Marula Carrier Oil Organic Information Page

Marula Carrier Oil Organic

Sclerocarya birrea

PREMIUM AFRICAN ELIXIR. A WILD-HARVESTED, ANTIOXIDANT-RICH OIL DESIGNED TO RESTORE DEEP HYDRATION, BOOST COLLAGEN PRODUCTION, AND PROTECT STRESSED SKIN AND HAIR. REVERED AS THE ULTIMATE FAST-ABSORBING "DRY FEEL" COMFORT BLANKET FOR DEHYDRATED, MATURE, AND TIRED SKIN. NATURALLY RICH IN OMEGA-9 OLEIC ACID AND BIOMIMETIC LIPIDS TO LOCK IN MOISTURE, REGAIN SKIN ELASTICITY, AND ADD SATINY SHINE TO DRY, FRIZZY HAIR.

IDENTIFICATION

  • INCI Name: Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
  • Synonyms: Amarula Oil, Marula Oil
  • CAS Number: 68956-68-3 (generic for vegetable oils)
  • SKU Code: [Leave blank for custom Shopify SKU]
  • Extraction Method: Cold pressed (Mechanical), Filtered (Mechanical)
  • Parts Used: Kernels (contained in fruit nuts)
  • Origin: South Africa
  • Common Names: Marula, Cider tree, Jelly Plum, Maroola, Maroela (Afrikaans), Morula (Twana, Sesotho), Umganu (Zulu, IsiNdebele), Tsua (ChiTonga), Mufula (Tshivenda), Ukanyi (Tsonga), Mng' ongo (Swahili), Ol-mangwai (Maasai)
  • Appearance: Clear, light-yellow fluid, mildly viscous oil. Penetrates incredibly fast with no greasy residue.
  • Odour: Mild, slightly sweet-nutty and herbal scent that dissipates rapidly upon application. (Intensity of smell may vary with growing season and time of harvest).
  • Quality: 100% pure and natural carrier oil (Wild Harvest)
  • Saponification Value: 195
  • Iodine Value: 71

COMPOSITION & BIOMIMETIC CHEMISTRY

Marula oil is highly unique because its lipid profile contains fatty acids highly similar to those naturally found in the human epidermis, making it highly biomimetic and easily accepted by the skin's barrier.

  • 74.90% Oleic Acid (Omega-9): Provides rich, luxurious emolliency and aids deep, rapid skin penetration.
  • 10.00% Palmitic Acid: Strengthens the skin's protective barrier and lipid membrane.
  • 6.90% Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): Helps balance moisture and soothens irritation.
  • 5.60% Stearic Acid: Restores skin texture and locks in hydration.
  • 0.60% Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3): Offers gentle anti-inflammatory support.
  • 0.40% Arachidic Acid: Softens skin layers and boosts natural elasticity.
  • Vitamins E and C & Flavonoids: Active antioxidants that aggressively neutralize free radicals and shield skin from pollution and environmental stressors.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep in a tightly closed container, in a cool and dry place, away from direct light and heat sources. Store out of the reach of children and pets.

SHORT DESCRIPTION & INTERESTING FACTS

  • A Sacred African Treasure: Marula oil is extracted from the kernels of the wild-harvested fruit nuts of the revered Marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea). Across Africa, the leaves, bark, and kernels have been utilized for centuries in traditional herbal wellness preparations.
  • Satiny Biomimetic Shield: Because its fatty acid profile mimics the natural protective oils of our own skin, Marula oil is a magnificent "biomimetic" shield. It functions as an occlusive agent to prevent Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), locking in essential moisture without leaving any heavy, sticky, or oily residue behind.
  • In-Situ Preservation: In traditional communities, Marula oil was historically used as a natural preservative for meat (such as biltong) due to its exceptional resistance to oxidation. This high oxidative stability directly translates into high anti-aging performance and a long cosmetic shelf life.

KEY PROPERTIES & BENEFITS

For the Skin:
  • Comedogenic Rating: 2-3 (Mildly comedogenic; excellent for dry, very dry, normal, combination, and dehydrated skin types).
  • Intense Moisture Lock: Softens pulling, tight, and flaky skin, restoring a smooth, comfortable, and supple texture.
  • Advanced Anti-Aging: Rich in flavonoids, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C to neutralize free radical damage, protect against environmental stressors, smooth fine lines, and support youthful elasticity.
  • Redness & Irritation Relief: Anti-inflammatory properties help soothe sunburns, calm redness, and comfort sensitive skin conditions.
  • Natural Makeup Primer: Absorbs quickly to create a smooth, glowing, satin-like canvas underneath makeup.
  • Effective Cleansing Base: Binds beautifully to sebum and makeup, making it a stellar base for bi-phase face cleansing.
For the Hair & Nails:
  • Deep Conditioning Mask: Smooths dry, frizzy, and brittle hair strands without weighing them down.
  • Scalp Comfort: Nourishes a dry scalp, combats dry flakes, and encourages healthy follicular growth.
  • Nail & Cuticle Fortifier: Strengthens brittle, peeling nails and deeply softens rough, dry cuticles.

HOW TO USE

Daily Skincare:
  • As a Daily Facial Elixir: Apply 4–6 drops directly to clean, slightly damp skin (ideally after applying a hydrosol or aloe vera gel) and massage gently until absorbed. Use during your day or nighttime routine.
  • As a Glow Makeup Primer: Apply a few drops to your face and neck 10–15 minutes before makeup application for a radiant, smooth finish.
  • As a Body Hydration Spray: Mix Marula with a slightly heavier carrier oil in a spray bottle and mist over your body immediately after showering to lock in intense moisture on dry forearms, elbows, and knees.
Ayurvedic Hair & Body Massages:
  • Ayurvedic Massage Base: Add 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) of Marula oil to 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of your favorite sliding carrier oil (like Sweet Almond or Sesame) to add luxurious glide and rapid absorption to your massage blends.
  • Hair Protection & Styling: Smooth a few drops through damp hair to protect from heat styling, or apply lightly to dry hair ends with your fingertips to tame stubborn frizz and lock in a brilliant shine.

POPULAR RECIPES & ESSENTIAL OIL COMBINATIONS

Luxurious African Oils Facial Elixir

For dry, dehydrated, normal, and combination skin types:

  • 10 ml (2 teaspoons) Marula Oil
  • 10 ml (2 teaspoons) Roselle-Hibiscus Oil
  • 10 ml (2 teaspoons) Kalahari Melon Seed Oil
  • 20 drops Frankincense or Rose Geranium essential oil
  • Directions: Mix the carrier oils together in a 30 ml amber glass bottle. Add the essential oil, shake gently to combine, and apply 4-5 drops to damp skin.
Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Repair Oil

To strengthen brittle nails and soften calloused cuticles:

  • 10 ml (2 teaspoons) Marula Oil
  • 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Castor Oil
  • 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Vitamin E Oil
  • 2 drops Lemon essential oil
  • Directions: Blend the ingredients in a small bottle and massage one drop into each nail bed and cuticle daily.
Deep-Conditioning Marula Hair Mask

To revitalize dry, frizzy, and color-treated hair:

  • 10 teaspoons Marula Carrier Oil
  • 5 teaspoons Argan Carrier Oil
  • 5 teaspoons organic/natural conditioner or neutral cream base
  • Directions: Mix the Marula and Argan oils in a heat-safe bowl. Gently warm the oil mixture (microwave in 15-second intervals until warm, never hot). Whip in the conditioner or cream base until smooth. Apply thoroughly to damp hair from roots to ends, wrap in a warm towel for 20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & DISCLAIMERS

  • Acne & Oily Skin Caution: Marula oil carries a mild comedogenic rating of 2-3. While some skin professionals advocate for its use due to its anti-inflammatory benefits, others advise caution for leave-on face products if you are highly prone to cystic acne and breakouts. We suggest using it at low concentrations (under 10%) in blends, or consulting your dermatologist if you are unsure.
  • Skin Patch Test Required: Due to the wild-harvested, natural origin of this botanical carrier oil, we strongly recommend performing a skin patch test on a small area of skin 48 hours before full use to check for personal sensitivities.
  • Usage Guidelines: Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest.
  • Medical Disclaimer: This botanical product is not intended to self-medicate or replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional or doctor if you are seeking medical advice for skin or health conditions.