Health Benefits of Marula Oil (2024)

Marula oil comes from the kernels of the marula fruit, which originates in Africa. People in southern Africa have used it for hundreds of years as a skin care product and protectant. Marula oil protects the hair and skin against the effects of the harsh sun and weather there. Today you can find marula oil in many skin lotions, lipsticks, and foundations.

Since marula oil comes from the seed of a fruit, it has similar health benefits that other fruits do. For instance, many fruits are rich in protein and antioxidants, which make it good for the skin and body. Its fine molecular structure hydrates and protects wherever it’s applied to — such as skin or hair. These combined factors make marula oil an effective treatment.

But does it have other health benefits? Let’s find out more about this special oil and why you might want to add it to your skincare routine.

Health Benefits

What makes this little-known, multipurpose oil so special is that it’s full of beneficial components, such as:

  • Amino acids
  • Fatty acids
  • Antioxidants

All of these elements work together to make marula oil a great skincare product.

Amino acids are the “building blocks of life.” When they bond together they form protein. Your body needs protein to maintain healthy skin, repair cells, and break down food. Marula oil contains L-arginine and glutamic acid. Both of these amino acids also have hydrating, anti-aging properties.

Fatty acids — particularly monounsaturated fatty acids, which marula oil contains — also help moisturize your skin.

Antioxidants, like vitamin E and vitamin C, fight free radicals — molecules that can potentially damage cells. They also can prevent skin damage.

Marula oil is a multipurpose oil because people use it all over the body. It nourishes from the inside and is an excellent addition to any beauty regimen.

Prevents Damage from Sun and Environment

The sun’s ultraviolet rays along with high amounts of pollution in the environment cause skin damage, according to dermatologist Hadley King, MD. By using an oil such as marula oil, you can better combat these elements.

Keeps Skin Healthy

Many people use marula oil as a moisturizer. The oil itself is lightweight and absorbs into the skin easily. Once applied, it also helps hydrate your skin. It can be effective for softening and smoothing fine lines and getting rid of acne. It keeps your skin looking and feeling hydrated and healthy. It even works as a lip moisturizer.

Hydrates Hair

Marula oil hydrates and protects your hair. It can be used on all hair types, whether dry, frizzy, or brittle. Overall, the elements in marula oil nourish your hair without making it greasy. Its properties also prevent water loss.

Softens Nails

Marula oil also benefits your nails. Often, dry hands or feet can make our nails brittle and tough. However, a moisturizer like marula oil can keep your cuticles and nail beds nice and soft. After using marula oil, you may notice that less hangnails form, and enjoy more youthful, softer skin.

There are many uses for marula oil and you’ll notice the health and beauty benefits almost immediately.

Health Risks

Marula oil has no well-documented, specific health risks. Still, there is a need for precautions. Possible risks associated with marula oil include:

Allergic Reaction

Anyone allergic to fruits or nuts should be careful using marula oil, since it comes from the nut of the marula fruit. If someone with a nut allergy uses it, they could experience an allergic reaction. Signs that you have an allergy include:

  • Red skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Puffy or swollen lips
  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing

If allergies are a concern for you, you can do an allergy test on yourself at home. To do so:

  • Apply a drop of marula oil on your skin. (A good place to test for an allergy is on your inner forearm.)
  • Then wait — an allergic reaction can appear in minutes or in as long as two days. Keep an eye on the spot you placed the oil to note any changes that could occur.
  • If the skin becomes red, itchy, or swollen, you probably have an allergy to marula oil and should not use it.

Vision Problems

Marula oil can be applied to many places, but one area you should avoid is your eyes. If you get oil in your eyes, try to get the oil out immediately. Failing to do so could result in vision problems.

Amounts and Dosage

There’s no specified amount or dosage you need to make sure to use. However, many people apply small drops of the oil to their faces, hands, or hair to finish off their skin care routines. Marula oil restores elasticity and smooths out cellulite and scars.

You can use marula oil during the day or at night. Whether you have dry or oily skin, it doesn’t matter. The oil will moisturize no matter where it’s applied. You can apply it right before putting on makeup since it absorbs so quickly. The key is to dab the oil on your face — no rubbing, just tapping. This helps the oil sink into your skin.

Some shampoos have marula oil included in their list of ingredients. However, if yours does not, you can add a few drops to it if you wish. Another way to use marula oil is to apply it to your hair before you shampoo. Both of these methods help your hair gain the health benefits of marula oil.
Marula oil is also popularly used as a body lotion. Apply it liberally after bathing or before bed on dry skin. It penetrates deep, even where the skin is the thickest.

Health Benefits of Marula Oil (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of marula oil? ›

Marula Carrier Oil must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Marula Oil include hypotension, irritation of the skin, inflammation, and gastrointestinal problems such as upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and vomiting.

What does marula oil do for you? ›

Marula oil is high in antioxidants , essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It's widely used as an ingredient in skin care products, and appears to be beneficial for oily, acne-prone, dry, and aging skin. It's also effective at keeping hair soft, supple, and moisturized.

Can I use marula oil daily? ›

Because it's lightweight and noncomedogenic, marula oil can be used daily without making skin greasy.

Can you put pure marula oil on your face? ›

Marula Oil - Face

It is very versatile and can be used on dry or greasy skin. The properties are similar to the natural oils found in the skin. Marula oil doesn't clog pores (like some other oils do) because it is non-comedogenic.

What is better, argan oil or marula oil? ›

If you're looking for an oil that's full of stuff that's good for your skin, like vitamins C and E, marula oil is the one. It's really good at fighting the stuff that can hurt your skin. On the other hand, argan oil has a lot of fatty acids, making it a great pick for putting moisture back into dry and flaky skin.

Which is better, marula oil or rosehip oil? ›

Rosehip oil is better for extremely dry skin types and conditions because of its more soothing fatty acids. Marula oil is better as a supplementary occlusive oil in cases where oleic acid is desirable, like in acne treatments. Rosehip oil also contains a ton of alpha-linolenic acid, which marula does not.

Does marula oil help hair grow? ›

While so far, no clinical trials have studied marula oil's efficacy for hair growth, there is some evidence that it does provide hair health benefits which may, indirectly, lead to a fuller head of hair.

Is marula oil good for mature skin? ›

Marula oil contains L-arginine and glutamic acid. Both of these amino acids also have hydrating, anti-aging properties. Fatty acids — particularly monounsaturated fatty acids, which marula oil contains — also help moisturize your skin.

Does marula oil fade dark spots? ›

marula oil may be effective for dark spots, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.

What not to mix with marula oil? ›

Don't use with: There are currently no known ingredients that will interact negatively with marula oil, although you can always have too much of a good thing. Avoid using any other oils in your routine to try to better maintain balanced skin.

Is marula or jojoba oil better for the face? ›

In addition, Marula oil is more comedogenic than jojoba oil, meaning it's less likely to cause breakouts. Overall, Marula oil is a more beneficial and versatile oil for skincare than jojoba oil. It can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, from dryness and dehydration to acne and aging skin.

Does marula oil go bad? ›

My experience with others Marula oils:

In addition, it gets rancid quite quickly (in less than 6 months).

Is marula oil inflammatory? ›

3 It also contains amino acids, specifically L-arginine and glutamic acid, which also have anti-aging properties. Translation: Marula oil can help ward off fine lines and wrinkles. Works as an anti-inflammatory: Those same fatty acids that make it so hydrating also help combat inflammation and redness, notes Dr. Haley.

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