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Marula Oil
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about marula oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Marula oil is cold-pressed from the kernels of the Southern African marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea). It is rich in oleic acid and natural antioxidants. In ORY® products, it helps skin feel soft and moisturized and helps hair look glossy. |
Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel found plant-derived fatty acid oils, including marula seed oil, safe as used in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of plant oils.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Marula oil is about 70–78% oleic acid, with palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids, tocopherols, and phenolic antioxidants that make it relatively resistant to rancidity. |
Verification: Supported. Its fatty-acid profile is well documented.
Citations:
- Mariod, A. A., & Abdelwahab, S. I. (2012). Sclerocarya birrea (marula), an African tree of nutritional and medicinal uses: A review. Food Reviews International, 28(4), 375–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2012.660716
- What it shows: Review of marula composition.
- Mariod, A. A., & Abdelwahab, S. I. (2012). Sclerocarya birrea (marula), an African tree of nutritional and medicinal uses: A review. Food Reviews International, 28(4), 375–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2012.660716
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Marula oil suits dry, normal, and mature skin. Acne-prone faces may prefer lighter oils. |
Verification: Supported. In a study of 20 healthy adults, marula oil caused no irritation in patch testing.
Citations:
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
- What it shows: Human skin study.
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, marula oil adds gloss and softness without heaviness. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Oils are commonly used to soften hair and reduce the look of frizz; we found no controlled clinical studies of this oil on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, or hair loss.
Citations:
- Mariod, A. A., & Abdelwahab, S. I. (2012). Sclerocarya birrea (marula), an African tree of nutritional and medicinal uses: A review. Food Reviews International, 28(4), 375–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2012.660716
- What it shows: General review.
- Mariod, A. A., & Abdelwahab, S. I. (2012). Sclerocarya birrea (marula), an African tree of nutritional and medicinal uses: A review. Food Reviews International, 28(4), 375–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2012.660716
5. Benefits
Claim: Marula oil helps skin feel soft, smooth, and moisturized. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In the same small study, marula oil improved skin hydration and moisture retention. It was not randomized or controlled against another product.
Citations:
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
- What it shows: Small human skin study.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review of plant oils.
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Marula Oil is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. ORY® specifies cold-pressed marula with fatty-acid analysis.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–100% | Facial oils, serums, creams, body oils, and cuticle oils. |
| Haircare | 2–100% | Hair oils, serums, leave-ins, and masks. |
| Handmade Soap | 5–10% of oils | Luxury bars or superfat. |
| Cosmetics | 5–20% | Lip oils, foundations, highlighters, and cream blush. |
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
7. Pros
Claim: A stable, fast-absorbing oil with human skin-tolerance data and a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Well documented composition and long cosmetic use.
Citations:
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
- What it shows: Human study.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
8. Cons
Claim: Marula oil is costly, rich in oleic acid, and backed by only small studies. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Cost. A premium oil.
- Oleic-rich. May not suit acne-prone faces.
- Limited evidence. One small uncontrolled human study.
Citations:
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
- What it shows: Study size.
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you have a nut or seed allergy, patch test carefully.
- Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
- What it shows: Skin tolerance.
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 51S–129S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817740569
- Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B., & Viljoen, A. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (marula) oil: A clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301963
- Mariod, A. A., & Abdelwahab, S. I. (2012). Sclerocarya birrea (marula), an African tree of nutritional and medicinal uses: A review. Food Reviews International, 28(4), 375–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2012.660716
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
