Marula oil didn't irritate skin and showed real moisturizing and hydrating benefits in a clinical test of 20 women. The oil is mostly oleic acid (69%) with smaller amounts of palmitic, linoleic, and other fatty acids that support skin barrier function.

Researchers tested marula oil on healthy adult volunteers using specialized instruments to measure irritation, moisture levels, water loss, and how well the oil sat on skin. They also analyzed the oil's exact fatty acid composition.

Funding not disclosed in abstract