Why Marula Oil Is a Go-To for Hydration and Reducing Inflammation
- Kaye's Beauty
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Not long ago, face oils were often seen as products best reserved for very dry skin, with most other skin types advised to avoid them. Today, however, skincare oils have gained popularity for their wide range of benefits, with different options suited to different needs.
One oil that stands out is marula oil. Known for being hydrating yet lightweight, it’s even suitable for acne-prone skin. Its unique properties make it a versatile addition worth considering for any skincare routine.
Marula Oil
Type of ingredient: Emollient.
Key benefits: Locks in hydration, softens skin, provides antioxidant protection, calms inflammation, and offers mild antibacterial properties.
Who can use it: Suitable for all skin types, though particularly beneficial for those with very dry or cracked skin.
How often to use: Safe for daily application.
Pairs well with: Can be layered over products containing actives such as retinoids, peptides, or antioxidants to help seal them in and enhance their effects.
Avoid combining with: No major conflicts are known, but it’s best not to overload the skin with multiple oils in the same routine to maintain balance.
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What Is Marula Oil?
Marula oil is a natural oil extracted from the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea), native to sub-Saharan Africa but now also grown in parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and Oceania. The oil can be obtained from the nuts, seeds, or fruit of the tree, using methods such as boiling, pressing, or processing.
The most common extraction method is cold pressing—a technique that crushes the kernels without heat. This process is considered the standard for maintaining the oil’s natural, beneficial compounds, which might otherwise be lost with heat-based methods.
Although it’s only recently become popular in modern skincare, marula oil has been traditionally used for centuries in Africa as a multipurpose remedy. In its pure form, it appears as a pale yellow oil with a faint, nutty aroma.
Benefits of Marula Oil for Skin
Like many other plant-based oils, marula oil is an excellent hydrator—but its benefits extend far beyond simple moisturization.
Seals in moisture: Rich in fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid, marula oil forms a light, protective layer on the skin that helps lock in hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Mimics skin’s natural oils: Its fatty acid profile closely resembles the natural oils produced by the skin, which makes it highly compatible and easily absorbed.
Non-comedogenic: Unlike heavier oils, marula oil is lightweight and unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable even for acne-prone skin.
Packed with antioxidants: Naturally high in vitamins C and E, along with other antioxidants, marula oil helps defend against free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution.
Anti-aging support: Antioxidants, amino acids, and hydrating properties combine to protect collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Soothes irritation: Its fatty acid content also makes it a calming option for skin prone to redness, dryness, or inflammation.
Boosts absorption of other products: Thanks to its high oleic acid content, marula oil enhances the penetration of other skincare ingredients applied with it.
Antimicrobial benefits: Studies suggest it may help limit the growth of certain bacteria, adding an extra layer of protection for the skin.
Side Effects of Marula Oil
Marula oil is generally considered safe with a very low risk of irritation. However, as with any skincare product, patch testing on a small area before full application is recommended to rule out potential allergies.
How to Use Marula Oil
Marula oil can be used on its own or blended into serums and moisturizers. For best results:
Apply a few drops once daily, after cleansing and applying water-based serums, but before moisturizer.
Combine with humectants like hyaluronic acid for enhanced hydration.
Use it as a lightweight alternative to moisturizer, or layer it with richer creams for extra nourishment.
For a minimal routine, it can even replace most steps—except for essentials like sunscreen and targeted treatments.
The best Marula Oil products
This pure, organic marula seed oil is cold-pressed and unrefined, delivering lightweight hydration that glides onto the skin while enhancing a healthy, radiant glow with its natural antioxidants. Click here to buy.
Skincare goes beyond the face—your hands deserve it too. This hand cream blends ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, and marula oil to hydrate dryness, restore volume, and strengthen cuticles for smoother, younger-looking hands. Click here to buy.
Kaye's Beauty Book is here to help you choose better products that suit your skin, hair and lifestyle. All of the products mentioned are carefully researched and selected to ensure that the most credible information comes to you. If you do buy a product from one of our links, Kaye's Beauty Book may earn a commission.
II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II
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