Botanica Gaia Bio Marula Carrier Oil | Sclerocarya Birrea | For Skincare and Haircare

Botanical Name: Sclerocarya Birrea.
Family Name: Anacardiaceae.
Common Name: Marula, 
INCI: Sclerocarya Birrea Seed (Marula) Oil.
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed.
Parts Used: Nuts.
Appearance: Yellow.
Country of Origin: South Africa. 

Marula seed oil is a luxurious, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the kernels of the marula fruit (Sclerocarya birrea), a tree native to southern Africa. Often referred to as Africa’s “miracle oil,” marula oil has been used for centuries by local communities for its moisturizing, healing, and protective properties. Today, it is recognized as one of the most powerful natural oils for skincare and haircare, offering a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly and leaves the skin silky smooth.

Marula oil is prized for its high oleic acid content, antioxidants, and stability, making it an exceptional ingredient in modern beauty formulations. Beyond cosmetics, it holds cultural significance and is part of traditional medicine, cuisine, and even rituals in southern Africa.

The marula tree is part of the cashew family and grows in the savannas of countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique. It is a hardy, drought-resistant tree that produces an abundance of yellow fruits each season. These fruits are eaten fresh, fermented into beverages, or processed to extract their nutrient-dense kernels.

For generations, local communities — especially women — have cold-pressed marula kernels to create a golden oil used as a natural moisturizer for face, body, and hair. The marula tree is often called the “marriage tree,” as it plays a role in wedding rituals and is considered a symbol of fertility and well-being.

Marula seed oil is a rare and precious oil that combines deep hydration, powerful antioxidants, and cultural significance. Its ability to absorb quickly, protect from free radicals, and strengthen the skin barrier makes it one of the most versatile oils in natural skincare.

For formulators, it offers stability and a luxurious sensory profile. For consumers, it provides a single-ingredient solution for glowing, healthy skin and hair — a timeless gift from Africa’s landscapes.

Whether used as a facial oil, hair treatment, or body moisturizer, marula seed oil delivers visible results and a touch of luxury, making it a must-have ingredient for high-quality, eco-conscious beauty routines.

Skincare Applications: 

Marula oil is a true multitasker in natural skincare. Its most common uses include:

1. Deep Moisturization

Marula oil delivers intense hydration while remaining light and non-greasy. It is perfect for daily use on the face and body, leaving skin soft and supple.

2. Anti-Aging Benefits

Thanks to its rich antioxidant content, marula oil helps minimize fine lines, improve skin elasticity, and protect against premature aging caused by sun exposure and pollution.

3. Soothing Sensitive Skin

Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness, irritation, and conditions like eczema or rosacea. It is gentle enough for use on delicate or damaged skin.

4. Enhancing Other Actives

Marula oil acts as an excellent carrier oil, improving the delivery of vitamins, botanical extracts, and essential oils in serums and creams.

Hair and Scalp Care

Marula oil has become a favorite ingredient in high-end haircare formulations:

-Strengthens and Repairs – Helps reduce protein loss, preventing split ends and breakage.

-Moisturizes Scalp – Alleviates dryness and supports a healthy scalp environment.

-Shine and Smoothness – Coats the hair shaft lightly, leaving hair silky, glossy, and frizz-free.

-Protects Against Heat Damage – Forms a natural barrier against heat styling tools and environmental pollutants.

Comodogenic index:

-Comedogenic level 0: it is non-comedogenic and does not cause pore clogging.
-Comedogenic level 1: there is a small (very low) possibility that the ingredient is comedogenic and may clog pores.
-Comedogenic level 2: in most cases, it will not clog pores. The possibility that it may clog pores is moderate to low.
-Comedogenic level 3: they have a medium chance of clogging pores, depending especially on the skin type.
-Comedogenic level 4: the chance of clogging pores, regardless of the skin type, is quite high.
-Comedogenic level 5: they tend, in almost all cases, to clog skin pores. In fact, very few people tolerate the oils found here.