What is marula oil in skincare?
Marula oil is cold-pressed from the kernels of the marula fruit, native to southern Africa. It is a light, fast-absorbing oil that is very high in oleic acid – often 70 to 80% – with vitamin E, phenolic antioxidants and amino acids.
Despite being oleic-dominant it has an unusually light skin feel, and its high antioxidant content makes it exceptionally resistant to oxidation compared with most plant oils.
What skin concerns does marula oil treat?
It hydrates and softens dry, dehydrated and mature skin, improves suppleness, and reduces the tightness that comes with a depleted barrier. Its antioxidants support skin against environmental and inflammatory stress.
It is often used on the face, body, cuticles and hair ends, and is popular for stretch marks. Because it is high in oleic acid it is better suited to normal, dry and mature skin than to congested, oily skin.
What ingredients are best paired with marula oil?
Apply it over a hydrating serum – hyaluronic acid, glycerin or niacinamide – so it seals moisture in, and combine it with ceramides for barrier repair.
It also works well as a final step over a retinoid to reduce flaking. Its stability means it keeps longer than lighter oils like grapeseed or rosehip without refrigeration. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is crepey skin?
Crepey skin is skin that has become thin, loose and finely wrinkled, with the papery texture of crepe paper. It differs from ordinary wrinkles in that it affects a broad area rather than forming distinct lines, and it appears most on the under-eyes, neck, décolletage, upper arms and inner thighs.
The hallmark is loss of elasticity: pinched skin takes longer to snap back, and the surface looks crinkled even at rest.
What causes crepey skin?
The main driver is degradation of the elastin network in the dermis. Cumulative ultraviolet exposure breaks down elastic fibres and replaces them with disorganised material – the process called solar elastosis – while collagen production falls at the same time.
Age, chronic dehydration, significant weight loss, smoking, and the natural drop in oestrogen around menopause all accelerate it. Body areas get less skincare attention than the face, which is why crepiness often shows there first.
What ingredients are best for crepey skin?
Retinoids remain the best-evidenced option for rebuilding collagen and thickening the dermis over months of use. Peptides support elastin and collagen signalling, and vitamin C protects existing fibres while aiding synthesis.
Layer those over rich hydration – hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane and shea butter – which visibly improves the crinkled look even before structural change happens. Daily SPF on neck, chest and hands prevents further breakdown. Take our Skin Quiz.
