Marula Oil Showdown: Trader Joe's vs. Drunk Elephant vs. The Ordinary

• What Is Marula Oil?

Marula oil comes from the marula tree which is native to southern Africa. Historically, the Marula trees only grew wild and were actually quite rare. They were linked to fertility and happy marriage by some African tribes. Today, Marula trees are cultivated so they are no longer as rare as they used to be.

There are different parts of the marula tree that have been used in foods and as medicine throughout Africa for many years. Marula trees have fruit that contains a hard nut with white kernels inside. The oil itself can be extracted from these kernels or from the nut's outer husk.

Because marula oil is absorbed easily, it works well as a skin and hair product. 

• Marula Oil Benefits

The components of marula oil that make it beneficial include:

Amino acids — Marula oil contains the amino acid L-arginine and glutamic acid which help with hydration and anti-aging.

Fatty acids — The fatty acids found in marula oil help with moisturizing the skin. Some fatty acids found in marula oil include palmitic, stearic, oleic, and myristic acids.

Antioxidants — Marula oil contains antioxidant compounds as well as vitamins E and C. These properties help to fight free radicals and help to protect the skin, preventing damage from UV rays and pollution.

The hydrating and healing properties of marula oil can be applied to more than just the skin on your face (although, this is a great way to use it). Marula oil can also be used on hair and nails as well.

Anti-aging

Marula oil can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and stimulate collagen production. 

Hydrating

Marula oil is rich in oleic acid, which helps keep skin soft and nourished. 

Anti-inflammatory

Marula oil can help calm and soothe inflamed skin. 

Healing scalp

Marula oil is pH balanced and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog hair follicles or the scalp. It can help heal scalp issues like dandruff, inflammation, and itchiness. 

Dandruff

Marula oil can help get rid of dandruff by moisturizing the scalp and protecting it from flaking. 

Hair

Marula oil can keep hair soft, supple, and moisturized. It can also balance the scalp's natural oils and prevent frizz. 

Skin

Marula oil is beneficial for all skin types, including oily, acne-prone, dry, and aging skin. It can help repair damage caused by pollutants and reduce blemishes and scarring. 

Non-comedogenic

Marula oil is non-comedogenic, so it doesn't clog pores. 

• The Difference & Reviews

| Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil

Amazon: $15.89/25ml

What Does It Do? 

The Marula Facial Oil is a hydrating product with antioxidants for radiance—and it's said to be an exact dupe for the $69 Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil from Drunk Elephant. You can use the oil on its own or mix a few drops into your favorite moisturizer. While TJ's calls it a facial product, Marula oil can be used to hydrate your hair and nails too. 

Key Ingredients:

- Marula Seed Oil: Made from the seeds of marula trees in Africa, marula oil is a lightweight oil that is rich with anti-oxidants and said to boost your skin's hydration and even help with anti-aging.

Right for: Suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin. 

Texture & Fragrance: It's very quick to absorb and surprisingly non-greasy for an oil. So you don't worry about it getting on my bedding. A little bit goes a long way. The oil looks like oil and does not have any fragrance to speak of. It's also colorless.

Review: If you have a thirsty skin, you'll love this marula oil! It leaves the skin glowy and dewy but not greasy or heavy...and the moisture actually lasts. There are no fragrances or other added ingredients. You can use it morning and night under moisturizer. For the aging skin, this is a winner! 

You can also apply a few drops onto the ends of your hair after washing it to help with split ends and dryness. 

Trader Joe's vs. Drunk Elephant

Many skincare aficionados have pointed to the Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil as a dupe for Drunk Elephant's Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil. At $6.99 for 0.85 fluid ounces for the Trader Joe's version versus $68 for one fluid ounce of the Drunk Elephant option, the savings are striking. 

Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil looks like oil and does not have any fragrance to speak of. There is a subtle difference in scent from the Drunk Elephant brand. There is almost no difference in the effects of the two marula oils on the face. You could potentially mix this into other lotions for added hydration.

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| The Ordinary 100% Cold Pressed Marula Oil

SkinStore: $11.40/30ml (up to 8% cashback)

Selfridges: $12.00 (up to 8% cashback)

Cult Beauty: $14.90 (up to 10% cashback)

What Does It Do? 

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil is a hydrating oil that helps visibly restore radiant tone, thanks to a combination of naturally present antioxidants. And because it’s made of 100% organic, virgin marula seed oil that is both cold-pressed and unrefined, this extra-rich oil contains oleic and linoleic acid that support skin hydration, which means it's ideal for dry skin.

Key Ingredients:

- Marula Seed Oil: Derived from the kernels of marula tree fruit, the oil is mostly composed of linoleic and oleic acids. Packed with fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, it has been cold pressed to help ensure the nutrients deliver their maximum benefits.

Right for: For those with dry skin and stressed-out strands.

Texture & Fragrance: This almost clear oil has a low viscosity. The Ordinary's marula oil penetrates quickly into the skin without feeling greasy. However, you definitely notice the much-wanted added glow! The Ordinary's formulation is completely unrefined, leaving it with a natural scent – no added nasties in sight.

Review: Marula oil plumps the skin and leaves it feeling silky smooth. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also has a soothing action. Like many facial oils, this is a versatile product. You can use it on its own instead of moisturizer. You can also mix it with your cream or use it on top of it.

Plus, you can also use this marula oil on your hair that is able to regain a healthy sheen without any hint of greasiness. 

| Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

Drunk Elephant: $69.00/30ml (up to 8% cashback)

Sephora: $69.00 (up to 8% cashback)

Selfridges: $71.00 (up to 8% cashback)

What Does It Do? 

Straight from the pip of the marula fruit, this pure, unrefined oil is virtually untouched by any chemical or fragrance, natural or synthetic. This super-absorbable oil will quickly sink in and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Appropriate for all skin, including the most sensitive. The marula oil contains greater concentrations of polyphenols than dark chocolate or green or black teas, which means a powerful antioxidant defense against pollution and damaging environmental free radicals.

Key Ingredients:

- Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil: This super-absorbable oil—rich in critical antioxidants such as tocopherol (vitamin E), tocotrienols, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and omegas 6 and 9 fatty acids—moisturizes, nourishes, and visibly rejuvenates skin for a youthful-looking glow.

Right for: Anyone with drier skin who wants a facial oil that isn't too oily yet is moisturizing.

Texture & Fragrance: If you imagine what a luxury facial oil feels like, this is it. It's a relatively dry oil, so it doesn't leave an oily film over your skin and sinks in within a few minutes. It applies nicely and makes your face feel instantly hydrated. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is completely odorless, so it's a great fit for anyone who is sensitive to strong scents in their products!

Review: Drunk Elephant Luxury Facial Oil provides intense hydration to your skin without clogging pores or causing you to break out.  By specifically applying a few drops around your eye area, as well, it helps tackle those fine lines and helps undo some of those obvious aging signs. If you like oils, are interested in Marula oil, love luxurious skincare products and can afford it, the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil from Drunk Elephant is a really great option.

The Ordinary vs. Drunk Elephant

Both are made from the kernel of the fruit of the Marula Tree. Drunk Elephant uses a patented process involving unheated water to extract the oil from the kernel of the fruit; The Ordinary does not detail how they get to the oil but they do claim that it's 100% unrefined.

The only difference is The Ordinary Marula Oil is slightly thinner. If anything, this makes it easier to spread and makes it absorb more quickly. The thickness of the Drunk Elephant marula oil makes it a little difficult to apply, but again this difference is so slight!

These are great at night over retinol to combat the drying effect if you are prone to retinol induced dry skin. The Ordinary oil is inexpensive enough you can use it on dry heels, elbows, etc. and not feel wasteful! 

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