Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil

Irritancy: unknownComedogenicity: unknownHumectant

Fungal-acne trigger

The details

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (aka marula oil) is a skin hydrating ingredient. Its fatty acid profile is dominated by oleic acid (~69%), palmitic acid (~15%), linoleic acid (~9%), and palmitoleic acid (~4%). These fatty acids are very similar to those naturally found in the epidermis, making this oil biomimetic; basically, your skin recognizes it. Clinical testing found this ingredient to be moisturizing and non-irritating, with noteworthy effects on reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Besides fatty acids, marula oil is also rich in oxidative stabilizers like vitamin E , vitamin C precursors, and polyphenols. This gives it excellent shelf stability compared to most facial oils. This is a great ingredient for dry, dull, or barrier-compromised skin. Just know it may not be fungal acne safe due to the oleic and palmitic acid content. These fatty acids can as as a food source for the Malassezia yeast.