What Is Marula Oil? Dermatologists Explain More About the Super Hydrator

Taking care of your skin can involve trying out a plethora of products. Some may be winners, while others are sent straight to the mental "do not use" pile. Sometimes, the key to finding the right serums, moisturizers, and cleansers is checking the ingredients list. Nestled among well-known skin-care heroes like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, you may find marula oil.

Whether you want to add moisture to your skin, diminish a new breakout, or achieve selfie-worthy glowing skin, you'll want to ensure you're using the right products with the right ingredients. If you're looking to soothe your dry, cracked skin and say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles, you'll want to look out for marula oil.

The lightweight oil has been regarded for its skin-care benefits for years. Are you thinking about implementing it into your beauty routine? Keep reading to learn all about marula oil, what it does for your skin, and how to use it from dermatologists.

Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in NYC.

Jessie Cheun, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist.

Marula oil comes from the nuts, seeds, and fruit of the marula tree, which is native to South Africa. "Rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and oleic acid, it is used to nourish and soften the skin and help combat oxidative stress and signs of aging," board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, tells PS.

It is a pale yellow oil that is derived from the kernel of the marula fruit tree. It has been used for thousands of years in southern Africa for its skin benefits. According to a study by Science Direct, the profile of fatty acids found in marula oil is very similar to oils that are naturally found in your skin.

Marula oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient that seals in hydration while softening skin. It also "consists of multiple fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants to nourish the skin, hair, and nails," board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheun says.

Marula oil has a number of benefits for the skin. It adds moisture and hydration to the skin and has excellent antiaging benefits. "Containing a high concentration of vitamin C, marula oil acts as an antioxidant to neutralize oxidative stress in the skin and help prevent cellular damage that leads to signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation," Dr. Cheun says.

"As an emollient, marula oil helps moisturize and soften the skin and lock in hydration," she adds. It is able to repair your skin's barrier while treating your skin to its above-par anti-inflammatory properties.

Marula oil creates a light layer on top of the skin to help boost moisture. The best thing about this oil is that it doesn't leave behind a greasy residue that so many other oils tend to do.

Like many other oils, you can use marula oil on your skin on its own or formulated in another product, such as a moisturizer, serum, or facial oil. Our dermatologists say it's perfectly OK for you to use the oil in its pure form on your skin since it is noncomedogenic and has a very low risk of irritation.

You can apply a few drops of the oil to your face daily after cleansing and before moisturizing. Experts say any skin-care products made with hyaluronic acid or amino acids work really well with marula oil, as they help your skin maintain its moisture.

Since marula oil has antioxidant and emollient properties, it can be especially beneficial for mature and/or dry skin. It adds immense moisture and hydration and may help heal skin experiencing a lot of dryness.

"Because marula oil is occlusive and mildly comedogenic, those with oily or acne-prone skin should exercise caution when using skin-care products that contain marula oil," Dr. Engelman says. "I recommend chatting with your dermatologist if you are unsure whether marula oil is a good ingredient for you to use."

Those with sensitive skin may be cautious about trying new skin-care products and ingredients — and for good reason. However, our experts say that since marula oil is not irritating, it is generally safe to use on sensitive skin.

If you're nervous about using marula oil on your skin, you can always apply a small amount somewhere inconspicuous to do a patch test and see if your skin responds well to it.

Sydney Wingfield has been a freelance writer in the beauty and wellness space for six years. She has written for Women's Health, Marie Claire, Glamour, and other publications and loves to cover all things skin care, makeup, and hair.