Argan oil. Olive oil. Jojoba oil – these are the familiar all-natural oils, the ones you can spot in any beauty cupboard. But what about Marula oil? Have you ever even heard of it?
Marula is a miraculous oil extracted from the nut inside Marula fruit – an African native. In other words, this oil is the heart and soul of African skin and hair care regimen; in fact, the origins of Marula can be traced all the way back to 10,000 years B.C. Long a diet staple in Southern Africa, Marula been used for preserving meat, in skin care, as a massage oil for infants and children, in leather treatment etc.ca
Wondering what made it special? Of course, its nutrient profile!
The clear, light yellow oil with nutty aroma is full of fatty acids, vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and minerals. Marula oil has 70 -78% oleic acid, 4 – 7% linoleic acid, and 0.1 – 0.7 % linolenic acid. These mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids play a vital role in lowering cholesterol levels. Marula is also rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and copper.
Truth be told, the list of benefits marula oil provides runs long.. very long! Here are 13 most incredible benefits of Marula oil that might help you embrace it.
13 Benefits of Marula Oil
1. Anti-aging
With 4X vitamin C of oranges and 60 percent more antioxidants than argan, coconut, and many other all-natural oils, Marula oil is rich in anti-aging selling points. Also, it is packed with Vitamin E, oleic acid – one of the potent Omega-9s- known for their potential to ward off dryness, lines, and wrinkles.
When applied on the skin, the anti-oxidants, moisture-locking and anti-inflammatory compounds act together to fight free radicals, hydrate the dull and dry skin, and prevent sagging of the skin respectively. The omega-9s and other fatty acids also assist the whole process by promoting collagen formation and skin regeneration. The anti-oxidants also add an extra layer of protection from harmful UV rays to prevent sun damage and allergies.
Takeaway: Marula = Miraculous anti-ager.
2. Balances Moisture
The presence of a wide spectrum of emollients such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, and Omega-9 fatty acids makes Marula oil an amazing moisturizing agent for the dry skin. Marula oil is, in fact, said to have 78% oleic acid (next to olive oil that has up to 83% of it) to replenish moisture level and enhance softness and radiance of your skin.
Just add a few drops of Merula oil into moisturizer or BB cream to incorporate it into your skin care regime; you may also use them on its own. For best results leave it overnight and rinse off in the morning.
Takeaway: Godsend for dry skin
3. Heal & Prevent Skin Disorders Like Eczema
Eczema or dermatitis is the most common skin disorder characterized by any or all of these symptoms: redness, dryness, itching, cracking, flaking, or bleeding. Marula oil has anti-oxidant emollients such as vitamin E and omega-3,6 and 9 fatty acids, making it an excellent topical treatment to manage the symptoms of eczema and other skin disorders.
Because it generously hydrates the skin it can calm the oil glands that go wild when the skin is extremely dry. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial nutrients, Marula can protect against further inflammations and microbial invasion.
Takeaway: Marula oil = savior for eczema and psoriasis
4. Assists with Stretch Marks
The topical treatment oil that is rich in Vitamin C and fatty acids, Marula oil helps to repair and prevent stretch marks. Applying this magic wand oil regularly all over the body is said to enhance skin’s suppleness. The antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins help repair the skin and promote new cell growth to cover up the pesky marks.
Marula oil is a great recommendation for pre and post pregnancy care as it can turn the skin more elastic, helping repair and reduce marks and scars.
Takeaway: Magic Wand for Stretch Marks
5. Protects Against Environmental Damage
In addition to preventing the signs of aging and soothing dry skin, Marula oil extends protection against environmental stressors and pollutants, too. Increased pollutant load can amp up skin’s stress level and adversely affect its health and natural state. Moreover, excessive sun exposure and ultraviolet radiations may cause skin cancer.
The antioxidants in Marula oil not only fight such environmental damages but shield the skin and facilitate skin renewal. It also fortifies the damaged skin by enriching with nutrients, moisturizing with emollient ingredients, and protecting against inflammations.
Takeaway: Bust that toxins!
6. Fights Hormonal Changes
No one escapes the stabby feel the fluctuating –rones and –ols create especially, the women. Needless to say, these changes ultimately affect the skin’s wellbeing. Hormonal imbalance can also result in poor appetite, insomnia, mood swings, and other problems. Marula oil may bring in a sense of balance with its acclaimed nutrient profiles and calming effects.
Takeaway: Hormones, try me!
7. Keeps Hair and Scalp Healthy
Not every all-natural oils out there penetrate deep into the scalp but Marula oil is an exception. Not only does it sinks in, but effectively coats the strands to protect against external damage, retains the moisture, nourishes from within, and seals the cuticles. The result: healthy, lustrous hair thanks to vitamin C, fatty acids, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper!
Regular use of the oil can eliminate the dead cells which may then turn into the ever irritating white flakes. Daily massage with Marula oil improves circulation, soothe the irritated scalp (read: limit chemical products and heat), and protects from scalp infections.
Takeaway: Say goodbye to hair damage
8. Aids all skin types
WHAT?? An oil for all skin types? It may sound mythical, but Marula oil isn’t a looker; it is a one-stop solution to look your best no matter your skin is dry, oily, sensitive or a combination of these. Rich in oleic acid, it is a sealing oil that gets absorbed into the skin in no time. It naturally hydrates, soothes, and rejuvenates the skin. Best of all, it neither clogs the pores nor makes the skin greasy.
Takeaway: Say Hi to one-stop solution
9. Nail Care
With loads of Vitamin E and fortifying nutrients, Marula oil is great for treating weak, splitting or brittle nails. The skin-enriching compounds nourish and moisturizes the nails, promotes re-growth, and help to remove dead nails. Thus it ensures you have healthy cuticle and stronger nails. Massaging the oil into cuticles can make them soft, and supple. Add it to nail products to get strong, pretty nails.
Takeaway: Goodbye weak nails
10. Acne Fighting
Marula oil happens to be one of the best topical oil that can be used to treat acne. Because it is inherently antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and non-comedogenic, it is perfect to heal acne blemishes. The good thing about this oil is that it maintains the body’s pH balance and reduces excess oil production.
At the same time, it also soothes, immensely hydrates, and heals the skin which can reduce the scars and spots. Besides bacteria, hormonal imbalances may also contribute to acne and pimples; Marula oil is going to be very effective in balancing it as well.
Takeaway: Bye, Bye Breakouts
11. Aids Chapped Lips
While intensely moisturizing and nourishing, Marula oil is the savior especially when the wintery snow starts to fall. Vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acid emollients in the oil will not only heal, but will also lighten the discolorations, repair the skin, improve elasticity, and smooth up the lips. Use few drops on its own or mix with coconut oil or olive oil to heal cracking and chapping.
Takeaway: Time to ditch chemical-rich lip balm!
12. A natural skin conditioner
With plenty of vitamin E and minerals, as well as antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids like omega-9 (oleic) and omega 6 (linoleic acid), Marula oil is brimming with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisture-locking properties. This makes it powerful at fighting free radicals, acne, infections, dryness, spots, and scars. It also makes a great anti-ager that prevents smile lines and crow’s feet. Best of all, it provides skin elasticity and firmness. Use it regularly for smoother, conditioned, and healthier skin.
Takeaway: Hello Gorgeous, Hi Handsome!
13. Excellent Skin Primer
These days, Marula oil is garnering some special attention because it is found to be effective in priming the skin for a seamless makeup look; thanks to its moisturizing and fast absorbing properties. Also, the oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and gives a radiant glow – everything you‘d want in a primer! Not to forget, it protects the skin from the damaging skincare products!
Takeaway: All-natural Dewy finish
Final Thoughts
If you’re all set to stock a bottle (or a few?) of Marula oil, keep these mind – it is a very potent oil, meaning a little goes a long way; though there are no serious side effects reported so far, usage under expert/medical guidance is highly recommended; people with nut allergies may be allergic to this oil, so patch test before the first usage; it is not recommended for people under medications that may lower blood pressure as it may lower the pressure further.
Sources:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286722668_Nutritional_evaluation_of_marula_Sclerocarya_birrea_seed_cake_as_a_protein_supplement_for_goats_fed_grass_hay
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5804067/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20883261
