Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil Review

*note: this post contains affiliate links. Click here to learn more.

What is Marula Oil?

Marula oil is extracted from the kernels of the Marula tree. It contains a high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids and a large amount of antioxidants. Marula oil contains 16% more antioxidants than Argan oil. [Read: Marula Oil vs Argan Oil]

Marula oil works well on dry, chapped skin, sensitive skin and sun damaged skin and is ideal for under-nourished, dull, aging skin. 

Marula oil protects against environmental aggressors, boosts cellular activity, reverses photodamage, and hydrates at the deepest levels of the skin.

About the Brand

D.E.’s mission is to deliver clinically-effective, clean skincare formulated with both cutting-edge synthetic and natural ingredients; and without the ubiquitous toxins, sensitizers and irritants, such as the disruptive essential oils, that block the pathway to healthy skin. We pay close attention to pH and toxicity levels, as well as formulating with efficacious percentages of active ingredients. Our goal is to teach the consumer that “natural” doesn’t automatically mean good and that every ingredient should directly and only benefit the health of our skin or the safety of the formulation. We shift the focus off of the consumer’s “sensitive” skin and on to the insensitive marketing ingredients that are responsible for the majority of our skin problems.

.....while Drunk Elephant aims for its products to be as natural as possible, it is far more important that the ingredients in them be effective and safe for your delicate dermas. Plenty of natural ingredients are oh-so-irritating, so we consistently formulate our cleansers, serums and oils with soothing, low-hazard ingredients — regardless of their natural or synthetic status.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil

Drunk Elephant uses a patented cold-pressing process of unheated water extraction. This ensures that the oil stays potent for as long as possible.

Drunk Elephant does not add anything to their Marula oil, including essential oils. Essential oils can be irritating to the skin and not adding them makes this Marula oil suitable for all skin types.

Product Details

Packaging - D.E Virgin Marula oil is packaged in an opaque, square-shaped white glass bottle with a glass dropper. The packaging is very sturdy and sanitary, and the dropper makes it easy to dispense. The bottle is light proof, to reduce the breakdown of antioxidants exposed to UV light and keep all the healing properties intact.

Shelf Life - D.E Virgin Marula oil has a shelf life of 2 years but they recommend using it up within 6 months. The natural aroma of the oil will start to become stronger over time.

If you use 2 - 3 drops a day, this one fl. oz bottle will last you about 4 months. ​

Scent, Texture and Application

Marula oil has an earthy, almost smokey aroma. Most people are not bothered at all by the scent, and say that it does dissipate quickly. I have seen the aroma described as "slightly burnt toasted nuts".

Marula oil is a fairly thick oil, but it absorbs into the skin well and doesn't leave a greasy residue. It is not a dry oil like rosehip seed oil but it is not an overly "oily" oil either.

Because Marula oil absorbs deeply into the skin, makeup application is not affected by it.

Is this Just Another Oil?

Combination Skin - This oil can work very well for combination skin because it combats the dry patches, without making the oily parts of the face breakout. This oil gives a nice healthy shine to the face, taking away the dull look that dry skin can sometimes have.

Dry Skin - This oil is perfect for anyone suffering from dry skin, it is super hydrating and offers healing and protection as well. It replenishes your skins natural oils and will help reduce flakiness.

Sensitive or Irritated Skin - There are no added ingredients, so this oil can be used on those with sensitive or irritated skin. People have reported that this oil has helped their skin when it has been irritated by the weather. It works well on those who find that they cannot tolerate scented products. Note that this is a nut oil,  so if you have allergies to nuts, it is best to try a patch test first.

Mature Skin - This oil works well as an anti-aging tool. It offer hydration, plumps the skin and reduces fine lines. It helps with hyper-pigmentation and evens skin tone. It is very high in free-radical fighting antioxidants and nourishing fatty acids.

Oily Skin - Many people have success with using this oil as a moisturizer and do not have trouble with clogged pores, though some people with really oily skin may find this oil to be too rich and heavy for them.

Experiences With This Oil

Many people use this oil in their skin care routines along with other Drunk Elephant products such as the TLC Framboos Nightly Glycolic Acid Serum and the C-Firma Day Serum. These products work really well together, many find that their skin is glowing, wrinkles are reduced, pores are minimized and redness disappears with this line of products.

This oil leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, helps calm down redness and heals dark spots. It is truly a luxurious oil that makes your skin glow. It works really well it at night after the TLC Framboos Nightly Glycolic Acid Serum. You wake up to glowing, healthy looking skin.

PROS

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below 🙂 And tell us, what is your favorite facial oil?

Yours Naturally,
Andrea