About Marula Oil for Skin, Hair & Nails

What is marula oil?

The marula fruit tree (Sclerocarya birrea) is native to parts of southern Africa. The trees grow wild and were once rare but are now cultivated. Once considered sacred, the marula tree was linked to fertility and happy marriage in ancient times. It is also called the Tree of Marriage.

The fermented fruit of the marula tree was also thought to intoxicate elephants, who seem to adore its delicious taste as much as people do. The Tonga people called the marula “food of kings”.

Many parts of the marula tree are used as ingredients in food and traditional medicine throughout Africa. Each marula fruit contains a hard, brown nut with pliable, white kernels at its core.

Marula oil is primarily extracted from these kernels, but can also be obtained from the nut’s outer husk. Marula oil is rich in protein and easily absorbed, making it an effective skin and hair treatment.

Marula oil smell Marula oil has a nutty undertone.

Uses & Benefits of Marula Oil

  • Anti-aging properties
  • Calms itchiness
  • Helps heal wounds
  • Improves elasticity of skin
  • Perfect as a massage oil
  • Natural moisturiser
  • Treats stretch marks
  • Repairs damaged tissue.

 https://www.healthline.com/health/marula-oil-benefits

Marula oil on face

Because marula oil is lightweight, it absorbs easily. This makes it an effective moisturizer for dry or aging skin. I

t may be beneficial for smoothing and softening fine lines, preventing stretch marks, and keeping skin hydrated and well-nourished.

It’s also an effective lip moisturizer.

There is no scientific evidence indicating that marula oil is beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. However, anecdotal evidence points to its ability to reduce the irritation, itching, and dryness associated with these conditions.

Marula oil for acne

Marula oil makes a good moisturizer for oily skin and acne because it’s non-greasy. It also has antimicrobial properties and may be effective against the bacteria that contribute to the formation of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Marula oil for hair

Marula oil can help nourish hair from root to tip without making it overly greasy. The oil has hydrating, moisturizing, and occlusive (preventing water loss) properties, making it beneficial for dry, frizzy, or brittle hair.

Marula oil for nails

Marula oil is effective at keeping nail beds and cuticles supple. This may help to reduce the incidence of hangnails, and painful, cracked skin around nails.

How to use

Apply daily to face to protect your skin against the abuse of the elements.

Add a few drops to your cleanser, mask, or face cream.

Use as a carrier oil to dilute pure essential oils.

Use before applying foundation as a makeup primer.

Use on chapped and calloused skin.

Apply immediately after a shower to seal in moisture quickly.

On the hair, it takes care of the frizzes, leaving it looking full and natural.

Ingredients 100% pure Marula oil (Sclerocarya birrea) - cold-pressed.

Warning Safe during & after pregnancy and perfect for preventing & reducing stretch marks.

There are no specific, well-documented risks associated with marula oil. Some people who have nut allergies may be allergic to marula.

If you’re concerned about a potential reaction, before using do a patch test: In your inner forearm, apply three or four drops of marula oil. Wait 24 hours. If there’s no sign of hives, redness, or irritation, you’re in the clear. Avoid getting the marula oil into your eyes.

Marula oil is made from the fruit of the marula tree, which is native to Africa. And it has a lot of selling points. It's moisturizing, but it won't clog your pores. "It's rich in essential fatty acids that mimic those that exist naturally in the outer layer of the skin," says Joshua Zeichner, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. It also contains the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids. But the best part? It's a surprisingly nonoily oil: "It's quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving you greasy," says Zeichner. Here, 12 ways to try marula oil for yourself.

Does marula oil clog pores?

Won't clog pores: Marula oil is non-comedogenic, so you don't have to worry about it clogging pores, as is the case with some other oils, like coconut oil.

Is marula oil good for under the eyes?

Yes, marula oil is safe to use under your eyes. When applying, use your ring finger to dab the product into your skin lightly. The under-eye area is delicate, so make sure to use less pressure.

 

What is the difference between argan oil and marula oil?

Argan is a good lightweight oil for all-over hydration. Marula oil is harvested from the nut inside the marula fruit grown in southern Africa, marula oil is packed with nourishing essential fatty acids and antioxidants—at a higher concentration than argan—that protect your skin from free radical damage.
Does marula oil help with dark spots?
Even though marula oil isn't the best solution for moisturizing acne-prone skin, board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., says it can help lighten dark spots, including acne-induced hyperpigmentation thanks to the oil's vitamin C.

How often should you use marula oil?

Jin Soon Choi, manicurist and founder of JinSoon, suggests applying marula oil two to three times a day and once before going to sleep to “heal super-dry skin very quickly.”

Pro tip: Rub marula oil into your cuticles after using nail polish remover for an extra dose of hydration.

When and how do I use Marula Oil?

  1. You can use Marula Oil in the morning and evening.
  2. Apply a few drops to the palm of your hand and pat or massage into your skin until it´s absorbed.
  3. You can use this alone or apply it after your water-based products and before heavy creams.

Is Marula Oil Heavy?

For Dry Skin: "Marula oil is great for reducing redness and hydrating dry and irritated skin. It's not heavy so you won't feel greasy. This oil is also rich in omega fatty acids," 

 

Does marula oil brighten skin?

While intensely moisturizing and nourishing, Marula oil is the savior, especially when the wintery snow starts to fall. Vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acid emollients in the oil will not only heal but will also lighten the discolorations, repair the skin, improve elasticity, and smooth up the lips.

Does marula oil have vitamin C?

The Marula fruit contains superfood levels of Vitamin C, an edible fruit as well. Marula oil is incredibly rich in other antioxidants and fatty acids, making it an incredibly nourishing oil for the skin.

  

What is marula oil made from?

Marula oil comes from the kernels of the marula fruit, which originates in Africa. People in southern Africa have used it for hundreds of years as a skincare product and protectant. Marula oil protects the hair and skin against the effects of the harsh sun and weather there.

Suggested Usage:
Apply two to three drops evenly onto face, neck, chest, hands, back of arms, or any place needing increased moisture (without any greasy residue) for visibly balanced, glowing, healthy skin.


Beauty tip: Apply one to two drops under eyes to minimize the look of fine lines and visibly rejuvenate fragile skin.

The marula fruit tree (Sclerocarya birrea) is native to parts of southern Africa. The trees grow wild and were once rare, but are now cultivated.

Once considered sacred, the marula tree was linked to fertility and happy marriage in ancient times. The fermented fruit of the marula tree was also thought to intoxicate elephants, who seem to adore its delicious taste as much as people do.

Many parts of the marula tree are used as ingredients in food and traditional medicine throughout Africa. Each marula fruit contains a hard, brown nut with pliable, white kernels at its core.

Marula oil is primarily extracted from these kernels, but can also be obtained from the nut’s outer husk. Marula oil is rich in protein and easily absorbed, making it an effective skin and hair treatment.

Marula oil smell

Marula oil is used as a base note in perfumes, body lotions, and soaps. It has a fruity, floral scent with a warm, nutty undertone.

Marula oil benefits

Marula oil is a relative newcomer to the beauty oil scene. Its light texture and rich moisture content properties have made it a popular treatment for skin, hair, and nails.

Marula oil is used as an ingredient in a wide range of cosmetic products. It can also be purchased as an essential oil. It’s beneficial components include:

  • amino acids L-arginine and glutamic acid, which have hydrating, anti-aging properties
  • fatty acids, including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and myristic acids, which have emollient and moisturizing benefits
  • antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds and vitamins E and C, which fight free radicals and may stave off skin damage caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun and pollution

Marula oil on face

Because marula oil is lightweight, it absorbs easily. This makes it an effective moisturizer for dry or aging skin. It may be beneficial for smoothing and softening fine lines, preventing stretch marks, and keeping skin hydrated and well-nourished. It’s also an effective lip moisturizer.

There is no scientific evidence indicating that marula oil is beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. However, anecdotal evidence points to its ability to reduce the irritation, itching, and dryness associated with these conditions.

Marula oil for acne

Marula oil makes a good moisturizer for oily skin and treating acne because it’s non-greasy.

It also has antimicrobial properties and may be effective against the bacteria that contribute to the formation of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Marula oil for hair

Marula oil can help nourish hair from root to tip, without making it overly greasy. The oil has hydrating, moisturizing, and occlusive (preventing water loss) properties, making it beneficial for dry, frizzy, or brittle hair.

Marula oil for nails

Marula oil is effective at keeping nail beds and cuticles supple. This may help to reduce the incidence of hangnails, and painful, cracked skin around nails.

How to use marula oil

Marula oil has a wide range of uses. These include:

Shampoo

There are many shampoos that contain marula oil. You can also add a few drops of pure, cold-pressed marula oil to your favorite shampoo, or use it as a pre-shampoo treatment.

Hair conditioner

Marula oil can be rubbed into the ends of hair to help eliminate split ends and dryness. You can also massage it into the scalp to reduce dandruff. Try massaging it through your entire head prior to heat styling, or use it as an anti-frizz treatment before venturing out into high humidity or rain.

Facial moisturizer

Whether your skin is oily or dry, marula oil can be used as a daytime and nighttime moisturizer. A few drops will do the trick. Since it absorbs quickly, it can be applied prior to using makeup.

Skin lotion

Marula oil can be used as an overall body skin conditioner. Try applying it liberally after bathing. You can also use it before bed on dry elbows and knees, and behind the ears.

Nail treatment

Rub marula oil into your cuticles after removing nail polish, which can be drying. You can also use it as a nighttime treatment for softening nail beds.

Safety precautions

There are no specific, well-documented risks associated with marula oil. Some people who have nut allergies may be allergic to marula.

If you’re concerned about a potential reaction, before using do a patch test:

  • On your inner forearm, apply three or four drops of marula oil.
  • Wait 24 hours.
  • If there’s no sign of hives, redness, or irritation, you’re in the clear.

Avoid getting marula oil into your eyes.

Marula oil is high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It’s widely used as an ingredient in skin care products, and appears to be beneficial for oily, acne-prone, dry, and aging skin. It’s also effective at keeping hair soft, supple, and moisturized.