The words “oil” and “beauty” always seem to fit well together. Search almost every woman’s bathroom, there are a plethora of oils for a variety of treatments. There is always a need for new oil. During our Louis and Clarke beauty expedition this month, we have found another amazing oil called Pure Marula Oil which the beauty giant Sephora describes as a “multifunctional antiaging premium facial oil to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin.” This description alone should entice you, but if it doesn’t, how about the fact that it originates from Africa. Yes, Marula Oil is African made.
Sephora suggests that “premium Marula Oil is a naturally soothing treatment that provides intense hydration, protection, and rejuvenation to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for soft, radiant skin.” You can get it at their site for $58.
How it’s made
Birch Box describes it as a rich, quick-absorbing oil sustainably harvested by women in East Africa. In fact, they stated that “this newcomer to the world of oils is gaining serious momentum. Prized by African women for eons, marula oil comes from the fruit of the marula tree and is prized for its anti-aging powers: it has higher levels of antioxidants and omega fatty acids than its more well-known competitors. Its benefits are two-fold: first, it protects your skin against the damaging free radicals that accelerate aging. Next, it visibly reduces the look of existing wrinkles, from pesky crow’s feet to the parentheses marks framing your lips. Plus, we love the gorgeous glass bottle and handy pipette dropper that lets you dispense the exact amount you need every time.” When it is available, you can get it for $78.
Then there is Shea Terra Organics, a website based in Virginia that specializes in introducing Africa’s time-tested ingredients to the world. They describe it with the following: “Growing wild throughout southern Africa, emollient Marula Oil is collected from intoxicatingly sweet marula fruits. It is sought after by monkeys, elephants, and humans alike, these fruits are often made into jams and juices.
But as sweet as the fruit is, the real prize for many lies inside. The tough shell of marula’s seed protects the precious oil making those who can’t wait to indulge themselves work very hard for it. Each shell must be crushed by hand using a heavy rock. Once winnowed away, the seeds are sun-dried while our Namibian collectors await transport of the seeds to the mill. Once pressed, this precious Marula Oil is flown off to Shea Terra Organics in its most desired virgin state.” You can get it for $21.
Benefits and where to buy
African Botanics, a Los-Angeles based natural and skincare/cosmetics company has this to say about the oil: “Pure Marula Oil is a cold-pressed, weightless, anti-aging botanical oil sourced from the remote pristine areas of South Africa’s Marula Belt. Concentrated with powerful antioxidants, vitamins C + E that help cells renew, resist, and protect against free radical damage. Exceptionally high in Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 9 & Omega 6) that deeply hydrate the skin and reduce redness while protecting against the elements. Softens the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, increases skin elasticity, plumps, and revitalizes your complexion.” There you can buy the oil for $80.
Nordstrom carries the .23 oz bottle of Pure Marula Facial lotion for only $15. This super luxurious and highly effective moisturizing lotion offers daily moisture balance and improved skin tone while promoting collagen production with 100% natural Glycan technology. Nordstrom suggests that this superior facial product will leave your skin soft and plump while increasing its firmness for healthy, beautiful, age-defying radiance. Suitable for all skin types, the non-greasy oil absorbs instantly. It’s a facial oil with 60% more antioxidants than the leading argan oil. It’s completely virgin with no introduction of heat or chemicals, ensuring that its beneficial properties are in every bottle. How is that for oil that originates from Africa.
