What does Marula Oil do for skin?

Marula Oil is a oil used in K-beauty for Hydrates, Antioxidant, Supports barrier. The African baobab's cousin oil — Drunk Elephant made it famous; the formulation is genuinely elegant.

Is Marula Oil safe during pregnancy?

There is limited safety data on Marula Oil during pregnancy. Exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider before use.

What skin types is Marula Oil best for?

Marula Oil is particularly well-suited to dry, mature, normal skin.

What ingredients pair well with Marula Oil?

Marula Oil layers well with vitamin e, squalane. These combinations are common in K-beauty routines and have no known negative interactions.

How strong is the evidence for Marula Oil?

We rate the clinical evidence for Marula Oil at 3/5 — moderate. Pure oil or 1–10% in formulas.

OilWell-Known

Marula Oil

Also known as: Sclerocarya Birrea

3/5— Moderate Evidence

Medically reviewed by ChokChok · Updated April 15, 2026

The African baobab's cousin oil — Drunk Elephant made it famous; the formulation is genuinely elegant.

What It Does

HydratesAntioxidantSupports barrierAnti-inflammatory

Deep Dive

Marula oil is cold-pressed from the nuts of the Sclerocarya birrea tree in Southern Africa. Chemistry: 70–78% oleic acid, high tocopherol and phenolic content. Good antioxidant profile and excellent skin absorption. Drunk Elephant's Virgin Marula built a brand on it. Dry-skin people swear by it; acne-prone should patch-test (oleic can be comedogenic in some users).

Best For

DryMature

Pairs Well With

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)Squalane

Effective Concentration

Pure oil or 1–10% in formulas.

Marula Oil

What It Does

Deep Dive

Best For

Pairs Well With

Effective Concentration

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Is It Safe For...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Ingredients

Squalane

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)