Marula Oil Skin and Hair Benefits
Marula oil the Golden coloured oil. Very moisturising and full of Amino Acid for Skin, Hair and Nails in Cosmetics
What is Marula Oil?
The marula fruit tree (Sclerocarya birrea) is native to parts of southern Africa. The trees grow wild and were once rare, but are now cultivated.
Once considered sacred, the marula tree was linked to fertility and happy marriage in ancient times. The fermented fruit of the marula tree was also thought to intoxicate elephants, who seem to adore its delicious taste as much as people do.
Many parts of the marula tree are used as ingredients in food and traditional medicine throughout Africa. Each marula fruit contains a hard, brown nut with pliable, white kernels at its core.
Marula oil is primarily extracted from these kernels, but can also be obtained from the nut’s outer husk. Marula oil is rich in protein and easily absorbed, making it an effective skin and hair treatment.
Many cosmetic products contain marula oil. The oil has amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants that may benefit the hair, skin, and nails.
Marula oil comes from the marula fruit tree (Sclerocarya birrea), which is found in southern Africa. The oil primarily comes from the kernels of the tree. It is pale yellow and has a slightly nutty scent.
Though marula oil is becoming a more popular ingredient in cosmetic products, it has been used by people living in southern African regions for thousands of years as a food, medicinal treatment, and moisturizer, as well as in traditional rituals.
This article discusses marula oil in more detail, including its benefits, how to use it, and potential side effects.
According to 2018 researchTrusted Source, marula oil has a composition of:
Amino acids: The oil contains amino acids, such as L-arginine, additional 2018 researchTrusted Source says. This helps build protein in the body. They also help regulate skin hydration and skin pH levels, per a 2021 research reviewTrusted Source.
Fatty acids: Marula oil also contains fatty acids, according to 2015 researchTrusted Source. These include oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and stearic acid. Fatty acids are a common ingredientTrusted Source in moisturizers.
Antioxidants: Various parts of the marula fruit tree contain antioxidants. These substances help slow damage to cells, including skin cells.
The oil may have potential benefits for parts of the body, including:
Hair: Marula oil may help to strengthen and moisturize dry, brittle, or damaged hair, according to 2018 researchTrusted Source. However, further conclusive research into the effect of marula oil on hair is necessary.
Skin: The oil has hydrating and moisturizing properties on very dry skin, the same 2018 research says. The skin absorbs it well, so it may act quickly.
Nails: A person may use marula oil to moisturize the nail beds and cuticles. This may help reduce hangnails and cracked skin around the nails. However, research into the effects of marula oil on nails is needed.
It is important to note that marula oil has not been widely studied. Further research is necessary to confirm all of its properties and how they may benefit a person’s health and well-being.
Marula oil side effects
Current research does not indicate side effects associated with using marula oil. A 2015 study suggested that marula oil was not irritating when applied to the skin.
However, scientific research into the side effects of marula oil is lacking. So, short- and long-term side effects are possible when using this oil.
People should consider performing a patch test before using marula oil on their face or all over their skin. A patch test can help determine if marula oil or products containing marula oil may cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
A person may consider speaking with a primary doctor or dermatologist before using marula oil on their skin.
How to use Marula oil
Some cosmetic companies add marula oil to their products. People should make sure to read the ingredients and follow the directions provided for products containing marula oil.
People can use the oil itself in a number of ways, per 2015 research. A person may use it on their:
Hair: A person can drop a small amount of oil into their palms and massage it throughout their hair before styling it. People may also try massaging it into the ends of their hair to help prevent split ends and dryness. Alternatively, a person may add a few drops into their shampoo and then massage it into their scalp and hair.
Face: A person may try adding a few drops of marula oil to their hands and gently massaging it onto their face. People should avoid getting the oil in their eyes because it may cause irritation.
Nails: People can rub marula oil into the skin around their nails. A person may wish to try this after removing nail polish or acrylic nails because these processes can make the nails feel dry and brittle.
Body: A person may use marula oil as a lotion or in addition to one. People can apply the oil liberally over their skin after showering or bathing.