Marula oil has gained a lot of attention in the beauty industry, lately. Native Africans have long used it on their skin and hair as a moisturiser, but when a women’s cooperative in Namibia started to produce the oil for the cosmetic industry, word of the new beauty oil spread around the globe. 

 

The exotic marula fruit comes from the marula tree (Scelerocarya birrea), a member of the mango family. Drought resistant, leafy, and with a dense, spreading crown, one tree can produce up to 1000 pounds (or 450 Kilos) of fruit! Inside each marula fruit is one or two stones, or nuts, said to be tasty and rich in protein. It is from these nuts that we get the anti-aging wonder that is marula oil. Virgin marula oil is extracted from the fresh raw seeds in a cold-pressing and filtration process.

 

The tree is treasured resource, and locals use every part. The bark is said to have medicinal qualities, helping to treat dysentery, rheumatism, insect bites, allergies, malaria, and other ailments. The leaves are used in traditional medicine to soothe spider bites and burns, and to relieve heartburn.

 

SKIN BENEFITS:

• Rich in essential fatty acids Omega 9 - oleic and Omega 6 - linoleic acids

• Oleic acid, (an omega-9 fatty acid) that sinks much deeper into the skin. The result is more intense, longer-lasting moisture. A 2002 study, for example, found that oleic acid enhanced penetration more than synthetic penetration enhancers. Clinical tests have found that marula increases the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. Marula contains 60-70% Olieic Acid 

• Linoleic acid (an omega 6 fatty acid) that deeply hydrate and reduce redness while nourishing, healing, moisturizing and improving skin elasticity (Marula contains 20-30% Linoleic acid 

• Rich in antioxidants: Marula, like most natural oils, is rich in protective and anti-aging antioxidants.

• Great source of vitamin C, which helps to protect from environmental stressors, firm and tighten, as well as brighten skin.

• Source of vitamin E tocopherols: These fat-soluble compounds protect, and provide a radiant look to the skin.

• Because of its chemical makeup, marula is a stable oil, and easily resists oxidation.

• Helps reduce transepidermal water loss 

• Light weight, clear oil that is easily absorbed. Leaves a silky feel on the skin.  

• Suitable for normal to dry skin types

• Cultivation Method: Virgin, Cold Pressed. Sourced from South Africa. Responsibly Wildcrafted. Slightly nutty pleasant scent.​

 

Marula now provides an income for many families in Southern Africa. Though it has long been used commercially to make South African cream liqueur, once the women’s cooperative began developing the oil for the cosmetic industry, even more people became involved in this eco-friendly enterprise. The cooperative now represents about 4,500 women producers working to supply marula oil to the cosmetics industry. Though many other commercially prepared oils are extracted with heat and chemicals, the cooperative harvests the fruits by hand, and then cold-presses the kernels to extract the oil inside, preserving the antioxidant (and anti-aging) benefits. The collection of seeds and nuts contributes to the livelihood of a large number of people. We love the fact that production is helping support the economy in struggling communities of the world.

 

FUN FACTS:

The sweet yellow fruit is used for making jam, wine, beer, and a liqueur called Amarula. It is this connection to alcholic beverages that started the “drunken elephants” stories. According to the National Geographic, traditional African folklore tells of elephants eating the fermented fruits rotting on the ground and then becoming intoxicated. But a 2006 study debunked that myth. Elephants eat fruit off the tree, and wont pick up rotting fruit from the ground. Still, there are some locals who will tell, you wont see an animal walk a straight line after snacking on a few of these delicious fruit.