As our readers know, we are always looking for information about Southern Africa, its people and stories, and the products they produce for us, like marula oil. And, speaking of marula oil, here is an article from February, 2015, by MEGAN CAHN, Beauty Editor for ELLE.COM.
Move over, Argan and Jojoba.
http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/news/a26543/marula-oil/
Though we’re a little behind when it comes to working natural oils into our beauty routines, Americans seem to be catching up to the rest of the world—finally. First, we caught on to Argan and Jojoba oils, and then it seemed you couldn’t visit a website without reading about the million uses for coconut oil. Now, Marula oil has stormed the market and seems like it might have even more benefits (and staying power) than the rest.
The oil, derived from the indigenous Southern Africa Marula tree, can be used on its own as a cold-pressed, unrefined oil, or as an ingredient in other skin and hair products. “Marula oil is a huge antioxidant, and contains four times as much vitamin C as an orange,” Adriana Martino, co-founder of NYC’s SKINNEY Medspa, says. (It’s actually 16 percent higher in antioxidants and fatty acids than Argan and Jojoba oil, not that anyone’s judging.) Plus, she adds, Marula oil’s benefits work far into the future, too, thanks to ingredients that “fight against free radicals in your skin, which lead to cell damage and aging.”
Martino finds the oil “perfect for the winter months, as it has a bit of thicker consistency than other oils, so it creates a barrier against harsh winter conditions.” Yet Marula oil is also rich in omega-3, which allows for faster absorption into the skin—so although it is a thicker oil than some of its counterparts, it sinks right into the skin, leaving it smooth and silky, not greasy.
As for who should use Marula oil? It’s great for all skin types, which is one of the reasons Tiffany Masterson, founder of the skincare line Drunk Elephant, calls it her “star ingredient.” When she was in the early stages of developing her collection (which launched at Sephora last month), she came across Marula oil while scouting ingredients and instantly sensed its power. “As a facial oil devotee already, I recognized immediately how quickly it absorbed and just how amazing it felt on my skin,” Masterson said. “It was a no-brainer to thread it through my entire line.”
Though Masterson’s line only focuses on skin, she also swears by virgin Marula oil for her hair. “When used on hair, it hydrates, repairs, moisturizes, and helps reduce frizziness,” she says. “I’ve found that it makes the best hair serum, and I also use it as a pre-conditioning treatment before I shower.” Great for hair, skin, and the anti-aging fight: Could it be time for an oil upgrade?
I love what Marula oil does for my face and hair. Sooo easily absorbed and light.