Everything you need to know about marula: Skincare experts reveal how the anti-aging oil from southern Africa can transform your beauty regime

  • Marula oil has been hailed for its antioxidant and skin hydration properties
  • The oil contains multiple fatty acids so it is easily absorbed into the skin
  • It is best to look for cold pressed, organic marula oil for the highest quality
  • It is also important that the oil is sustainably and ethically farmed in Africa

Ultra-moisturizing, healing, anti-aging - it's not hard to see why marula is being hailed the new 'miracle oil' for your hair and skin.

But does this beauty product live up to the hype? And how exactly should we be using marula oil to reap its many benefits?

We spoke to dermatologists Dr Susan Cox and Dr Shereene Idriss to bring you the complete guide to marula oil and its benefits, and help you determine whether this beauty product could work for you. 

Marula oil has been hailed the new 'miracle oil' for your hair and skin. But does it live up to the hype?
Marula Beauty is one of the facial oils that is made from the purest, cleanest, and most potent marula oil

Ultra-moisturizing, healing, anti-aging - it's not hard to see why marula is being hailed the new 'miracle oil' for your hair and skin. Brands such as Marula Beauty have harvested marula fruit in Africa to create 100 per cent organic products, including their facial oil (right)

What does marula oil do?

Marula oil has been hailed for its anti-aging qualities, thanks to its antioxidant and skin hydration properties. Increased skin hydration also leads to skin 'plumpness' and the reduction of fine lines.

Dr Cox, who is one of Newport Beach's leading dermatology experts, explains that it is the amino acids L-arginine and glutamic acid in marula oil that contain hydrating and anti-aging properties. 

WHY PICK MARULA BEAUTY FACIAL OIL?

Marula Beauty facial oil is made from the purest, cleanest, and most potent marula oil. 

It is hand selected, quality checked and cold pressed in small batches to preserve its natural potency.

Marula Beauty is also committed to empowering the local women farming the oil and providing fair trade wages. 

This directly contributes to the quality of lives of their families, while bringing superior potent anti-oxidant marula oil products to women around the world.

She adds: 'Marula oil also contains multiple fatty acids – palmitic, steric, oleic, and myristic (all emollients) - with oleic acid making up 69 per cent of the oil and deeply penetrating the skin.

New York-based dermatologist Dr Shereene Idriss explains that it is for this reason that the oil stands out. 

'It absorbs deeper and easier into your skin unlike other oils that sit on top of your skin,' she explains.

'Oleic acid and palmitic acid are known to disrupt the most superficial layer of your skin, therefore enhancing the efficacy of serums and creams layered over it.'

Dr Cox also explains that marula contains antioxidants including Vitamins C and E which aid in free radical repair and help to reverse damage from sun, chemicals and environmental pollution. 

She adds: 'Vitamin E also aids in sun protection and Vitamin C may help fade brown spots.'

But Dr Cox also points out that it is preferable to look for cold pressed, organic marula oil if you want the highest quality product. 

There are a number of brands that promise to provide 100 per cent organic marula oil, including Marula Pure Beauty Oil, which is wild harvested, hand-selected, and cold pressed with no added heat or chemicals.

Who should use marula oil? 

Dr Cox says that the noncomedogenic and moisturizing characteristics of marula oil make it appropriate for any type of skin, whether dry and sensitive or oily and acne prone. 

'It is moisturizing for dry skin but won't clog pores of oily skin and may improve acne as well as having some antibacterial properties,' she explains.  

Marula oil comes from the fruit of the marula tree, which is native to the Southern part of Africa, and has been used on the continent for centuries

Marula oil comes from the fruit of the marula tree, which is native to the Southern part of Africa, and has been used on the continent for centuries

She adds: 'The intense hydration and antioxidants contained in marula oil cause the skin to become healthier overall and more resistant to environmental stressors such as wind, sun, cold and pollution.

'More specifically, marula oil can help to improve eczema by trapping moisture in the deeper layers of the skin, and can help with severely chapped lips during the fall and winter months.

'It can also be used to hydrate and smooth hair by sealing the strands as well as moisturize dry nails and cuticles.' 

Where does marula oil come from? 

Marula oil comes from the fruit of the marula tree, which is native to the southern part of Africa, and has been used on the continent for centuries.  

Not only is it one of the earliest discovered scar remedies, thanks to its healing properties, but it has also become a staple in beauty care regimes. 

Marula Pure Beauty Oil wild harvests marula fruit in Africa using an eco-friendly process that supports local women
Marula is recognized as a precious commodity in Africa and plays a major role in the local economy of many areas throughout the southern countries

Marula Pure Beauty Oil wild harvests marula fruit in Africa using an eco-friendly process that not only protects the trees but also supports local women

Marula is recognized as a precious commodity in Africa and plays a major role in the local economy of many areas throughout the southern countries. 

Every part of the marula tree has been incorporated in various foods, furniture manufacturing, medicinal and cosmetic industries.

Which marula oil should I use? 

As with any beauty product, it's important to consider where and how marula oil is sourced to ensure that not only are you getting the best product, but that the oil is sustainability farmed.

Marula Pure Beauty Oil is one such oil. The company wild harvests marula fruit in Africa using an eco-friendly process that not only protects the trees but also supports local women.

FREE TRAVEL KIT WHEN YOU ORDER MARULA PURE BEAUTY OIL NOW

Make any purchase from Marula Pure Beauty Oil from now through Mother's Day (May 12) and receive a free travel kit.

The kit ($35 value) includes a canvas travel pouch, a marula facial oil, a foaming cleansing oil, a light hair oil treatment and styling oil sample, and a deep moisture hair mask. 

 

The brand works with women across Africa to wild harvest the fallen marula fruit, hand crack the nuts, and then carefully select the purest blonde kernels to be cold pressed to create the oil.  

Marula Pure Beauty Oil subsidizes the families' earnings and builds daycare centers and schools in key areas, helping to empower these businesswomen to become a driving force in the success of their communities. 

When the marula is collected, only the fallen fruit is taken rather than the hanging strands, which helps to protect the trees.

Is marula better than other oils?

There are a number of oils that have gained popularity for skincare in recent years, the most notable of these being argan oil and jojoba.

Although the oil you choose will depend on your skin type and problem area, Dr Idriss says that marula does have some advantages over other oils. 

'It has 60 per cent more antioxidant properties than argan oil,' she explains. 'Also, unlike jojoba oil which has occlusive properties, marula oil is easily absorbed by your skin and helps other products penetrate better.' 

How should marula oil be applied? 

Dr Cox says that there is no specific way to apply marula oil properly, but she recommends starting with less and building up as necessary for hydration.

She says: 'When applying marula oil to your skin, add 1-2 drops to your hands and gently apply the oil all over your skin, avoiding the eye area.'

'Oils are usually advised to be applied last in your routine,' Dr Idriss adds. 'However, I recommend applying marula oil before your serums or moisturizer as it will help enhance your other products' properties.'

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How marula oil can transform your beauty regime