Cold-pressed from the kernels of the Marula tree — Africa's legendary beauty oil. Ultra-high oleic acid (70–78%) with exceptional oxidative stability, remarkable silky skin feel, and documented anti-ageing activity. The premium African carrier oil for luxury skincare and professional hair care formulations.
Marula Oil (Sclerocarya birrea) is cold-pressed from the kernels of the Marula fruit — a wild tree native to the sub-Saharan African savanna. It has been used for centuries in Southern African traditional medicine and beauty practices. Marula oil's extraordinarily high oleic acid content (70–78%) — higher than even argan oil — gives it exceptional oxidative stability, a deeply nourishing skin feel, and superior penetration into both skin and hair.
SV Botanica supplies cold-pressed marula oil with full fatty acid profile certified per lot. Both unrefined (characteristic mild nutty aroma, maximum actives) and refined (neutral, blanc for premium formulations) grades are available. The refined grade is particularly popular with luxury cosmetic brands seeking the full fatty acid benefit without any colour or aroma.
Ultra-high oleic acid maintains skin suppleness and elasticity — deeply penetrating moisturisation that reduces the appearance of fine lines and supports long-term skin barrier integrity.
Superior hair shaft penetration versus lower-oleic oils — seals the cuticle, reduces frizz, adds mirror shine. Particularly effective for dry, coarse, chemically-treated, and African hair types.
The highest-oleic premium carrier oil available — resists rancidity exceptionally well even without added antioxidants. Ideal for anhydrous formulations requiring extended shelf life.
A silky, slightly rich skin feel that absorbs fully without greasiness — the signature skin feel of luxury African beauty products and premium face oils.
Marula oil's value is primarily in its extraordinary oleic acid content, supported by a unique tocopherol and sterol profile:
| Oleic Acid (C18:1) | 70–78% — ultra-high; skin suppleness, hair penetration, stability |
| Palmitic Acid (C16:0) | 9–12% — skin-identical saturated FA; emolliency |
| Stearic Acid (C18:0) | 5–8% — minor saturated emollient |
| Linoleic Acid (C18:2) | 4–7% — minor skin barrier support |
| Tocopherols | ~500 mg/kg — natural antioxidant |
| Catechins | Present — polyphenol antioxidants; anti-ageing activity |
| Phytosterols | Beta-sitosterol, campesterol — anti-inflammatory |
Marula oil sits at the very top of the oleic acid spectrum among premium carrier oils — compare it to understand its unique stability advantage:
| Oil | Oleic Acid | Skin Feel | Best Known For |
| Marula Oil ★ | 70–78% | Silky, medium-light | Ultra-high oleic, exceptional stability |
| Argan Oil | 43–49% | Silky, light | Tocopherols, hair shine |
| Sweet Almond | 62–68% | Light, emollient | Affordable oleic base |
| Jojoba Oil | Wax ester | Dry, non-greasy | Stability, sebum-mimicking |
| Rosehip Seed | 35–55% linoleic | Dry, light | Retinoids, anti-ageing |
Marula oil's ultra-high oleic content and tocopherol level means exceptional shelf stability — 24 months without added antioxidants. The refined grade is crystal clear with neutral scent — ideal for white or lightly coloured luxury formulations. Blend with rosehip or sea buckthorn for synergistic anti-ageing serums combining oleic stability with active fatty acids.
Marula oil has the highest oleic acid content of any mainstream premium carrier oil — exceptional stability and deep skin penetration:
Key bioactive compounds beyond the fatty acids:
| Tocopherols | ~500 mg/kg — high natural Vitamin E |
| Catechins | Polyphenol antioxidants — anti-ageing activity |
| Phytosterols | Beta-sitosterol — skin barrier, anti-inflammatory |
| Triterpenes | Present — skin-protective compounds |
We supply Marula Oil in cold-pressed unrefined and refined grades with full fatty acid profile certified.
| INCI Name | Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil |
| Botanical Source | Sclerocarya birrea |
| Extraction | Cold-pressed / Refined |
| Appearance | Pale to golden yellow (CP); colourless (refined) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.907–0.917 g/ml |
| Refractive Index | 1.467–1.472 at 40°C |
| Saponification Value | 185–195 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | 70–85 g I₂/100g |
| Moisture | NMT 0.1% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
Marula oil's ultra-high oleic content and silky skin feel make it the signature African luxury oil across premium skincare, hair care, and professional beauty formulations.
The premium African carrier for luxury face oil brands — ultra-high oleic with exceptional skin feel.
Superior hair shaft penetration for professional salon treatments — frizz control, shine, and thermal protection.
Ideal base for stick products, balms, and anhydrous formulations requiring long shelf life.
Silky, fast-absorbing body oil that leaves no greasy residue — luxury positioning.
Deep penetration into nail plate and cuticle — premium nail treatment formulations.
Luxury beard conditioning oil — deep conditioning with premium African origin story.
5–20% in premium anti-ageing creams for oleic-rich moisturisation.
Nourishing lip oil and treatment formulations with elegant skin feel.
| Application | Recommended Level | Grade |
| Luxury face oil (neat) | Up to 100% | Cold-pressed |
| Anti-ageing cream | 5–20% | Refined |
| Hair treatment | 30–100% | Cold-pressed or refined |
| Body oil blend | 20–50% | Refined |
| Nail & cuticle oil | 50–100% | Cold-pressed |
| Beard oil | 30–70% | Cold-pressed |
Marula oil's stability and skin feel make it worth the premium over argan for luxury positioning. Refined grade is completely neutral — ideal for fragrance-led formulations. For anti-ageing: blend at 50–80% with 10–15% rosehip for the optimal stability-actives balance.
Marula Oil is supplied in food-grade, light-protected packaging.
10ml–100ml amber glass vials for evaluation and stability testing.
Amber HDPE or dark glass containers with tamper-evident caps.
Food/cosmetic grade HDPE drums with tamper-evident seals. Standard commercial pack.
Intermediate bulk containers for large commercial orders.
Store in cool (below 20°C), dark conditions away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers sealed — rosehip seed oil oxidises rapidly on exposure to air. Nitrogen blanket packing available on request to maximise shelf life. Recommended shelf life: 12–18 months from date of manufacture when stored correctly.
Minimum Order Quantity
Sample orders from 10ml. Trial orders from 1 kg. Commercial orders from 25 kg. IBC (180–200 kg) for high-volume buyers. Custom packaging and private-label bottling available on request.