Marula Oil for Skin: What It Does and Who It Suits
Marula oil is a light, quick-absorbing facial oil pressed from the kernels of the marula tree, and it is rich in oleic acid. A small human study found it non-irritating and moisturising on dry skin, which makes it a good emollient oil rather than a miracle one.
TL;DR
- What it is: an oil pressed from the kernels of the marula fruit tree (Sclerocarya birrea), which grows in southern Africa.
- What it does: softens skin and leaves a light seal, helped by a fatty acid mix that is about 69% oleic acid.
- The research: a study of 20 women found it non-irritating, moisturising on dry skin and mildly occlusive on normal skin.
- Safety: the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel found 244 plant-derived oils, marula among them, safe as used in cosmetics.
- Who it suits: dry and normal skin. Oily skin may find it richer than it wants.
- Our position: marula oil is not in our formulas.
What is marula oil?
Marula oil comes from the kernel inside the fruit of the marula tree. On a label it appears as Sclerocarya birrea seed oil.
It is a pale, light oil with a texture that sits between a rich facial oil and a dry oil. That is why it often shows up in serums, facial oils and lightweight creams.
What does marula oil do for skin?
It is an emollient, which means it softens the skin surface and fills in the gaps between flaking cells. It also adds a thin occlusive layer that slows water loss.
The fatty acid make-up explains the feel. A 2016 study measured the oil at about 69% oleic acid, with smaller amounts of palmitic, linoleic, palmitoleic and stearic acids.
If you like facial oils, our Vitamin C Antioxidant Elixir blends several plant oils, including hemp seed oil and sweet almond oil.
How does marula oil compare with other facial oils?
Marula is high in oleic acid, which gives it a smooth, cushioned feel. Argan oil and rosehip oil have different fatty acid mixes, so the swap comes down to feel.
If you want something that is closest to the skin's own oils, jojoba oil is a popular pick.
What does the research say about marula oil?
The main human study is small. A 2016 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested the oil on 20 healthy women and found it non-irritating, moisturising on dry skin and occlusive on normal skin.
The authors described its moisture retention as average and its effect on water loss as moderate. That is a fair summary: a pleasant emollient with modest evidence, not a standout.
Who should be careful with marula oil?
Anyone with oily or breakout-prone skin may find an oleic-rich oil too heavy. Try it a few evenings a week before making it a daily habit.
As with any plant oil, patch test first. Our guide to patch testing skincare properly shows how.
How do you use marula oil?
Press two or three drops into slightly damp skin after your serum, as the last step of your evening routine. It also works mixed into a moisturiser on dry days.
Use less than you think you need. If your skin feels greasy rather than comfortable, halve the amount.
Safety and typical concentration range
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded in 2017 that 244 plant-derived fatty acid oils are safe as used in cosmetics. Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, which is marula oil, is on that list.
Marula oil can be the main ingredient in a facial oil or a small share of a cream, so the amount varies by product.
Do we use marula oil at Dope Skin Co?
No. Marula oil is not in any of our formulas. Our formulas use other plant oils, such as hemp seed oil and sweet almond oil.
Not sure what your skin needs? The skin quiz takes a couple of minutes.
FAQ
Is marula oil good for dry skin?
A small study found it moisturising on dry skin, so it is a reasonable pick for dryness.
Is marula oil comedogenic?
Comedogenicity depends on the person. It is oleic-rich, so oily and breakout-prone skin should patch test before using it daily.
Can you use marula oil every day?
Yes, if your skin likes it. Start a few evenings a week and build up.
Is marula oil the same as argan oil?
No. They are different oils from different trees, with different fatty acid profiles.
Where does marula oil come from?
It is pressed from the kernels of the marula tree, which grows in southern Africa.
