Marula oil is known as the “elixir of youth.” It is a wondrous oil obtained from the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea) native to Southern Africa. It has been used as a natural remedy for centuries to treat a wide range of health conditions. This oil is extracted from the nuts of marula fruit and has a nutty and floral fragrance. Besides the oil, many other parts of the marula tree are used in folk medicine and for cooking in Africa (2).
Marula Oil is a potent source of nutrition and antioxidant energy for your skin cells. It is ideal for dry to oily skin types including very sensitive and sun-damaged complexions. Rejuvenates and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and blotchiness. Improves and restores skin elasticity for more youthful and radiant skin. Vitamin E helps promote the production of collagen and elastin to boost skin firmness, density, and volume. Antioxidants help protect and repair free radical damage from pollution and sun exposure. Marula Oil is fast absorbing, light, and has a non-greasy texture. The key to Marula’s outstanding performance is its fine molecular structure which contributes to its effectiveness not only as a skin hydrator but also as a protector. Marula Oil is non-comedogenic and has anti-microbial properties which can help heal and reduce acne blemishes and scarring. From dry to oily to sensitive skin, it’s always naturally soothing, fast-absorbing, and never leaves a greasy residue. It balances moisture levels: Whether it’s used on its own or added to a skin product, a few drops on the face, neck, and décolleté will lock in moisture without leaving a thick residue. Plus, it will fight off free radicals that threaten your complexion. (You can also add a few drops to your foundations so they won’t be as drying to the skin.)
Marula oil is said to possess antioxidant, anti-aging, moisturizing, and emollient properties. It may help in preventing the signs of premature aging, reducing scars and patches, treating brittle nails, and improving hair health. In this article, we talk about the potential benefits of marula oil for hair, skin, and nails, its usage, the safety precautions to take, and its possible side effects.
| Marula oil Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Marula oil |
| Scientific Name: | Sclerocarya birrea |
| Origin | Southern Africa and Madagascar |
| Colors | Clear pale to golden-brown |
| Health benefits | Prevents and Treats Skin Conditions, Gives You Smooth Skin, Suits All Skin Types, Keeps Hair and Scalp Healthy, Prevents Stretch Marks, Fights Signs of Aging, Treats Brittle Nails, Protects Against Environmental Damage, Fights the Effects of Hormonal Changes, Heals Chapped Lips |
Marula oil is actually sourced from the hand-picked fruit of the Marula tree, native to Southern Africa and Madagascar, and has a number of benefits for the skin, but it’s also helping to change lives and strengthen communities. The oil is extracted from the kernels (nuts) of the tree. It is actually the fruit where the oil comes from. There are two types of marula oil; one is taken from the seeds of the tree and the second type is extracted from the nut’s hard shell. It is an all-natural, cold-pressed, highly nutritious, very light textured oil. It is naturally soothing, fast-absorbing, and suitable for all skin types including reactive and sensitive. Marula Oil is hand-harvested by women in village collectives from the exotic fruit’s seed kernels of bio dynamic and drought resistant Marula trees.
Marula oil Facts
Usually found in open woodland areas, this tree can rise to 20 meters in height. Its raw fruits are green in color. As they ripen, their color turns to yellow or light orange. These fruits contain hard-shelled seeds that have two to three kernels, from which the oil is extracted. The oil is extracted from the kernels (nuts) of the tree. It is actually the fruit where the oil comes from. The oil cannot be extracted until the tree reaches maturity. Since ancient times, the oil is used as a massage oil for babies, and as a body lotion. It has been a part of numerous beauty rituals for centuries, used to protect the hair and skin from the harsh, dry weather conditions of Southern Africa. It is also used as a meat preservative much like salt preserves meat. This oil is also used to treat leather.
| Name | Marula oil |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sclerocarya birrea |
| Native | Southern Africa and Madagascar |
| Plant Growth Habit | Tall, deciduous tree |
| Plant Size | 20 meters in height |
| Bark | Characteristic grey, mottled bark |
| Stem | Rough stem |
| Leaf | Grey-green in color, but turn pale yellow prior to being shed |
| Flower | Small red and yellow petals which are arranged in clusters. |
| Oil Color | Clear pale to golden-brown |
| Flavor/Aroma | Fragrant floral, nutty aroma |
| Plant Parts Used | Marula fruit kernels |
| Methods of Extractions | Single cold-press process |
| Shelf Life | 2 – 3 years |
| Uses |
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| Health benefits |
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| Traditional Medicinal Uses |
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| Other Facts |
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Modern scientific research reveals and authorizes the secrets of Marula Oil. This multipurpose oil contains powerful antioxidants, high concentrations of nutrients and essential fatty acids that protect against environmental aggressors, help reverse photodamage, boost cellular activity, hydrate at the deepest levels and repair the skin. Marula Oil has natural variations of colors ranging from a clear pale to golden-brown with a pleasant nutty-sweet aroma. It is fast-absorbing, light, and has a non-greasy texture. The key to Marula’s outstanding performance is its fine molecular structure which contributes to its effectiveness not only as a skin hydrator but also as a protector. Marula Oil is non-comedogenic and has anti-microbial properties which can help heal and reduce acne blemishes and scarring.
It isn’t well-known oil but it is considered to be very helpful for hair and skin conditions as well. It may help with some very critical hair and skin issues. Tsonga people used the oil in place of water to clean themselves, as a massage oil for babies, and as a body lotion. It has been a part of numerous beauty rituals for centuries, used to protect the hair and skin from the harsh, dry weather conditions of Southern Africa. It is traditionally used in cosmetic products. The oil is so versatile it is used in cooking as cooking oil. It is also used as a meat preservative much like salt preserves meat. This oil is also used to treat leather.
Plant
This extraordinary oil is harvested from the Marula tree scientifically known as Sclerocarya birrea, which is native to the African regions of Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. It is a single-stemmed tree with a wide-spreading, round crown and characteristic grey, mottled bark, peeling in disc-shaped flakes. It is a tall, deciduous tree (15-20m high). The compound leaves are grey-green in color, but turn pale yellow prior to being shed. Top branches appear abnormally thick and erect, like upturned fingers (digital form). The tree remains bare for several months of the year. It is best known for its golf ball-sized fruit, which it bears in profusion during summer. They are round to oval, green when young, and becoming butter-yellow as they ripen. The thick, soft, leathery exocarp encloses a white, slimy fruit pulp and a large, hard, woody stone. The seeds contained therein are white and nut-like.
Health benefits of Marula oil
Marula is an herb that is grown in South Africa and Madagascar regions. The oil extracted from this herb is used for promoting healthy skin and hair. Marula oil has an abundance of vitamins and minerals that helps to nourish your hair, skin, and body effectively. It is enriched with vitamin C, vitamin E, tocotrienol, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, and omega fatty acids. Take a look at some more health benefits of this special herb.
Prevents and Treats Skin Conditions
Marula oil consists of a good amount of linoleic acid that is an omega-6 essential fatty acid as well as omega oleic acid. It is not only highly effective in treating dry skin, but also in preventing and healing a variety of skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc. Skin problems can be effectively treated with this gentle and nourishing oil.(1)
Acne-Fighting
Marula oil happens to be one of the best topical oil that can be used to treat acne. Because it is inherently antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and non-comedogenic, it is perfect to heal acne blemishes. The good thing about this oil is that it maintains the body’s pH balance and reduces excess oil production.
At the same time, it also soothes, immensely hydrates, and heals the skin which can reduce the scars and spots. Besides bacteria, hormonal imbalances may also contribute to acne and pimples; Marula oil is going to be very effective in balancing it as well
Gives You Smooth Skin
The oil penetrates deep into the skin, even in the areas where it is the thickest. A combination of monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin C ensures the promotion of elasticity with regular application. It helps to enhance the skin’s firmness and helps in smoothening cellulite. It is also helpful in reducing the appearance of pigmentation patches and scars, giving you flawlessly smooth skin.(2)
Suits All Skin Types
Marula oil consists of a good amount of oleic acid, which is essential for beautiful, healthy skin. One of the best things about this oil is that it suits all skin types. It is super absorbent and does not clog up the skin’s pores. Apart from dry, oily, and normal skin types, it is also appropriate for sensitive skin as well as for those prone to problems. Men can use it to soften their rough skin as it hydrates the skin well.(3)
Keeps Hair and Scalp Healthy
As discussed earlier, Marula oil has powerful nutrients, antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals that help in reversing and preventing UV and environmental damage. It also has cellular regeneration, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which play a vital role in keeping the scalp healthy and boosting healthy hair growth. By using Marula oil regularly, you can gain beautiful, lustrous hair that is always strong.
Anti-aging
With 4X vitamin C of oranges and 60 percent more antioxidants than argan, coconut, and many other all-natural oils, Marula oil is rich in anti-aging selling points. Also, it is packed with Vitamin E, oleic acid – one of the potent Omega-9s- known for their potential to ward off dryness, lines, and wrinkles.
When applied to the skin, the anti-oxidants, moisture-locking and anti-inflammatory compounds act together to fight free radicals, hydrate the dull and dry skin, and prevent sagging of the skin respectively. The omega-9s and other fatty acids also assist the whole process by promoting collagen formation and skin regeneration. The anti-oxidants also add an extra layer of protection from harmful UV rays to prevent sun damage and allergies.
Used as a Massage Oil
While not the most common use of marula oil, it can be used as a massage oil, given its natural anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating qualities. It can stimulate the elimination of environmental toxins on the skin, soothe sore muscles, and boost the growth of new, healthy cells in the areas where you’re being massaged. [6]
Eliminates Dandruff
If you find those annoying white flakes on your shoulder, it may be time to turn to marula oil, which can moisturize the scalp and eliminate that dead skin before it can ever turn into dandruff. [7]
Balances Moisture
The presence of a wide spectrum of emollients such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, and Omega-9 fatty acids makes Marula oil an amazing moisturizing agent for dry skin. Marula oil is, in fact, said to have 78% oleic acid (next to olive oil that has up to 83% of it) to replenish moisture levels and enhance the softness and radiance of your skin.
Just add a few drops of Merula oil into moisturizer or BB cream to incorporate it into your skincare regime; you may also use them on its own. For best results leave it overnight and rinse off in the morning.
Prevents Stretch Marks
Marula oil is considered one of the best massage oil for pregnant women. As mentioned before, it has beneficial nutrients that help retain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Applying it twice a day helps keep away hyper-pigmentation that many pregnant women often develop. Marula oil is also an effective way to prevent the appearance of stretch marks when it is used two times every day.
Fights Signs of Aging
Marula oil is known for its natural ability to fight the different signs of aging. It helps in preventing and curing damage that is caused by skin aging. This oil is packed with antioxidants that rid the skin of any signs of aging like dry, dreary skin that has spots caused by the sun’s rays.
In skin that is more mature, it boosts the natural ability to regenerate and repair itself. It also strengthens the skin’s ability to produce collagen, which in turn does away with fine lines and wrinkles and restores suppleness.
Treats Brittle Nails
Because of its richness in a wide variety of skin-benefiting nutrients, Marula oil is also used in the treatment of brittle nails. In case you have weak nails that are prone to cracking and breaking, you should use this oil. Its moisturizing and nourishing effect helps to treat your nails and make them strong. Applying this oil regularly on your hands will keep them soft.
Protects Against Environmental Damage
Marula oil works both day and night to protect your skin against the damaging effects of environmental elements. Your precious skin is protected against the harsh rays of the sun, cold wind, as well as pollution. While you sleep, it works with the natural renewal process of the skin to help in reversing the damage. It also fortifies the skin from the inside with a blend of enriching, conditioning, and nourishing nutrients so that you wake up to beautiful skin every morning.
Fights the Effects of Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes normally take place in women frequently. These changes have an effect on your skin. Marula oil plays a significant role in making sure that these internal attacks do not affect your skin adversely. It strengthens your skin to help it fight against them and keep it looking radiant with health at all times.
Prevents Damage from Sun and Environment
The sun’s ultraviolet rays along with high amounts of pollution in the environment cause skin damage, according to dermatologist Hadley King, MD. By using an oil such as marula oil, you can better combat these elements.
Softens Nails
Marula oil also benefits your nails. Often, dry hands or feet can make our nails brittle and tough. However, a moisturizer like marula oil can keep your cuticles and nail beds nice and soft. After using marula oil, you may notice that fewer hangnails form, and enjoy more youthful, softer skin.
There are many uses for marula oil and you’ll notice the health and beauty benefits almost immediately.
Heals Chapped Lips
Apart from treating dry skin, Marula oil is also well-known for its ability to heal dry and chapped lips. It penetrates the skin on your lips to remove dryness from within. By using this beneficial oil, you can have soft, pink lips that never crack or bleed. Instead of using lip balms and other lip products that do not really help, use Marula oil to heal chapped lips.
Aids Chapped Lips
While intensely moisturizing and nourishing, Marula oil is the savior especially when the wintery snow starts to fall. Vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acid emollients in the oil will not only heal, but will also lighten the discolorations, repair the skin, improve elasticity, and smooth up the lips. Use a few drops on its own or mix with coconut oil or olive oil to heal cracking and capping.
A natural skin conditioner
With plenty of vitamin E and minerals, as well as antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids like omega-9 (oleic) and omega 6 (linoleic acid), Marula oil is brimming with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisture-locking properties. This makes it powerful at fighting free radicals, acne, infections, dryness, spots, and scars. It also makes a great anti-ager that prevents smile lines and crow’s feet. Best of all, it provides skin elasticity and firmness. Use it regularly for smoother, conditioned, and healthier skin.
Excellent Skin Primer
These days, Marula oil is garnering some special attention because it is found to be effective in priming the skin for a seamless makeup look; thanks to its moisturizing and fast-absorbing properties. Also, the oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and gives a radiant glow – everything you‘d want in a primer! Not to forget, it protects the skin from damaging skincare products!
Fights Hormonal Changes
No one escapes the stabby feel the fluctuating –tones and –ols create especially, the women. Needless to say, these changes ultimately affect the skin’s wellbeing. Hormonal imbalance can also result in poor appetite, insomnia, mood swings, and other problems. Marula oil may bring in a sense of balance with its acclaimed nutrient profiles and calming effects.
Fights Frizz
Are you tired of frizz and undefined curls? Another great thing about the Marula Oil in our leave-in conditioner is that because it is not a heavy oil and is formed of small molecules, your hairstyle such as twist-outs, Bantu-knot outs, and curl former sets should turn out bouncy, fluffy, and gloriously well defined. Just remember to use a small coin size for a handful of medium-length hair as a little of this miracle conditioner goes a long way.
Stays Stable
Did you know that oils can go off, become rancid, and lose their effectiveness due to exposure to oxygen? So you could apply oil but your hair will not benefit from its perceived nutrients. Marula oil is a highly stable oil which makes it an innovative choice for our formula. It has exceptional resistance to rancidity so you won’t have to worry if it has gone off on your hair.
Unrefined and Pure
Did you know that most oil on the market today is refined? When we were testing oils to use for our leave-in conditioner, we were taken aback to learn how the process of refining oils means actually adding solvents to the pure oil and then deodorizing. This means that the high quality of the oil is diluted and is, therefore, a cheap way of ‘producing’ the oil for the mass market. Some manufacturers go as far as adding synthetic fragrance which may cause irritation to sensitive scalp and skin. Pure, unrefined, or virgin Marula oil ranges from a clear and pale color to a golden-brown color and has a light, slightly nutty smell. We chose to have the cold-pressed and unrefined Marula oil which costs far more but retains its high quality packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
How do you use Marula oil?
For the hair: Add two to three drops of the oil between your palms. Rub your hands together to warm it up and then apply the oil throughout the hair, focusing on the ends. Adjust the amount of oil used, depending on the thickness and length of your hair.
For the face: Add two to three drops into your palms, rub them together, and then pat your hands lightly on your face – don’t rub the oil in. Some people like to combine a few drops of facial oil with their moisturizer and apply them together. Don’t forget your neck and cleavage.
Nutritious for Hair – So what nutrients do pure unrefined Marula oil contain and how does it help your hair?
- Tocotrienols which are potent antioxidants, are up to 60 times (yassss!) more potent than the popular d-alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E and encourage hair growth. It’s quite incredible. The antioxidant effects of tocotrienols reduce inflammatory damage to hair follicles and scalp, encouraging hair health.
- Oleic acid Our Marula oil contains 78% oleic acid which means the bulk of the oil penetrates the hair shaft. Oleic is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that boosts hair growth, prevents dry scalp, and actually strengthens the cellular membranes so repairs damaged follicles. As we know, if our scalp is damaged, it doesn’t matter what we apply to the hair. Scalp health is the key to healthy hair.
- Linoleic acid Our Marula oil leave-in conditioner contains linoleic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid. This reduces trans-epidermal water loss and increases the smoothness of your scalp which means it allows the natural building of the scalp’s lipid layers and is anti-inflammatory. It allows the water content in the conditioner to remain in your hair – how amazing is that. It’s not just an oil, it is also a protectant within the hair shaft.
Traditional uses and benefits of Marula oil
- Rejuvenates and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and blotchiness.
- Improves and restores skin elasticity for more youthful and radiant skin.
- Vitamin E helps promote the production of collagen and elastin to boost skin firmness, density, and volume.
- Antioxidants present in the oil help protect and repair free radical damage from pollution and sun exposure.
- This healing oil can also soothe irritation and reduce redness.
- Marula oil is perfect for treating dry, chapping skin as it’s super effective in maintaining hydration.
- Marula oil doesn’t leave a greasy feeling as it can be absorbed by the skin instantly.
- It helps reduce redness and minimize scars.
- Pregnant women can use 3 – 4 drops on their belly 2 – 3 times a day to prevent stretch marks.
- Apply 1 drop for normal hair, 2 – 3 drops for coarse hair, and 4 – 6 drops for extremely coarse hair. Start at the ends and work your way up.
- Use as a pre-shampoo treatment.
- Apply to clean damp hair before blow-drying or styling.
- Massage Marula oil on your scalp every other night to help with scalp issues.
How to use marula oil
Marula oil has a wide range of uses. These include:
Shampoo
There are many shampoos that contain marula oil. You can also add a few drops of pure, cold-pressed marula oil to your favorite shampoo, or use it as a pre-shampoo treatment.
Hair conditioner
Marula oil can be rubbed into the ends of hair to help eliminate split ends and dryness. You can also massage it into the scalp to reduce dandruff. Try massaging it through your entire head prior to heat styling, or use it as an anti-frizz treatment before venturing out into high humidity or rain.
Facial moisturizer
Whether your skin is oily or dry, marula oil can be used as a daytime and nighttime moisturizer. A few drops will do the trick. Since it absorbs quickly, it can be applied prior to using makeup.
Skin lotion
Marula oil can be used as an overall body skin conditioner. Try applying it liberally after bathing. You can also use it before bed on dry elbows and knees and behind the ears.
Nail treatment
Rub marula oil into your cuticles after removing nail polish, which can be drying. You can also use it as a nighttime treatment for softening nail beds.
Side Effects of Marula Oil
There are very few side effects associated with marula oil, but it is possible that you will experience irritation, gastrointestinal problems or hypotension, among other minor side effects. It is important to remember that this is a very potent oil, meaning that only a small amount is required to achieve the desired effects.
- Blood Pressure – The various unsaturated fats found in marula oil, specifically oleic acid, which makes up more than 70% of this oil, is excellent for regulating blood pressure and protecting heart health. However, this can also cause dangerously low blood pressure when combined with other blood pressure-lowering medications. Speak to your doctor before adding this remedy to your daily or weekly health regimen if you have heart issues.
- Skin Inflammation – As with so many concentrated oils, applying marula oil to the skin can cause inflammation, redness, and itching. This may be due to an allergy, excessive use of the oil, or highly sensitive skin. The best approach is to apply a small amount of the oil to a patch of skin, wait a few hours, and see if any negative effects appear.
- Stomach issues – For those unused to using marula oil in their food or as cooking oil, it can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting or indigestion. These side effects are rare, and again, use in culinary applications (i.e., internal consumption) is quite rare for this largely cosmetic oil.
Other Facts
- It’s been used to preserve meats, for a variety of cooking purposes, in cosmetics, to treat leather, and much more.
- In Southern Africa, it’s been a part of multiple beauty rituals for hundreds of years in order to protect the skin and hair from the harsh weather conditions in the country.
- The soft wood is used for carving bowls, stools, and canoes.
- The inner bark can be used to make rope and was once used to make a brown dye.
- The bark is also said to have medicinal qualities, helping to treat dysentery, rheumatism, insect bites, allergies, malaria, and other ailments.
- The leaves are used in traditional medicine to soothe spider bites and burns and to relieve heartburn.
From Where To Buy
- PREMIUM QUALITY ORGANIC MARULA CARRIER OIL: SVA Marula Oil Organic is obtained by cold-pressed extraction of Sclerocarya Birrea kernels. Our Marula oil is free of preservatives and comes with a dropper for easy application. It is not tested on Animals. We care for you!
- HOW TO USE: SVA Marula Oil 4 Oz is easy to use. Extract a few drops of the oil on your palms and gently massage on your scalp and body for a few minutes. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash off with a gentle cleanser. You may use Organic Marula oil for face and hair and leave the oil overnight for better results.
- HAIR CARE: Marula Organic Oil can be used for hair and scalp massage. Warm the oil between your hands and apply it to the hair and scalp. Wrap a towel or shower cap for deep penetration. You may also use the oil by mixing a few drops of Marula oil with your shampoo, conditioner, and mask for hair care.
- SKIN NOURISHMENT: Marula oil is suitable for massage and can be used as a moisturizer. The oil is gentle on the skin and gets absorbed quickly without making it feel greasy. It is a highly nourishing oil for skin, hair, and body. Add a few drops to your creams, lotions, or bath products for goodness of Marula oil for skin.
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: SVA is committed to providing customers with high-quality products that deliver an extraordinary experience. Customer Satisfaction is our prime focus, and we continue to offer the genuine quality we are known for.
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- ✔️ ANTI-AGING & DEEPLY MOISTURIZING FACE OIL - Experience a renewed, radiant complexion, improved skin elasticity, intense moisturization, and a brightened youthful glow when you use our professional-grade Marula oil. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, you’ll notice a visible difference in wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone when incorporating our Marula formula in your skin-care regimen.
- ✔️ NON-GREASY, LIGHTWEIGHT FORMULA - Marula oil is the perfect lightweight and deeply nourishing versatile moisturizer that can be used anywhere on the body. Our Marula oil works by easily absorbing into the skin to renew and protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier without clogging pores.
- ✔️ PREMIUM HAIR & SCALP OIL - Use our natural and cold-pressed Marula beauty oil as an overnight hair treatment for dry frizzy hair, while providing relief from a dry and itchy scalp. By deeply nourishing the hair from root to ends, you’ll notice a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your hair, from dull and lifeless to smooth and shiny!
- ✔️100% VIRGIN, COLD-PRESSED & ORGANIC - Properly concentrated and manufactured, our unrefined Marula oil is extracted straight from the Marula fruit. Free from any parabens, phytates, added chemicals or fragrances, this vegan and cruelty-free versatile beauty oil is the perfect choice for any skin type.
- ✔️ VERSATILE MASSAGE OIL - Use this versatile nourishing oil anywhere and everywhere, making it the perfect natural luxury massage oil. Marula is the ultimate massage oil. Just right for face, head, or body. It's non-greasy and light weight for a pleasant feeling.
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