Between peptides and beauty oils, sometimes I feel like I’m running an apothecary here, in the South Side of Pittsburgh!
One of the hottest oils on the market, marula oil has been touted as being everything from “anti-aging” to “fine line-and-wrinkle-fighting” to “safe for the environment.” I feel like a fancy socialite as I am able to tell you that marula oil is wonderful for persons of other cultures as well: As a part of the Fair Trade partnership, marula oil is derived from wild-harvested, hand-selected Marula nuts by East African women, then cold pressed for the highest quality and purity. Marula fruit itself is sustainable—only the fallen fruit is collected and all parts of the fruit are used in East African communities.
As for what it does for your skin, science backs it up.
Marula Oil has a Higher Antioxidant Content than Argan Oil
Limited studies demonstrate that marula oil has a higher antioxidant content than argan oil (MC MK, L. I. L. T. L. U. L. V., et al. “52224 Stolberg (DE).)
Marula Oil and Argan Oil Both Protect Against UV Damage
According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, argan oil has significant UV-protective properties. Similarly, according to the South African Journal of Botany, marula oil also has these properties when topically applied to the skin.
Marula Oil and Argan Oil Both May Increase Skin’s Elasticity, Smoothness, and Radiance
Both marula oil and argan oil are comprised of linoleic and oleic acids. The chief difference is that argan oil contains more lighter-weight linoleic acid, whereas marula oil contains more heavier-weight oleic acid.
Linoleic acid has been shown in several research studies (cited here) to be capable of reducing inflammation and acne and increasing skin’s moisturization levels.
On the other hand, oleic acid is a omega-9 monounsaturated (i.e., contains only one double bond) nonessential fatty acid found throughout nature frequently; oleic acid naturally makes up 55-60% of olive oil and 56% of açai berry.
Marula Oil is Better for Dry Skin and Curly/Frizzy/Thick Hair;Â Argan Oil is Better for Oily Skin and Straight/Thin Hair
The main difference between marula and argan oils are the component oils that make them up. In general, heavier oils are better for drier skin types, whereas lighter oils are better for oilier skin types. Using this logic:
Argan oil is best for those with oily skin, owing to its high concentration of lightweight linoleic acid.
On the other hand, marula oil seems better for those with dry skin, owing to its high concentration of heavier-weight oleic acid.
Recommended Marula Oil Products
One of my favorite marula oil products is AminoGenesis Marula Oil ($59.95, AminoGenesis.com). This product not only contains marula oil, but it also features oleic acid (the major component of argan oil), linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid as well, to give the entire spectrum of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids.
AminoGenesis Marula Oil is a yellowish, thin-to-medium weight oil. It spreads across your fingertips and your skin quite well; about three or four drops covered my face, neck, and décolleté. Once set, it absorbs quite quickly into the skin. It is altogether odorless.
Once absorbed, AminoGenesis Marula Oil leaves your skin soft and smooth, with a matte finish. I’ve noticed great results when using it immediately after cleansing, on very slightly damp skin. It seemed to lock the moisture into my skin.
Ingredients in AminoGenesis Marula Oil: Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid
Bottom Line
When you look at a skin care oil, the first thing you want to ask is: What is this made of?
In the case of marula oil, you’re looking at the highest concentration of heavyweight oleic acid (60-70%), followed by linoleic acid (20-30%) and stearic and palmitic acids. The weight of the oils means that marula oil is best for normal to dry skin, and curly or thick hair types.
In the case of argan oil, you’re looking at the highest concentration of lighter weight linoleic acid (50-60%), followed by linoleic acid (20-30%) and then polyphenols. This weight of the oils indicate that argan oil is best for normal to oily skin, and straight or thin hair types.
If you want to try marula oil, my favorite is AminoGenesis Marula Oil.
For this post, I was happy to request a sample of AminoGenesis Marula Oil from AminoGenesis prior to the review. I had a great experience with it, and would recommend it to everyone, except those with oily to very oily skin! For more, check it out on the AminoGenesis site!