Marula Oil is a Miracle Ingredient for Skin and Hair

What is marula oil?

Derived from the nuts, fruit, or seeds of the African marula tree (also known as Sclerocarya birrea), marula oil is basically liquid gold. It’s been prized in Africa for centuries thanks to it’s skin-transforming benefits. Marula oil is usually a light yellow shade and smells somewhat nutty. When it comes to beauty, it’s known for being fast-absorbing, lightweight, and rich in fatty acids that offer intense benefits for skin and hair.

4 Benefits of marula oil on skin and hair

1. It’s super moisturizing.

Sometimes hydrated skin isn’t about how much you moisturize; it’s about how much hydration is allowed to escape from your skin. Marula oil is a known occlusive ingredient, A.K.A. it seals in moisture all day long. That’s why we love to apply it after a water-based serum, like one infused with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and give your skin an extra hydration boost.

2. It’s an incredible anti-ager.

As we age, two key proteins within our skin—collagen and elastin—begin to dwindle. As a result, we start to see fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, and a lack of plumpness. In a 2018 study, six compounds in marula oil were found to increase production of both collagen and elastin, especially when the oil was extracted from marula stems.

3. It’s the perfect oil for acne.

One study showed that marula oil’s oleic and palmitic acids are especially similar to the fatty acids found naturally in our own skin. Translation: Because your skin’s accustomed to it, it absorbs easily and won’t irritate sensitive or acne-prone complexions. In fact, these fatty acids may even quell redness and inflammation associated with acne—a win-win!

4. It lightly hydrates hair.

Just like marula oil locks moisture into skin, it also seals hydration into the hair shaft. Ideal for dry, brittle, or color-damaged hair, we love to apply it to dry, thirsty ends and delicate hairs around our hairline. Best of all, it won’t look or feel greasy or weigh your hair down like some hair oils out there.

Try it for yourself

If you’re as excited as we are about this miracle oil, you’ll want to get your hands on some ASAP. Here are some of our all-time favorite marula oil-packed products.

THEORIE Marula Oil Transforming Hair Serum

This softening, sulfate-free formula is as multipurpose as it gets. Comb through dry ends, add it to lengths to boost shine, or use it to tame frizz and flyaways. It even acts as a heat protectant before styling with hot tools.

MARULA PURE BEAUTY OIL Pure Marula Facial Oil

We don’t love facial oils that feel heavy or take forever to sink in. That’s why this one’s our go-to. It’s so lightweight, you can even mix it with your favorite foundation for added moisture, sans the greasiness.

MARULA PURE BEAUTY OIL Daily Moisture Mist

If you prefer a creamy leave-in formula for your hair, you’ll love this one. Packed with marula oil and keratin amino acids, it locks in nourishment, tackles frizz, and protects from heat up to 428 degrees.

Are you adding marula oil to your skincare routine? Let us know @IPSY

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