INCI Name: Sclerocarya birrea seed oil

SYNONTYMS: Amarula oil, Marula oil

CAS Number: 68956-68-3 (generic for vegetable oils)

SKU code:

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 fast. No oily residue.

ODOUR: A mild slightly sweet-nutty/herbal scent that dissipates fast on application. Intensity of smell may vary with growing season and time of havest.

QUALITY: 100 % pure and natural carrier oil. Wild harvest. 

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

SAPONIFICATION VALUE: 195

IODINE VALUE:71

COMPOSITION/ FATTY ACID PROFILE: 74.90% OLEIC ACID (OMEGA-9); 10% PALMITIC ACID; 6,90% LINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6); 0,60% ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3); 0,40% ARACHIDIC ACID; 5.60% STEARIC ACID; VIT. E

SHORT DESCRIPTION - INTERESTING FACTS: 

Marula kernel oil is one of the many natural gifts produced from the African, much-revered, Marula tree. Sclerocarya birrea leaves and inner bark are well used on our continent in traditional herbal remedies. Its fresh delicious mature fruits flesh is high in vitamin C and the fruit nut inner kernels are edible. 

Our Marula oil is extracted by mechanical cold pression, from these very kernels, to give a luxurious, velvety, satiny-like feeling oil, recognized for its high content in antioxidants and oleic acid. 

Marula oil absorbs fast and deeply into skins and hair without leaving an oily residue. This carrier oil is very hydrating and softening. It helps lock-in moisture, leaving pulling skins supple, smooth and feeling more comfortable. Thus, Marula oil comes highly recommended for the daily care of dry or easily dehydrated skins and hair. Marula oil is considered a very stable oil.

• COMEDOGENIC*: 2-3 (Mildly)
• CONTAINS FATTY ACIDS SIMILAR TO THOSE IN EPIDERMIS/ BIOMIMETIC
• HYDRATING, MOISTURIZING
• OCCLUSIVE (PREVENTION OF TRANSEPIDERMAL WATER LOSS-TWL)
• NOURISHING AND SOFTENING
• ANTIOXIDANT
• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
• ANTIMICROBIAL, CLEANSING.

• ANTI-AGING

   

*COMEDOGENIC SCALE (Causes clogging of pores) 0=NO, 1 to 2 = HARDLY, 3 to 4 = YES, 5= VERY

Best for dry, very dry, normal to combination skins.

Excellent in body and Hair care

IN BODY CARE: To create fast absorbing oils sprays for very dry body areas (forearms, knees, elbows…)

IN FACIAL SKIN CARE: Best for dry, devitalized skins, dehydrated skins, tired and sagging mature skin, skins lacking vibrancy, sensitive skins (dryness related), stretch marks, Dry tendencies Maturing and Mature skins.

• HYDRATING, MOISTURIZING (FACE): Moisturizing dry skin, soothing pulling/stretching sensations, improving skin tone (Ashen by cold weather, or “life” lacking. 
• EYE CONTOURS AND LIP CARE: balms, creams, butter or serums
• NOURISHING AND SOFTENING (FACE): in facial oils, serums and balms dedicated to dry skins.
• ANTI-AGING (FACE) PRODUCTS: To make healthy mature skin facial serum or added to creams. High in antioxidants like vitamin E and flavonoids, protecting the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.
• CLEANSING: IN BI-PHASE CLEANSING, MAKE-UP REMOVAL. Associated with hydrosols.

IN HAIR CARE: Masks, hair sprays, Hair serums, hair oils:  for Conditioning and adding shine to dry and very dry type of hair, without adding weight or oily feel.

IN NAIL CARE: Strengthening brittle nails and softening cuticles

IN NATURAL SOAPS MAKING. 

• By itself (100%) a few drops applied directly on the face or hair
• Combined with other oils (up to 10% in blends) or natural ingredients (Hydrosols, Aloe vera…) 
• For daily uses, day or nighttime pamper
• Use together (prior to oil application) with serums, hydrosol, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera gel…on damp skin/hair to help hydrate more.

PLEASE NOTE: regarding the comedogenic properties (comedogenic 2-3) of Marula oil, skin health professionals have different point of views (palmitic acid vs. anti-inflammatory benefices) when applied to OILY and ACNE-PRONE skin types: Use with caution for stay-on face/body products (cream, lotions, serums) IF you are prone to acne and breakouts. Use at low concentrations (anti-inflammatory, to calm redness…) in blends, perhaps not on daily bases or make a test to see if Marula oil is really suited for your type of skin condition. In any case, consult your Dermatologist if in doubts.

FOR WELL BEING: 

• Body Spray oils: Pure, pray directly to the skin after showering or bathing.
• Add essential oils/ Absolute oils of your preference, to create naturally perfumed oils that will leave the skin feeling soft, silky, hydrated, nourished but not oily.
• For body massages: Add 5-10 ml Marula oil (1-2 teaspoons) to 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of another one of your favourite carrier oils in a spray bottle and apply after shower (Marula absorbs quickly and is better paired with slightly “heavier” base oils to obtain more slip and coverage.
• Create Chakra perfumed oils in small sprays or rollers to balance your emotions or before your meditations/works/meetings sessions.

FOR NATURAL SKINCARE: 

• Face: dab a few (4-6) drops on a clean, slightly damp skin, massage gently until fully absorbed, as a facial serum before moisturizing.
• Make-up primer for face, neck, decolletage: a few drops applied to the skin 10-15 min before applying make-up to promote a natural radiant skin under your make-up.
• make up remover for dry skins and Mature skins: Spray some hydrosol on a cotton pad and add a few drops of Marula oil and swipe to gently clean your face. 
• For heavier make-up removal: combine 2 Tbsp jojoba to 1 Tbsp Marula oil in a bottle. Apply/ massage gently your cleansing Marula oil on the face and neck and leave a few minutes for the oil to dilute make-up. Slightly warm some hydrosol/water in a bowl. Soak a cotton face cloth in the warm water/ hydrosol (rose damask, lavender, rose geranium…) wring out to remove excess water, apply flat to the face for a few minutes until the cloth is cool, then swipe gently to remove make up.  Repeat until the cloth/pads is clean. Apply nourishing serum or cream.
• Stretch marks/ cellulite/ skin firming: apply/spray directly on areas of concern.
• Hair, scalp, beard, and moustaches: Apply a few drops to damp hair or beard to condition and add shine.
• Hair styling aid: a few drops applied to dry hair with the tip of fingers, to help style and control frizz. 
• Nails: Massage a drop into each nail and cuticle to moisturize and strengthen. Mix with castor oil.

WORKS WELL with:

DRY SKINS: Apricot kernel oil, Argan oil, Avocado oil, Camelia oil, Jojoba oil, Sesame seed oil, Hemp seed oil, Oat oil, Olive oil, Plum Oil, Sea buckthorn … Dry skin serum

OR DEHYDRATED SKINS (Dry, normal, combinations skins): Jojoba oil, Hazelnut oil, Rose Damask hydrosol…

FOR MATURE SKINS: Argan, Borage, Evening-Primrose, Hibiscus, Prickly pear, Raspberry, Rosehip oil, Rice Bran Oil. Witch hazel hydrosol, Rose damask hydrosol, 

PROCESS:

The fruits drop from the trees while still green and mature (orange) on the floor. The mature fruits are collected, the pulp is separated (and used in jams or to make local beers and liqueurs). The nuts are dried and then cracked opened mechanically to collect the kernels, who are left to dry some more, before being cold pressed and mechanically filtered to obtain the pure oil. 

In traditional settings the oil is sometimes used as a natural preservative for meat (biltong)- prevents oxidation- hence its high antioxidant qualities and anti-aging properties. 

EASY BLENDING RECIPES EXAMPLES:

Luxurious African oils Facial Elixir: for dry, normal to combinations skins

• 10ml (2 teaspoons) Marula oil
• 10ml (2 teaspoons) Roselle-Hibiscus oil
• 10ml (2 teaspoons) Kalahari melon oil
• 20 drops Frankincense/… essential oil

LUXURIOUS FACE OIL: 

o          5 ml (1 teaspoon) Marula Oil

o          5 ml (1 teaspoon) Argan/Jojoba… Oil

o          2 drops Frankincense/Rose geranium… Essential Oil

NOURISHING NAIL AND CUTICLE OIL: 

o          10 ml (2 teaspoons) Marula Oil

•       5ml (1teaspoon) Castor oil

o          5 ml (1 teaspoon) Vitamin E Oil

o          2 drops Lemon Essential Oil

DEEP-CONDITIONING MARULA OIL HAIR MASK (100ml)

In a bowl mix together: 

• 10 tsp Marula Carrier Oil 
• 5 tsp Argan Carrier Oil.

Gently heat the oils (microwave 30-second intervals until just warm to the touch)

add 

• 5 tsp of organic/natural conditioner or Natural cream base.

Combine oils and cream/lotion and whip them together. 

Apply your deep conditioning hair mask after shampoo, paying special attention to the tips. Cover the hair with a shower cap, let soak in for up to 1 hour,

Rinse then style as usual

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

As a general rule, always perform a skin patch test before using your essential oils for the first time.

WARNING: These properties, indications and methods of use are taken from reference works or websites in aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. They are found there regularly and for many confirmed by observations in scientific circles. However, this information is given for informational purposes, it cannot in any case constitute medical information, nor engage our responsibility. For any use for therapeutic purposes, consult a doctor.