Marula oil in skincare – Complete Guide

Marula has been around for a long time. Many studies show that it can protect dry skin and cracking skin. It’s moisturizing properties are so effective that it can treat leather.

• High in oleic acid: marula oil has a high amount of oleic acid which is needed to treat dry skin. It has 78% of oleic acid.

• Antioxidant properties: marula oil has shown to scavenge free radicals more effectively than other oils.

• Anti-aging: marula oil has shown to improve skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, and increase skin smoothness. This can help with fine lines and wrinkles to some extend.

• Contains a lot of monounsaturated fatty acid: marula oil has a lot of fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. It also contains tocopherols (vitamin E), sterols, flavonoids, procyanidin, gallotannin, and catechins.

• Anti–inflammatory: It is also non-irritating and can be used for sensitive skin.

• Can moisturize the skin: marula oil can moisturize the skin by preventing transepidermal water loss.

It can be comedogenic. Marula oil has a comedogenic rating of 3-4, so it is likely to clog your pores.

Marula oil is suitable mainly for dry and dehydrated skin types. It can be used for oily and acne-prone skin, but do use it with caution because it can be comedogenic.

It can also be used for sensitive skin and skin of color because of its non-irritating and moisturizing properties, but still do conduct a patch test to be on the safe side.

Make sure to look for cold-pressed and unrefined marula oil as it can very effective. Marula oil has a light yellow colour and a nutty aroma. If you have sensitive skin or skin of colour, make sure to stay away from marula oil that has fragrances.

• If you have dry skin, look for other moisturizing ingredients along with marula oil.
• If you have oil and acne-prone skin, choose a marula oil that has other moisturizing ingredients or oils (for example:: rosehip oil).

When looking at the ingredient list, you might see Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil which is another name for marula oil.

You can mix marula oil with carrier oils such as argan oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and other carrier oils. These can moisturize your skin a lot.

For essential oils, you can combine marula oil with lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. Together, these oils can highly moisturize your skin.

• Conduct a patch test
• Use marula oil at night. Using it in the morning can retain heat and cause inflammation.

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Use gentle AHA/BHA/PHAs.
• Apply your skincare actives niacinamide, vitamin C, or retinol.
• Moisturize and then apply your marula oil. (moisturizers are thick and face oils are lightweight).

Marula oil is rich in protein and can be used for hair treatment especially if you have dry hair, brittle hair, Since marula oil is a lightweight oil, it can be applied to the hair without leaving a greasy feeling.

Marula oil is said to be safe for pregnancy, but still do make sure to consult a doctor about this oil.

Marula oil is a essential oil. It can also be used as a carrier oil for other essential oils.

Marula oil can’t cause purging, but it can cause breakouts because it is comedogenic, meaning that it can clog pores.

Marula oil is an emollient which can fill in the cracks and gaps and make the skin smooth.

Yes, marula oil can be used with rosehip oil. Using few drops of marula oil and rosehip oil together at night can moisturize and fill in the dry patches on your face as they both are emollients.

Yes, marula is a great oil that can be used with vitamin C and retinol. After you finish using a cleanser, start with your skincare actives (vitamin C or retinol) and then moisturize your face to avoid any irritation. Then finish it off with marula oil.

Yes, marula oil can be used with AHA/BHA/PHA’s. AHAs such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid (best for sensitive skin), and lactic acid can be used with marula oil. BHAs such as salicylic acid can also be used with marula oil.

Yes, you can use marula oil with tretinoin, and is completely safe. You can apply tretinoin and then a moisturizer followed by marula oil.