One of Africa’s ancient botanical treasures, the marula tree has been sharing its gifts with local communities for centuries. Indigenous to South Africa and Madagascar, the marula tree belongs to the same plant family as cashew, mango, and pistachio. Marula fruit has been a staple in African cuisine for a long time, where it’s transformed into delicious juices, jams, and even alcoholic beverages, such as the famous South African cream liquor, Amarula.

Besides its yummy taste, the yellow fruit offers numerous skin-beneficial nutrients and is said to contain a whopping 4 times as much vitamin C as an orange. The tree’s generosity doesn’t stop at the fruit; the nutty, golden marula oil has been widely used for its medicinal benefits and has been part of countless beauty rituals. Boasting an incredibly high content of antioxidants, including skin-boosting Vitamins C and E, marula oil provides a protective shield against damaging effects of the environment while simultaneously helping to renew healthy skin cells. Further, it increases healthy collagen production and slows down the aging process. The antibacterial properties of the antioxidants and tocopherols assist in fighting off harmful pathogens, naturally speeding up the healing process of wounds and scars. Its anti-inflammatory essential fatty acid content not only helps to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, but also to reduce redness and improve elasticity.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon