The Marula Oil Comparison Nobody Else Is Doing. My Full Verdict.

Last Updated on March 24, 2026 by omgbart

To be fair, Argan Oil should rightfully take credit for the single ingredient facial oil craze that began over a decade ago. This skincare enthusiast, however, had never been persuaded by what the New York Times once referred to as ‘liquid gold’. Then came a bottle of the African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil, which proved to be a complete game-changer in my never-ending quest for that perfect, high-performance, natural formula that hydrates, nourishes and treats. Head to toe.

Marula Oil is significantly richer than Argan Oil in both omega essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which include high concentrations of Vitamins C and E. Providing unparalleled protection against free radical damage and collagen loss, it is also more user friendly. Featuring luxuriously silky texture, it absorbs better, faster and provides remarkable restoring, rejuvenating and anti-microbial benefits.

Completely blown away by the pure and powerful Marula Oil, I’ve ventured outside African Botanics and indulged in offerings from Drunk Elephant and The Ordinary. MSRP per ounce? $100, $72, and $9.90 respectively. Curious and intrigued by my almost always gravitating toward the most expensive formula available, I decided to create my very own ‘apples to apples’ test.

The a-ha moment? When ingredients are sourced in remote or underdeveloped parts of the world, there are three questions I consider when contemplating a purchase: Is it organic? Is it fair trade? Is it cold-pressed? I’m terrible at sales and resist twisting anyone’s arm to follow my preference on a single note facial oil, so below is the scoop that blends straight up facts with my personal take on the three most popular formulas.

African Botanics Pure Marula Oil

Derived from the fruit seeds of wild-growing, biodynamic Marula trees, this luxurious oil is bottled at the source using an advanced and patented green technology. The Supercritical Extraction method (no heat nor chemicals are applied), ensures its purity, stability, and potency while the rich golden hue is proof that all nutrients are captured and present. 100% organic and Fair Trade, it is harvested in rural communities of the South African wilderness.

My take: while I really really really prefer the Neroli Infused variation ($120) because of the intoxicating aroma, I adore this OG. So pure it feels like liquid silk, it absorbs in seconds and leaves my skin hydrated for hours. While absolutely fantastic on hair and body, it delivers impressive softness and radiance as a facial treatment. I consider it medium weight with a truly elegant texture. The pleasant botanical fragrance is indeed added and all natural.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

The purest of them all, the D.E. Virgin Marula Oil is extracted from the pip of the fruit without heat, cutting, nor deodorizing. Untouched by chemicals or fragrance, the nutrient-dense 100% organic oil maintains its antioxidant and fatty acid profile while staying fresh for at least a couple of years. Sourcing only Fair Trade Marula, the company guarantees the women’s collective receive fair wages and treatment.

My take: It. Is. Rich. Luxurious in texture, the D.E. Marula Oil is my go-to skincare finishing touch on nights I use prescription retinol. This formula feels more viscous than others to me but manages to sink into my moisture craved complexion without leaving a trace behind. Love the packaging, which protects the oil’s stability since it can be compromised from exposure to light.

The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

Sticking to its guns, The Ordinary brings us a budget friendly option impossible to ignore. Using a cold-pressed extraction method, the unrefined and virgin Marula Oil sourced in Namibia is the most lightweight of the three. It is also almost clear, which may indicate a lesser potency than its high-end counterparts. It does not mean that it feels any less luxe, however.

My take: the least oily of oils. Super user friendly, The Ordinary version works best for me for a boost of moisture and hydration. The attractive price point makes it one I choose to use on my hair and body. Completely odorless, its perfect packaging scores it bonus points… a great introduction to the world of face oils.

When shopping for Marula oil, you'll want to consider your budget, any anti-aging needs, and your eco-conscious barometer. Who's it for? All skin types. Why do I love it? It nourishes, protects and calms without clogging pores. Never oily or greasy, it makes my skin feel firmer, springier. It has also helped significantly refine the texture of my skin, which can become rough during the change of seasons. Truly multifaceted, Marula Oil is a constant in my ever-changing skincare repertoire and the facial oil I talk most about whenever asked for a recommendation.

Where to get it:

African Botanics $100 (30ml) at credobeauty.com, fwrd.com 
Drunk Elephant $72 (30ml) or $42 (15ml) at drunkelephant.com, ulta.com, sephora.com, boots.com or spacenk.com
The Ordinary$11.40 (30ml) at theordinary.com, ulta.com, and lookfantastic.com

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Frequently asked questions

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What is Marula Oil good for?

More than most people realize. The obvious answer is dry skin hydration — but Marula Oil earns its place year-round for anyone. It's particularly useful during seasonal transitions when the skin barrier is adjusting to new temperatures and humidity levels, after sun exposure to calm and restore, and after long-haul travel when skin arrives dehydrated and dull. A few drops go a long way toward weatherproofing your skin against whatever your environment is throwing at it.

Is Marula Oil good for sensitive or redness-prone skin?

Yes — it's one of the more universally tolerated face oils precisely because it's rich in oleic acid and antioxidants that calm rather than stimulate. The anti-inflammatory properties make it a smart choice for anyone dealing with reactive skin, post-procedure redness, or sensitivity flare-ups. Unlike some botanical oils that can trigger reactions, Marula Oil tends to soothe. Fragrance-free versions like Drunk Elephant and The Ordinary are the safest starting point for sensitive skin.

Is Marula Oil good for oily skin?

Yes — counterintuitively. Marula Oil is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores or exacerbate oiliness. Applied correctly — a few drops on damp skin or mixed into a moisturizer — it helps regulate sebum production over time rather than adding to it. If you've avoided face oils because of oily skin, Marula is the one worth trying first.

What is the difference between cold-pressed and refined Marula Oil?

Cold-pressed means no heat or chemicals were used in extraction, which preserves the oil's natural antioxidant and fatty acid profile. Refined versions use heat or solvents which strips some of those beneficial compounds — the oil becomes more stable and neutral but less potent. When shopping for Marula Oil, cold-pressed and unrefined is always the better choice. It's also worth checking for organic and fair trade sourcing since Marula is primarily harvested in Southern Africa where ethical sourcing practices vary significantly.

Is The Ordinary Marula Oil as good as more expensive versions?

It's a solid introduction to the ingredient at an unbeatable price point. Cold-pressed and lightweight, it delivers the basic hydrating and barrier-supporting benefits of Marula Oil without the premium sourcing story. Where the more expensive versions — African Botanics especially — pull ahead is in potency, extraction method, and the ethical sourcing credentials that contribute to both quality and impact. For hair and body use, The Ordinary is hard to argue with. For a dedicated facial treatment, the difference in quality becomes more noticeable with consistent use.

Are you using your face oil correctly?

Application matters as much as the formula itself. Most people apply face oil to dry skin and wonder why it sits on the surface. The trick is damp skin — apply immediately after a mist or right after cleansing while the skin is still slightly wet. The oil seals in that surface moisture rather than just sitting on top. For a full breakdown of technique, layering order, and how to mix oils with serums, check out the face oils for dry skin guide.

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Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I actually use and love. If you shop through these links, I may earn a small commission, which helps keep this site running.

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