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.
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.
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