Marula Magic

Little known outside Africa, marula oil is starting to find its way into haircare concoctions around the world. RANJAN MUKERJEE explains why it’s worth investing in products infused with marula oil.

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If you’ve never heard of marula (Sclerocarya birrea) before, that’s okay—few people outside western and southern Africa or Madagascar know about this fruit bearing plant. Through history, the fruit of the marula tree has been an important food source in Africa and

has considerable socio economic importance. And science continues to find newer uses for every different part of the fruit, including the kernel.

Once the pulp has been removed, the kernel of the marula fruit is processed in order to extract the kernel’s oil. This oil can either be added to cosmetics or be used as a carrier-oil at home. Compared to other more well known oils, marula oil is a hair and skincare powerhouse. For example, while Moroccan argan oil is famous for its antioxidant properties, marula oil contains upto 60% more antioxidants than argan oil!

Nutrients galore