By now, your beauty cupboards are likely stocked with coconut oil and Argan oil (not to mention a whole slew of K-beauty products to boot). But if you haven't yet heard of marula oil, AKA our new favorite multi-purpose miracle product, then we must insist that you give it a try.
Marula oil is harvested from the nut inside the sweet marula fruit and has been a hallmark skincare cure-all for the Ovambo women in northern Namibia for centuries. Whether used unrefined on its own or as a key ingredient in a more complicated product, it's light in texture, super fast-absorbing, packed with nutrients and fatty acids that fight environmental aggressors, and *amazingly* hydrating.
Basically, it's got everything we want in an oil and then some—marula oil contains 60 percent more antioxidants than other oils, even our beloved Argan. So, what, exactly are all of it's beautifying powers? Here's everything that you need to know:
Your Skin
It works for every skin type: From dry to oily to sensitive skin, it's always naturally soothing, fast-absorbing, and never leaves a greasy residue.
It balances moisture levels: Whether it's used on its own or added to a skin product, a few drops on the face, neck, and décolleté will lock in moisture without leaving a thick residue. Plus, it will fight off free radicals that threaten your complexion. (You can also add a few drops to your foundations so they won't be as drying to the skin.)
It softens: It will leave your skin ultra-smooth to the touch in an instant, but just as importantly, it will help maintain that silky texture by hydrating and reversing the damage that left skin rough in the first place. Miracle worker? We say yes.
It's a total anti-ager: It's chock full of fatty acids and omega oils, as well as Vitamins E and C, which work together to repair free radical damage, like that from the sun exposure or pollution, which accelerate aging. It's been shown to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep-set wrinkles.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
It fights acne, as well as treats blemishes and scars: Thanks to its hydrating and antimicrobial properties, applying it to your problem areas can help reduce the size and appearance of all kinds of blemishes. It can also reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Your Hair
It protects hair from the elements: Whether it's the harsh UV rays of the sun or the heat of your curling iron, marula oil will coat your strands against styling or environmental damage thanks to its ultra-rich shield of antioxidant and essential minerals.
It nourishes: From your strands to your scalp, it's powerful for moisture retention and restores healthy hair thanks to its laundry list of aforementioned antioxidants.
It's a frizz-fighter: It seals the cuticle with a satin finish. Plus, the thin consistency allows it to spread easily through the hair.
Your Nails
It strengthens and moisturizes: When added to nail products, marula oil's quick-absorbing active ingredients work to fortify fragile, brittle nails and moisturizes the cuticles for a strong and prettier look.
Your Best Bets
1. Pure Marula Cleansing Lotion, $38; marula.com.
2. Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, $72; drunkelephant.com.
3. Ciaté London Marula Cuticle Oil, $19; sephora.com.
4. MarulaOil Rare Oil Replenishing Shampoo, $25, and Conditioner, $26; paulmitchell.loxabeauty.com.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Penn Badgley Spotted Filming the Fifth and Final Season of ‘You’ in NYC
Everyone's favorite serial killer is back on set.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Stephen Colbert Finally Addresses His Crass Joke About Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Rose Hanbury—But Stops Short of Apologizing
He joins a chorus of celebrities eating their words after Kate’s announcement Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
No to New Clothes, Yes to Personal Style
TikTok’s 75 Hard Style Challenge convinced people to stop shopping and to wear what was already in their closets. Did it work?
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Bar Soap Boom Is Here
Despite endless body wash options, the art of luxury soap making hasn't slipped away.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
The 13 Best Products for Rosacea That Fight Redness and Irritation
Flare-ups are a thing of the past.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?
The natural remedy went viral, but it's not a miracle worker.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 12 Best Deep Conditioners for Curly and Natural Hair, According to Hairstylists and Editors
Fight damage and frizz, rain or shine.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
Selena Gomez Just Shared Her Entire Morning Skincare Routine on TikTok
The most giving girlie.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published