Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: Which Super Oil Is Best?
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Are you looking for natural oils to add to your skincare routine?
Then you’ve likely come across the marula oil vs. rosehip oil debate.
Thanks to these oils’ extraordinary anti-aging properties, they are fast becoming staple skincare products.
However, because both offer similar skin benefits, choosing the better option might be confusing.
But don’t worry. We got you.
In this article, we will talk about which plant oil works best for your skin. We will compare rosehip oil vs. marula oil and explore their benefits to help you make a better choice.
Table of Contents
- 1 So What Is Marula Oil?
- 2 Now, Onto Rosehip Oil, What Is It?
- 3 Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: Which Is Better for Your Skin Type?
- 4 Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: Which Is Better for Targeting Specific Skin Concerns?
- 5 Absorption and Texture
- 6 Scent and Shelf Life
- 7 When to Apply in Your Skincare Routine
- 8 Marula Oil: Our Top Choices
- 9 Best for Marula Oil For Skin Hydration, All Skin Types
- 10 Best Marula Oil for Sensitive Skin
- 11 Best Anti-Aging Marula Oil
- 12 Rosehip Oil: Our Top Picks
- 13 Best Rosehip Oil for all Skin Types
- 14 Best Rosehip Oil for Whole Body Use
- 15 Best Rosehip Oil for Acne-Prone Skin
- 16 Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: FAQs
- 17 Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: Wrapping Up
- 18 Authors
So What Is Marula Oil?
Marula oil comes from the fruit of the marula tree native to Southern Africa. For centuries, local communities have used marula for its healing and nutritional value.
Today, marula oil is gaining popularity for its benefits and range of applications.
Marula oil offers the following benefits:
- Deep moisturization. Marula oil is clinically proven to hydrate and moisturize the skin. It is rich in amino acids such as L-arginine and fatty acids that regulate skin hydration and pH levels.
Also, marula oil creates a barrier on top of your skin, allowing deeper penetration of nutrients and leaving your face soft, supple, and glowing. - Protection from sun damage and free radicals. Marula oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins E and C, and phenolic compounds. These components shield your skin from harmful UV rays and free radicals.
The ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in marula oil is six times more than that of oranges. And vitamin C is a collagen booster. This makes marula oil a go-to skincare product for mature skin. - Soothing for irritated, inflamed skin. Marula oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it works wonders for irritated, itchy, and dry skin, making it a natural remedy for eczema and other skin conditions.
Now, Onto Rosehip Oil, What Is It?
Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes.
There are wide varieties of wild roses, but the best extract comes from the dog rose and sweetbriar types, specifically those species that grow in the Andes Mountains around Chile and Argentina.
The high levels of carotenoids give this oil its distinctive red/orange color.
Rosehip oil offers the following benefits:
- Reduces the signs of aging. Rosehip oil contains massive amounts of potent nutrients that promote skin regeneration.
It is rich in antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. Combined with vitamin C, you get a triple treat that fights and protects the skin from aging.
Also, rosehip oil is abundant in vitamin E and retinoids. Both are essential in collagen production, which maintains the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
All these active ingredients give your skin a younger, firmer, and healthier glow. - Brightens the skin and fades hyperpigmentation and scarring. The infusion of essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E in rosehip oil reduces pigmentation.
They repair damaged skin and provide protection without the sticky feel.
The beta-carotene compounds in rosehip oil are a natural astringent. These substances tighten pores and brighten the skin.
With many guaranteed benefits, it’s no wonder that rosehip oil is also becoming a staple ingredient in many skincare and makeup products.
Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: Which Is Better for Your Skin Type?
Both rosehip and marula oils are suitable for all skin types. But their unique composition can target specific skin concerns. This might be the key to choosing a product that is best for you.
Normal Skin
Both marula and rosehip oils are good for normal skin unless an allergic reaction occurs. If you are not allergic, your choice will depend on what your skincare routine targets.
For skin hydration and moisture retention, marula oil is a better option.
If you want to brighten your skin while reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, then rosehip oil is for you.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you need all the hydration you can get. This makes marula oil a must-have in your skincare routine.
Also, its high concentration of oleic acid offers deep hydration and relief for dull, flaky, or itchy skin.
Acne-Prone and Oily Skin
If you are acne-prone, the high concentration of linoleic acid in rosehip oil regulates sebum production and prevents breakouts.
Rosehip oil is non-comedogenic. This means it is more unlikely to clog your pores than marula oil, which is heavier in texture.
Additionally, rosehip oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm irritated skin. Meanwhile, its vitamin A increases cell turnover, which helps fade acne marks.
Sensitive and Mature Skin
Marula oil or rosehip oil — which is better for aging skin?
While there is no definite answer, experts favor marula oil due to its high vitamin C content.
Even so, it is still open for debate.
Both oils actually work wonders for sensitive and mature skin.
Rosehip oil is rich in phytonutrients that boost collagen production and slow aging. Meanwhile, marula oil reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier and prevents trans-epidermal water loss.
The best thing to do is to choose the one that answers your other skin problems.
Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: Which Is Better for Targeting Specific Skin Concerns?
We can all agree that both marula oil and rosehip oil offers many skin benefits. Still, each has unique qualities better at targeting a specific skin concern.
For example, marula oil is ideal for improving the skin’s health and appearance. It improves skin elasticity and firmness, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Marula oil can also soothe and heal dry and irritated skin. Making it a popular option for people suffering from eczema or psoriasis.
On the other hand, pure rosehip oil is better at addressing hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and stretch marks.
Due to its high vitamin A content, it is superior in promoting cell turnover, reducing dark spots, and correcting uneven skin tone.
Absorption and Texture
When it comes to absorption and texture, marula oil and rosehip oil differ in some ways.
Marula oil is thicker and has a heavier texture. As such, it takes a bit longer to absorb into the skin. As a result, it provides a deeper level of hydration.
The downside is that it may leave a slight residue.
In contrast, rosehip oil is a dry oil. Meaning it is lightweight and non-greasy. It also sinks faster into the skin without leaving a sticky or oily feel.
Scent and Shelf Life
On scent and shelf life, marula oil and rosehip oil are on opposite sides of the spectrum. Marula oil has a fruity and nutty aroma, which can be pleasant and not overpowering.
It is stable and can last up to two years.
On the other hand, rosehip oil has an earthy scent with sweet undertones. Some may find the aroma relaxing and soothing, while others with sensitive noses might need some getting used to.
However, rosehip oil is less stable when it comes to shelf life. It can go rancid after six months to a year, especially if not stored properly.
The trick to ensuring that your face oil stays fresh and effective longer is to keep them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
One more thing, buy products in dark glass bottles as this can help protect the oil from light and extend its shelf life.
When to Apply in Your Skincare Routine
A rule of thumb in skin care is to apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency. As such, use marula oil, rosehip oil, or both at the second to the last in the morning and the last product at night.
The final product to touch your skin in the morning should be sunscreen. While marula and rosehip oil have anti-aging properties and offer sun damage protection, they are not a substitute for sunscreen.
Remember not to mix these two oils with your sunscreen either! This will make your sunscreen less effective. You might end up sunburned.
At night, apply a layer of marula oil and rosehip oil after your moisturizer. They act like a blanket, preventing your products from evaporating while you sleep.
The result? Waking up with dewy and super-hydrated skin!
Marula Oil: Our Top Choices
With so many products on the market, it can take time to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top three choices of marula oil brands available today.
- 100% organic, virgin marula seed oil
- Cold-pressed
- Visibly restores skin’s radiant tone
- 100% pure and cold-pressed
- High in vitamin E
- Fights signs of aging
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Works wonders on dry, flaky skin
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxury skincare treat, there’s a brand on this list that will meet your needs.
Best for Marula Oil For Skin Hydration, All Skin Types
We love this versatile product because it is perfect to use during the day for its added sun protection and at night for skin repair.
Primary benefits: Replenishes lost moisture; maintains healthy-looking skin; provides enhanced barrier support.
Features:
- 100% cold-pressed and unrefined
- Rich in oleic and linoleic acid
- Suitable for all skin types
This extra-rich oil is an excellent solution for uneven tone and skin dehydration while providing antioxidant support.
The Ordinary brand is known for one active ingredient in their products, and their 100% organic, cold-pressed, and cruelty-free marula oil does not disappoint!
As it is 100% cold-pressed, this virgin African marula oil has retained more antioxidants that are usually lost if heat-pressed. Thus, this offers better hydration that visibly restores the skin’s radiant tone.
This product may be the best bang for your buck.
Best Marula Oil for Sensitive Skin
We love this oil from Acure because it keeps the skin fresh and hydrated without the greasy feel!
Primary benefits: Works wonders on dry and flaky skin; can be used to treat skin allergies and irritations.
Features:
- Rich in protein and omega fatty acids
- Lightweight and easily absorbed
- Can be used to manage eczema
Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, this lightweight oil leaves your skin feeling soft and supple.
Dubbed the best Drunk Elephant Marula Oil alternative, Acure the Essentials Pure Marula Oil is a beauty must-have.
It is rich in proteins and omega fatty acids but is lightweight and fast-absorbing.
Bonus points to its pump dispenser design — no wastages and no mess!
Best Anti-Aging Marula Oil
We love Drunk Elephant because it is fast absorbing and nourishing while restoring the skin’s youthful glow.
Primary benefits: Natural skin moisturizer; rejuvenate and reset the skin; limit harmful effects of free radicals that damage skin cells.
Features:
- High in antioxidants tocopherol (vitamin E)
- Rich in antioxidants and omega 6 and 9
- Purest form
While it is true every slather is a splurge, Drunk Elephant’s luxury oil is totally worth it.
Drunk Elephant does not compromise ingredients to save money. This bottle packs the highest premium-grade marula oil available, which explains its steeper price compared to other brands.
Plus, it’s non-GMO and cruelty-free!
So if you are a Leaping Bunny advocate looking for a super-effective anti-aging face oil, this is the best product for you.
Rosehip Oil: Our Top Picks
Rosehip oil is another must-try natural skincare product. But it can be overwhelming to choose from the hundreds of varieties of rosehip oil products on the market.
Thus, we also listed our top three picks for the best rosehip oil brands available today.
- 100% organic and cold-pressed
- Budget-friendly
- Targets signs of aging, dullness, and dryness
- Antibacterial
- Reduces redness
- Best for acne-prone skin
- Certified pure and organic
- Premium grade oil
- Best for dry and sensitive skin
So whether you’re looking for a high-quality, organic option or one formulated for a specific skin concern, there’s a product on this list that’s sure to become a staple in your skincare routine.
Best Rosehip Oil for all Skin Types
We love this product because it is super effective and affordable.
Primary benefits: Addresses signs of aging; balances uneven skin tone; hydrates skin
Features:
- Rich in retinol
- High in omega fatty acids
- Cruelty-free
The Ordinary offers a potent product perfect even for those just starting to build a skincare routine.
Making it on top of our list is The Ordinary. It’s no surprise why we love this brand.
Made from 100% pure rosehip seed Oil, you will appreciate this pure, no-nonsense option.
It is rich in retinol and essential omega fatty acids that target photoaging while supporting skin elasticity and nourishing the skin.
With The Ordinary Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Oil, you get all the skincare goodies at an affordable price.
Best Rosehip Oil for Whole Body Use
We love Radha because you get all the benefits of rosehip oil from head to toe!
Primary benefits: Replenishes moisture; brightens skin and reduces blemishes; improves the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks
Features:
- Whole-body moisturizer
- USDA-certified organic
- Premium-grade oil
From a face moisturizer and massage oil to hair treatment, Radha is a go-to product for all your needs.
Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil comes in a cobalt-blue bottle, so you know you are buying a top-tier product.
It is the most versatile moisturizer ever sold. Radha acts as a multivitamin for your face, body, and hair.
With a potent concentration of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that Radha offers, achieving silky smooth skin for a younger appearance has never been this easy.
Best Rosehip Oil for Acne-Prone Skin
We love Blume Meltdown because it packs a powerful blend of clean ingredients.
Primary benefits: Reduces the appearance of breakouts, scarring, redness, and pores; removes skin impurities without drying the skin; no added fragrances
Features:
- Made with exotic ingredients to fight acne and heal the skin
- All natural and vegan
- Paraben-free
Blume Meltdown is pricey, but we believe it is worth every penny!
Blume Meltdown is another favorite.
Dubbed the holy grail for acne-prone skin, Blume is known for fighting pimples and reducing acne scars while keeping breakouts at bay — all without drying the skin!
This miracle in a bottle is cruelty-free, vegan, and has no added fragrance.
Due to its efficacy, Blume has been featured in Teen Vogue, Allure, PopSugar, and many other beauty magazines.
Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: FAQs
What are the main differences between marula and rosehip oil?
Marula oil and rosehip oil differ in their fatty acid profiles and vitamin content. Marula oil is higher in oleic acid (anti-inflammatory and healing properties), while rosehip oil is high in linoleic acid (hydration and plumpness effects).
Marula oil is rich in vitamin E and contains a small amount of vitamin C. Meanwhile, rosehip oil is high in vitamin A (retinol) and C.
Which natural oil is more expensive?
The cost of marula oil and rosehip oil can vary depending on the brand and quality of the oil.
Generally, marula oil is more expensive. But there are affordable options available for both oils. It’s important to note that the price does not reflect the product’s quality or effectiveness.
Can I mix marula oil with rosehip oil?
Yes. By all means, go ahead. As a matter of fact, there are many good products out there that blend different types of oils. While rosehip oil and marula oil may not have dermal limits, best practice dictates moderation.
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with using marula oil vs. rosehip oil for the face?
Both marula oil and rosehip oil are generally considered safe for topical use. However, always do a patch test before using any skincare product. If you experience any irritation or allergic reaction, stop using the product immediately.
Additionally, these oils are derived from tree nuts. They may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.
What is the difference between rosehip oil and rosehip seed oil?
While both terms are often used interchangeably, rosehip oil and rosehip seed oil are not the same.
Rosehip oil is made from fruit, skin, and seed pulp. Meanwhile, the rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds only.
Since they come from different sources, their nutritional values also differ. Rosehip oil contains more vitamin A and fatty acids, while rosehip seed oil is rich in fatty acids but has less vitamin A.
Marula Oil vs. Rosehip Oil: Wrapping Up
Marula oil and rosehip oil are excellent facial oils. Each offers unique skin benefits and properties.
For skin protection and nourishment, marula oil is a great option.
For oily or acne-prone skin, organic rosehip oil is an ideal choice.
The best product will depend on your skin concerns and personal preferences.
While both super oils are natural ingredients and gentle on the skin, allergic reactions can still occur.
So it’s always a good idea to do some research and conduct a patch test before incorporating any new product into your skincare routine.
We hope you’ve found everything you need to pick out which oil is the best choice for you.
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