BEAUTY REVIEW: Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil
It’s been a while since I’ve done a beauty review but after stumbling across Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil, I knew I needed to share my thoughts!
At $6.99 for 25 ml, Trader Joe’s cold pressed virgin marula seed facial oil is definitely a bargain. (A similar comparison would be the 30 ml marula oil sold by Drunk Elephant for $72.00, if that gives you an idea of the savings)
What’s Marula Oil?
Marula oil comes from the seeds of the marula tree in Africa. It’s kind of an all-encompassing oil that’s supposed to help boost skin hydration while also having anti-aging properties, according to Cosmo.
Trader Joe’s shares this description of marula oil on its packaging:
“The Marula Tree grows under the bright sunshine of Southern Africa and bears fruit annually. Harvested only once the fruit has fallen, the seeds of the Marula fruit are cold pressed to produce this light-textured oil. Excellent for daily use, it offers antioxidants and hydration to help promote soft, radiant skin.”
Some people say the oil has a nutty scent, but to me it’s almost odorless. So, if you’re sensitive to smells like I am, I imagine you would be fine.
How to use Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil
On the packaging, Trader Joe’s recommends using the marula facial oil daily by applying a few drops to your hands and then patting the oil onto to your face.
I, personally, apply 4 or 5 drops directly after my morning shower each day in hopes of better absorption. I then let that soak in a few minutes before applying my make-up. I find that my make-up just sits better with the oil layer underneath. (For a real luxurious moment, sometimes I’ll use my ice roller to really massage the oil in. More about my ice roller HERE.)
Since using this oil, I’ve noticed that my face truly does feel more hydrated. During the winter months, I usually struggle with dry, flaky skin and experience a lot of redness, but I haven’t had that issue at all this year! I’ve tried to use rosehip oil in the past, but found that it was nowhere near as hydrating.
If you’re worried about break-outs involving marula oil, I haven’t experienced that at all. If anything my face has been clearer than normal. (I can’t say the same for jojoba oil… I feel that did cause my skin to break out. But everyone’s skin is different!)
Final thoughts on Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil
Would I buy Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil again? Absolutely! At just $6.99 a bottle, I feel like this product is a steal. The pretty packaging doesn’t hurt either.
If you’re interested in more budget beauty reviews, you need to check out my review of Lacura Face Care products sold by Aldi. There’s a part 1 (click HERE) and a part 2 (click HERE).
20 thoughts on “BEAUTY REVIEW: Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil”
Weird question… was yours 3/4 full when you bought it? Trying to figure out if that’s just how it is or if maybe I got a defective one.
Hi Jen, I know the most recent one I purchased was definitely not all the way full. I’m not sure if it was only 3/4th though. I’m definitely going to look closely when I get my next bottle!
I’m glad you wrote this article because I stumbled across this product a few months ago and it has legit changed my life. I use it just like you do, face and neck, right after a shower. I have so many allergies that I try and find products with as few ingredients as possible to see how I do with it. Face moisturizer, one ingredient, excellent 🙂
PS I didn’t realize how much it was changing my skin until I ran out for two weeks and used my old stuff… I saw a noticeable decline in my skin health. (It helps that it is winder and super dry out).
Hi Jordan!
I’m glad you had such a great experience with the marula oil as well. I recently ran out too and my skin has been feeling very sensitive to the cold and any wind. I’ve thankfully restocked and have already felt an improvement!
Thanks for the comment!
Unfortunately this made me break on my cheeks, but it is great on the nails and cuticles for me!
Oh no! I’m sorry you had that experience, Lucy. It’s funny how everyone’s skin reacts differently. Do you consider your skin to be dry, more oily, or combination?
But I’m happy that you found some use for it! I’ve never thought to put it on my nails. I may need to give that a try.
I just purchased this today and can’t wait to try it. But was wondering would I use under or over my facial sunscreen?
Hi Denise-
I’m not a skincare expert by any means, but now that I’ve started wearing a daily sunscreen (full post here), I’ve started using this oil at night time instead.
This article is a really interesting take on the whole facial oil/sunscreen issue:
https://intothegloss.com/2021/02/does-facial-oil-degrade-sunscreen/
It sounds like you could potentially wear it under sunscreen, but you’ll want to make sure it’s fully absorbed before applying sunscreen. Or you could play it safe and use it at night instead to avoid any potential interaction.
I hope that helps!
-Sarah
I have normal to dry skin and loved how it felt on my skin but after couple days of using it, my skin is breaking out like crazy! I had clear skin and don’t even wear makeup daily, as my skin was in such a great condition. Now I’m breaking out everywhere on my face, even my nose!!! Will not out this on my face ever again!
Tina-
Oh no!! I’m sorry you’re having that experience. It’s funny how everyone’s skin reacts so differently. I feel like that was my experience with the Aldi Lacura Face Care H2O Advance Aqua Gel, which everyone else seems to absolutely love.
I appreciate the comment!
-Sarah