Marula Seed Oil
Sclerocarya birrea
Marula Seed Oil is a premium cold-pressed African cosmetic lipid oil obtained from the kernels of Sclerocarya birrea, indigenous to Southern Africa.
Characterised by its high oleic acid content, exceptional oxidative stability and elegant sensory profile, Marula is a highly versatile formulation oil for premium skincare, haircare and personal-care applications.
Afrika Botanicals works directly with Marula production through our strategic production partner in Limpopo, South Africa, giving us direct involvement in processing specifications, quality control, batch selection and commercial supply.
Origin & Sourcing
- Botanical: Sclerocarya birrea
- Raw material: Marula kernels
- Origin: Limpopo, South Africa
- Harvesting: Wild-harvested
- Extraction: Mechanical cold pressing
- Refining: Unrefined
- Additives: None
We produce our Marula Oil in partnership with our strategic production partner in Limpopo, South Africa.
This close relationship gives Afrika Botanicals direct involvement in production, processing specifications, quality control, batch selection and export supply. It also allows us to work with customers who require specific analytical parameters or processing characteristics, rather than simply supplying a standard commodity oil.
We collect marula fruit and seed through established rural wild-harvesting networks. We then process and cold-press the kernels in South Africa, providing traceability through the supply and production chain.
Performance Profile
Marula Seed Oil is distinguished by its oleic-rich fatty acid profile and excellent natural oxidative stability.
Careful raw-material selection, handling and processing allow us to produce and select Marula according to defined quality parameters, including free fatty acid and peroxide values.
Key formulation characteristics include:
- High oleic acid content – provides excellent emollience, spreadability and conditioning
- Excellent oxidative stability – one of Marula Oil’s defining formulation characteristics
- Controlled free fatty acid values – selected specifications are available for customers requiring lower FFA parameters
- Controlled peroxide values – batch selection and processing support demanding oxidative quality specifications
- Elegant sensory profile – smooth application with a relatively light, non-greasy finish
- Versatile formulation profile – suitable for skincare, haircare, emulsions and anhydrous systems
We can supply different processing and filtration specifications based on application and customer requirements.
Technical Information
- INCI: Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
- CAS: 68956-68-3
- Extraction: Cold-pressed
- Refining: Unrefined
- Appearance: Clear, pale yellow to light golden liquid oil
- Odour: Mild, characteristic
- Typical shelf life: 24–36 months under recommended storage conditions
Batch-specific analytical values are provided on the applicable Certificate of Analysis.
Applications
Marula Seed Oil is suitable for a broad range of cosmetic formulations, including:
- Facial oils and serums
- Premium creams and lotions
- Body oils and balms
- Hair conditioners and masks
- Scalp and treatment oils
- Anhydrous formulations
- Lipid blends
- Colour cosmetics and specialist personal-care formulations
It is particularly useful where oxidative stability, emollience, sensory performance and formulation versatility are required.
Packaging & Commercial Supply
Available formats can include:
- 1 litre
- 5 litre
- Approximately 25 kg bulk containers
- Approximately 180–200 kg drums
Commercial volumes can be planned directly with production, based on specifications, seasonal availability and customer forecasts.
Samples
Samples are available for formulation, technical assessment and commercial evaluation.
When evaluating different Marula processing specifications, we can supply representative samples for comparison.
When requesting a sample or quotation, please provide your anticipated order quantity, annual volume, destination, required certification and any specific analytical or processing requirements.
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Buy a sample now!
Organic & Conventional Supply
Afrika Botanicals supplies certified organic Marula Seed Oil, with conventional material also available for specific requirements.
Control Union independently certifies our Marula production as organic, supporting relevant international organic markets.
We can provide current certification documentation with quotations and commercial orders when certified organic material is required.
Quality & Documentation
Marula Seed Oil is supplied with appropriate technical documentation, including:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Organic certification where applicable
- Origin and traceability information
- Additional analytical documentation where required and agreed
Representative documentation is available during product evaluation, with batch-specific documentation supplied for commercial orders.
For customers with defined technical requirements, we can discuss target parameters before production or batch selection.uiring stability, light texture and compatibility with active ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your Marula Oil produced?
Our principal Marula Oil is produced by our strategic production partner in Limpopo, South Africa, from wild-harvested South African Marula.
What is the relationship between Afrika Botanicals and its Marula producer?
Afrika Botanicals works in close partnership with our strategic South African producer for Marula production and supply. This gives us direct involvement in processing specifications, quality control, batch selection, documentation and commercial export requirements.
Is Marula Seed Oil refined?
Our standard Marula Seed Oil is cold-pressed and unrefined. We offer different filtration and physical processing specifications depending on customer requirements.
Is certified organic Marula available?
Yes. Certified organic Marula Seed Oil is a core part of our supply programme. We can also supply conventional material for specific requirements.
What makes Marula Oil particularly stable?
Marula has a predominantly monounsaturated, oleic-rich fatty acid profile that provides inherently good resistance to oxidation compared with many more highly polyunsaturated lipid oils.
Can you supply Marula to specific FFA and peroxide requirements?
Yes. Depending on the required specification and available production, we can select or produce batches against agreed free fatty acid, peroxide and processing parameters.
Please provide your required specifications when requesting a quotation.
Do you offer different processing specifications?
Yes. We can supply marula with different levels of filtration and physical processing, depending on the intended application and customer specification.
What is the shelf life?
Typically 24–36 months when stored correctly in unopened packaging. The applicable shelf life is stated in the product documentation.
Can you provide technical and analytical documentation?
Yes. COA, TDS and SDS documentation is available, together with organic certification and additional analytical information where applicable.
Can you supply commercial volumes?
Yes. Marula is one of our principal commercial products. Please provide your required quantity, anticipated annual volume and technical specification so that production and supply can be planned accordingly.