Sabrina Elba, co-founder of S’Able Labs, has introduced her new Moringa Lip Balm, a product nearly three years in the making. In an exclusive interview with ESSENCE, Elba shared her long-standing care for her lips as the inspiration behind the balm. Unlike many brands, S’Able Labs centers its work on African beauty and indigenous formulas. The company channels cultural rituals into melanin-first products designed to highlight and elevate African botanicals.
Elba explains, “We wanted to elevate and highlight African beauty and these amazing African botanicals, and Moringa Lip Balm is no exception.”
The Power of the Moringa Tree
The key ingredient in the balm is the Moringa oleifera tree, also known as the “Wonder Tree.” This sacred herb holds ancient medicinal properties throughout all parts of the plant, from seeds to roots and bark to flowers. Though native to the Indian subcontinent, a related variety called Moringa stenopetala grows in the Horn of Africa — including southern Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and Somalia, Elba’s ancestral home.
“Moringa is an amazing antioxidant that protects lips from the elements,” Elba says, highlighting the plant’s fast growth and drought tolerance.
Advanced Technology Meets Natural Ingredients
The lip balm features S’Able Labs’ patented HyperPrevent technology for the first time. This innovation helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation, a common concern for darker skin tones. The technology works alongside prickly pear enzymes and Bright Oleoactif™ to improve lip appearance.
The formula is enriched with lipid-rich oils like castor and marula, known to increase lip hydration by 127 percent. “I love the castor oil base—my mom used to say it was a cure-all—because it works so well on dry areas everywhere, especially the cuticle,” Elba shares.
Skincare Routine and Philosophy
Elba stresses the importance of lip care in her daily routine, calling it one of the easiest ways to keep skin healthy. “Taking care of your lips is just as important as taking care of the rest of your skin,” she says. Every morning, she applies lip balm, takes a deep breath, and listens to Snoh Aalegra on Spotify.
She points out that while many focus on facial and under-eye skincare, lip pigmentation is often overlooked. “I wanted to create a product that could effectively address pigmentation on the lips while making sure they were hydrated and nourished,” Elba adds.
Looking Ahead: Spotlight on A-Beauty and Women Behind the Ingredients
Looking to the future, Elba expresses excitement about continuing to promote A-Beauty — African beauty — and its powerful, often underrecognized ingredients.
In addition to an upcoming S’Able Labs event, she aims to highlight the women behind these ingredients. “Our recent work in Ghana showcased the real women behind these ingredients and how their contributions should be seen and celebrated,” Elba says. “I’m excited to see this conversation continue to grow.”
Sabrina Elba’s Moringa Lip Balm offers a blend of cultural heritage, scientific innovation, and natural care. It marks a meaningful step toward greater recognition of African botanicals and the women who cultivate them.
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