drying Moringa oil  
4 Requirements  
4.1 General requirements  
4.1.1  The product shall be Moringa oil obtained from seed of the Moringa tree ( moringa oleifera ), a fast-
growing  leafy tree species, by cold or heat pressing, followed by a full refining process to render an oil which 
is light in colour and mild in odour.  
4.1.2 When examined visually, the product shall be:  
a) clear;  
b) free from sediments and other foreign matter; and  
c) free from separated water, added colouring and flavouring substances.  
4.1.3     The product shall be free from admixture with other oils.  
 
 DRS 489-7: 2023  
3                ©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved  
  
 
4.2 Specific requirements  
The product shall comply with the requirements given in Table 1 when tested in accordance with the methods 
specified therein.  
Table 1 — Specific requirements for Moringa oil for cosmetic use 
S/N Parameters   Requirements  Test method  
i. i Moisture content, % m/m, max.  0.5 RS EAS 847 -2 
ii. i
i Insoluble impurities, % m/m, max.  0.25 RS ISO 663  
iii. i
i
i Colour in a 1" cell on the Lovibond 
scale, expressed as Y + 5R, max. 
deepness  4.0 RS EAS 847 -9 
iv. i
v Refractive index at 20 oC, range  1.4500 – 1.4600 RS ISO 6320  
v. v Specific gravity at 20 oC, range  0.890 – 0.980 RS EAS 847 -7 
vi. v
i Saponification value, range  185 – 197 RS ISO 3657  
vii. v
i
i Iodine value, range  65 – 90 RS ISO 3961  
viii. v
i
i
i Acid value, max.  1.0 RS ISO 660  
ix. i
x Unsapnifiable matter, % m/m, max.  1.5 RS EAS 847 -5 
x. x Acetyl value, min.  143 RS EAS 847 -10 
xi. x
i Flash point, oC (Pensky Martens 
closed), min.  250 RS EAS 847 -12 
xii. x
i
i Test for rancidity  Shall be free from 
rancidity  RS EAS 847 -13 
xiii. x
i
i
i Critical solution temperature,  oC 
max.  0 Annex A 
4.2.1 The product shall comply with the limits for heavy metal contaminants in accordance with Table 2 
when tested in accordance with the methods specified therein.   
©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved                  4 
  
Table 2 — Limits for heavy metal contaminants for Moringa  oil for cosmetic use 
S/N Characteristics  Maximum limit (mg/kg)  Test method  
i. i Lead  10 
RS EAS 847 -16 ii. i
i Arsenic  2 
iii. i
i
i Mercury  2 
-  The total amount of heavy metals as lead, mercury and arsenic, in combination, in the finished 
product should not exceed 10 mg/kg.  
- The heavy metals including lead, mercury and arsenic may be as a result of contamination 
during processing and should not be deliberately added as ingredients.  
4.2.2 The products shall also comply with the microbiological limits given in Table 3 when tested in 
accordance with the methods prescribed therein.  
Table 3 — Microbiological limits for moringa oil for cosmetic use 
S/N Microorganism  Maximum l imit, 
 Test method  
i.  Total viable count for aerobic mesophyllic micro -organisms  
per g . 100 RS ISO 6887 -1 
ii.  Pseudomonas aeruginosa  Not detected in 0.5 g  RS ISO 22717  
iii.  Staphylococcus aureus  RS ISO 22718  
iv.  Candida albicans  RS ISO 18416  
5 Packaging  
The product shall be packaged in suitable well -sealed containers that shall protect the contents and shall not 
cause any contamination or react with the products.  
6 Labelling  
6.1 In addition to the requirements of RS EAS 346, the Material Safety Data Sheet shall be provided . 
6.2 The phrase ‘For external use only’ shall be conspicuously marked (either printed on the label affixed to 
the container, or lithographed, or stencilled thereon with indelible ink).  
7 Sampling  
Random samples of the product shall be drawn for test in accordance with RS 278 from the market or factory.  DRS 489-7: 2023  
5                ©RSB 2023  - All rights reserved  
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Determination of critical solution temperature  
A.1 Reagent   
The reagent shall be prepared by diluting ethyl  alcohol or rectified spirit with distilled water till the relative 
density of the mixture at 15.5 oC is 0.8303 ± 0.0001, when compared with distilled water at the same 
temperature. De -natured alcohol shall not be used for this test.  
A.2 Procedure  
Mix in a test tube, 1.0 g of the oil, with 4.15 times its mass of the reagent. Upon examination, the solution thus 
obtained shall be perfectly clear at 20 oC and shall remain clear when cooled and maintained for 5 minutes at 
a temperature of 0 oC. 
 
 
 
 
   
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