Although most products tend to work fine on my skin as long as the formulation is right, finding a right face oil isn't as easy due to the proclivity to use certain essential oils and preservatives that natural skincare brands are prone to use. For the reason, I've been very much enjoying trying out those face oils that are even suitable for sensitive skin.
Scent & Consistency
I've tried virgin marula oil in the past, and the experience wasn't anywhere near as pleasant compared to African Botanics Pure Marula Oil due to its thick texture and some weird smell despite the fact that it was fragrance-free. African Botanics Pure Marula Oil smells basically neutral as my nose doesn't pick up any scent.
It's also lightweight, which reminds me of a generic oil-serum texture. It absorbs into skin fast without any overwhelmingly oily or sticky residue that can be commonly found in natural oils.
Skin feels satiny smooth and nurtured. It leaves skin supple and glowy and I've been enjoying using it underneath my La Prairie Transforming Cream SPF30 as it doesn't aggravate my normal sebum production in my skin.
Full Ingredients
Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E) , Fragrance** (Natural). *Certified organic, biodynamic, wildcrafted, unrefined and non-comedogenic. **Consists of a 100% natural blend of non-photosensitizing essential oil constituents/isolates.
Benefits
A POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT OIL TO VISIBLY SMOOTH, FIRM AND REPAIR SKIN
An ultra lightweight highly concentrated face oil absorbs instantly to plump, regenerate cells, reduce inflammation, sensitivity, redness and hydrate the skin.
One of the world’s most antioxidant-rich oils, Pure Marula Oil is renowned for its (virtually unparalleled) free radical-scavenging properties – neutralizing the effects of oxidative stress to prolong cell health and help delay the ageing process. Phenomenally strengthening, this anti-ageing and hydrating oil promotes skin’s elasticity and ‘stretch’ whilst minimizing visibility of fine lines, wrinkles and scarring. Vitamin C + E work to stimulate collagen synthesis to enhance skin’s ‘plumpness’ and maintain its density, while high levels of Oleic (80%), palmitic and stearic fatty acids are critical for rapid penetration – meaning this oil sinks in quickly to promote intense repair and seal in precious moisture.
Pure Marula Oil is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and is clinically proven to repair dry / damaged skin, calm sunburn, reduces inflammation, sensitivity and redness. Omegas 6 and 9 strengthen the barrier function and preserve lipid balance for comfort and suppleness.
Boosts collagen production, skin firmness, density and volume.
Superior antioxidant content and antioxidant stability with lasting power.
Stable in extreme heat, sunlight and has a shelf life of 24 months after opening, unlike other plant, nut or seed oils - degrade and oxidize within 6 month after opening or sunlight exposure.
The richest plant source of Omega 9 – contributes to rapid absorption without clogging pores.
100% Fair Trade. Responsibly sourced. Never tested on animals.
Formulated without silicones, mineral oils, parabens, allergens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs and SLSs.
Application
For face, neck and décolleté, warm 5 - 8 drops of Pure Marula Oil in the palms of your hands. Gently press and release to cleansed and toned skin AM / PM to lock in moisture, while skin is still damp. Use as a deeply regenerating boost or as an anti-aging moisturizer. May be used on its own, mixed or layered before your daily skin care, makeup and SPF for luminous and nourished skin.
Verdict
African Botanics Pure Marula Oil is certainly a great one for those with sensitive skin as an alternative to my go-to Kahina Giving Beauty Prickly Pear Seed Oil. It doesn't cause any cold sores on my lips, which many sound strange to some of you, but some products do irritate my über sensitive lips. I even tried on my lash lines, and I didn't get any sensitivity around the eyes at all.
It also works well for post-procedure skin including chemical peels and microneedling as it seems to help with faster healing. If your skin is way too sensitive to use La Mer The Concentrate or even their Regenerating Serum, I think that African Botanics Pure Marula Oil is a good option to consider as it's free of essential oils too. African Botanics Pure Marula Oil also doesn't have any silicone in it or even the finish of it other than natural silky finish, so it's indeed worth considering if your skin leans more towards to sensitive side or even if you are pregnant or nursing.
You can actually use it like a proper oil serum before putting on your regular moisturiser by patting on the oil shortly after spraying a mist onto skin. If you want to intensify the level of moisturisation, you can add another layer on top, which I tend to do more frequently during seasonal changes and after sun exposure. If you are a massive fan of argan oils, then you will love African Botanics Pure Marula Oil as I've noticed that it seems to heal and repair skin much faster than argan oils.
Where to buy
- Nordstrom (Free shipping & samples)
