The founder found a marula seed on a trip to South Africa. That’s it. That’s the billion-dollar origin story.
The real magic? The oil is cold-pressed from the nut inside — not the fruit pulp. It’s a tedious, expensive process most brands skip.
It’s a single-ingredient facial oil. $78 for 30ml. The claim? It’s so stable it doesn’t need antioxidants, which can be sensitizing. A bold move.
Packaging
Dark amber glass bottle with a dropper — keeps light out, which is crucial.
Scent
Zero fragrance. Smells faintly nutty and earthy, like the raw ingredient itself.
Shelf Life
They claim an 18-month shelf life post-opening. Most oils turn rancid in half that time.
Photo: Laura Chouette / Unsplash
It’s 100% *Sclerocarya birrea* (Marula) Seed Oil. That’s the whole list. It’s high in oleic acid, which is supremely moisturizing but can be comedogenic for some.
- Virgin Marula Oil: Intensely hydrating, mimics skin’s natural lipids
- Oleic Acid (70%): Softens and smooths but can clog pores
- Antioxidants (Natural): Tocopherols & tocotrienols protect skin
- Fatty Acids: Omega-6 & 9 support the skin barrier
Texture is light gold, almost watery. Sinks in stupidly fast — like 20 seconds. Leaves a soft, velvety finish, not a greasy film.
Week 3: My dry patches were gone. But I had to watch my t-zone. This is not a “slather everywhere” oil if you’re combo.
Measurable change: my skin was undeniably softer, more plump. Less redness. Zero change: blackheads on my nose. This oil won’t treat acne.
It’s a beautifully executed, simple product. But it’s a specific solution, not a universal cure-all.