Since the beauty world is shifting its focus to facial oils, you might be confused about which one to add to your skincare routine.
Two of the popular face oils, marula oil and rosehip oil, have been doing the rounds for quite some time now.
Both marula and rosehip oils are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making them great for skin hydration. They fight free radical damage due to their antioxidant properties and reduce signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation).
They also boost skin elasticity and soothe irritated skin, owing to the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of both marula oil and rosehip oil.
If you are looking to add a facial oil into your beauty routine that replenishes moisture, and fades discoloration, along with the ability to improve skin elasticity and repair damaged skin, you’re in the right place!
Below is a detailed breakdown of both rosehip and marula oils so you can choose the one more suited to your skin type and concerns.
Let’s get started!
Rosehip Oil Vs. Marula Oil – Key Differences
Here are some definitive differences between marula oil vs. rosehip oil.
While both oils are generally considered safe, hydrating, nourishing, and skin-friendly, let’s compare marula oil and rosehip oil to analyze which one is better for your skin concerns and type:
1. Suitability For Different Skin Types
- Rosehip oil:
Though it is suitable for everyone, it benefits acne-prone, oily, mature, and dull skin types the most.
- Marula oil:
Marula oil is best for dry or dehydrated skin, flaky skin, normal skin, and even skin with extremely dry patches.
2. Benefits
- Rosehip oil:
Rosehip oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is great for individuals with acne-prone skin and is used to treat acne breakouts, and blemishes and heal acne scars.
It is a collagen booster, fixes uneven skin tone, plumps up the skin, and has anti-aging properties such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles along with dark spots.
- Marula oil:
On the other hand, marula oil is a deep hydrator. It boosts the skin’s moisture barrier, prevents transepidermal water loss, heals dry, irritated, and itchy skin, and softens the skin.
It also fights free radical damage, protects the skin, and reduces the appearance of scars, and wrinkles while keeping your skin moisturized.
3. Texture & Absorption
- Rosehip oil:
Rosehip oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that absorbs quickly without leaving behind a tacky or greasy residue.
- Marula oil:
It is slightly thick in consistency (thicker than olive oil). Being a heavier oil, it takes some time to absorb into the skin.
4. How Long Does It Take To See The Results?
- Rosehip oil:
Usually, it takes about 6-8 weeks to start noticing the anti-acne and anti-aging benefits of rosehip seed oil.
- Marula oil:
Marula oil offers instant hydration, but it usually takes up to 3 months to see an improvement in skin’s elasticity and moisture levels.
5. Comedogenic Scale Rating
- Rosehip oil:
It has a comedogenic rating of 1, which means it is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. In fact, it balances sebum production and prevents pore clogging.
- Marula oil:
It has a comedogenic rating of 3-4, which means it can end up clogging pores1.
6. Composition
- Rosehip oil:
Rosehip seed oil is rich in multivitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E), essential fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid), minerals (copper, Iron, Zinc), phenolic acids (ferulic acid, etc,) and carotenoids2.
- Marula oil:
Marula oil contains antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E), fatty acids (oleic acid, one of the omega-9 fatty acids), and amino acids. (L-arginine and glutamate)3.
7. Difference In Fatty Acids
- Rosehip oil:
Rosehip oil contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids: linoleic acid (54%) and linolenic acid (19%)4. Linoleic acid keeps the skin hydrated and balances oil production, making it a great option for people with oily or acne-prone skin types, as they intrinsically have low levels of linoleic acid.
- Marula oil:
It is quite rich in oleic acid (78%)5, making it a great option for dry skin and dehydrated skin. Oleic acid offers deep moisture and skin repair, boosts the skin’s natural barrier, and protects the skin from sun and other environmental damage.
8. Color & Scent
- Rosehip oil:
Rosehip oil has a golden to red-orange color with an earthy aroma.
- Marula oil:
It has a clear, light-yellowish-brown tone and a nutty aroma6.
9. Shelf-life
- Rosehip oil:
Rosehip oil stays good for up to 6 months to 1 year, after which it goes rancid due to oxidation.
- Marula oil:
Marula oil can last well over 2 years because it is more stable when compared to rosehip oil7.
10. Source
- Rosehip oil:
Organic rosehip oil is sourced through the seeds of the wild rose bushes, especially the Rosa canina and Rosa rubiginosa species8.
- Marula oil:
It comes from the fruit kernels of the Marula tree, native to Africa.
11. Price Tag
- Rosehip oil:
Rosehip oil is an affordable facial oil to incorporate into your skincare routine.
- Marula oil:
It is on the expensive side when it comes to facial oils for your skincare routine.
Everything You Need To Know About Rosehip Oil
Rosehip seed oil is derived from the seeds of wild rose bushes, mainly from the Rosa canina, Rosa rubiginosa, and Rosa moschata species9.
Commonly used in serums, moisturizers, and creams, rosehip oil is enriched with the goodness of essential fatty acids, multivitamins (vitamins A, C, and E), minerals, carotenoids, and phenolic acids (ferulic acid).
The essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, one of the omega fatty acids, are anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and have skin barrier-protective benefits.
With a lightweight and non-greasy texture, the fast-absorbing rosehip oil is considered a dry oil, which means it does not feel tacky or oily like most facial oils do10.
Rosehip oil increases cell turnover and reduces signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, age spots, and pigmentation. It fights free radical damage and reduces premature aging as well as sun damage to the skin.
Some people use rose hip seed oil with retinol – this a very powerful anti-aging combo.
Being a collagen booster, it helps in smoothing the texture and brightening the skin. This evens out the skin tone and improves overall skin health.
To understand the role of rosehip oil concerning acne, let’s dig deeper:
Acne-prone skin has low levels of essential fatty acids (linoleic acid) and is dehydrated, which often results in excess production of oil to hydrate the skin.
Rosehip oil is rich in linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) and oleic acid, so it prevents excess sebum and does not clog pores, making it great for blemish-prone skin.
Secondly, rosehip oil has anti-inflammatory characteristics, so it fights acne-causing bacteria. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, pure rosehip oil is an amazing face oil to incorporate into your skincare routine to treat acne and fade scars, while also calming redness and skin irritation.
Benefits Of Rosehip Oil
The benefits of rosehip oil are as follows:
- No more acne
Rosehip seed oil helps minimize excess oil production which can lead to clogged pores if left unchecked. Due to its ability to fight acne-causing bacteria, rosehip seed oil greatly reduces acne and even heals acne scars, making it a great option for acne-prone skin.
- Anti-aging
Using rosehip oil is great for aging skin as it promotes collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (melasma, dark spots), and sun damage that leads to photoaging.
- Skin repair
Due to its healing and restorative properties, rosehip seed oil helps fade scars and stretch marks, heal wounds, reduce irritation, and soothe the skin. It is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Brightens skin tone:
With regular application on the skin, rosehip oil brightens the skin tone due to its antioxidant (vitamin C) and brightening properties.
- Reduces skin inflammation
Rosehip seed oil helps reduce redness which may be due to acne breakouts, blemishes, or other inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, etc.
- Clear skin texture
It has vitamin A which increases cell turnover, helps exfoliate dead cells, and improves the skin texture.
- Nourishing
Since it is hydrating and nourishing, using rosehip oil helps strengthen the skin barrier and the fatty acids rejuvenate the skin.
- Antioxidant protection
Brimming with multivitamins, rosehip oil is a goldmine of antioxidants that fights free radical damage, oxidative stress, and premature aging.
- Reduces sun damage
Rosehip oil repairs sun-damaged skin cells. The carotenoids help produce new cells while healing the skin.
Who Should Use Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil is great for individuals with damaged, mature, oily, and acne-prone skin types.
Does Rosehip Oil Have Any Side Effects?
Though rosehip oil is generally considered safe and has no potential side effects, it is best to perform an elbow patch test to rule out any allergic reaction (itching, redness, swelling, etc).
Everything You Need To Know About Marula Oil
Now that we know all about rosehip oil, let us discuss nature’s hydrating elixir a.k.a. marula oil.
Marula oil, also known as Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, is sourced through the kernels of the Marula tree, which is native to Africa. This magical oil has been used by generations for its healing, hydrating, and nourishing qualities.
Marula oil is chock-full of vitamin C, vitamin E, oleic acid (one of the omega-9 fatty acids), and amino acids (L-arginine and glutamate)11.
It has a slightly thick texture and a pale yellowish-brown color.
Marula oil is a deeply hydrating and nourishing oil. It allows deeper penetration of moisture and is exceptionally beneficial for dry skin, irritated or flaky skin, and dehydrated skin types.
Marula oil boosts collagen production and fights free radicals, protecting the skin from environmental aggressors.
The fatty acids in marula oil, especially oleic acid, boost the skin’s moisture barrier. This is why using marula oil in your skincare routine can alleviate dry, irritated, flaky, or rough patches, all the while keeping your skin moisturized and soft.
Next, the amino acid content of Marula oil ensures skin repair and wound healing. Since our skin is exposed to environmental stressors like UV rays from the sun, pollution, extreme temperatures, and oxidative stress, the amino acids help heal and repair the skin cells that are damaged.
The only downside to Marula oil is that it leads to clogged pores as it is comedogenic. Hence people with acne-prone and oily skin should avoid using marula oil.
Benefits Of Marula Oil
- Skin hydration
Being a hydrating and rejuvenating facial oil, marula oil keeps the skin moisturized and boosts moisture retention.
- Protects against environmental damage
It protects and repairs sun-damaged skin, while fighting free radical damage, preventing premature aging and stress.
- Antioxidant properties
Since marula oil has both vitamin C and vitamin E, it promotes collagen production. The result? Improved skin tone and smooth texture!
- Soothes skin
The soothing combination of hydrating fatty acids and repairing amino acids regulates pH levels and calms sensitive skin, irritated skin, inflamed skin, and dry or dehydrated skin.
- Nourishes the skin
The amino acids, fatty acids, and multivitamins heal and nourish the skin, and keep the skin healthy and moisturized.
- Enhances production absorption
Since it is an occlusive oil, it helps seal the goodness of subsequent skincare products that you use before applying marula oil.
Who Should Use Marula Oil
Marula oil is best for dehydrated and dry skin types.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Marula Oil?
Marula oil is comedogenic which means it can clog your pores and lead to blackheads or breakouts. Hence people with oily skin or acne should avoid using it in their skincare.
Does Marula Oil Clog Pores?
Yes, marula oil can clog pores as it has a comedogenic rating of 3-4.
Final Verdict: Is Rosehip Oil Or Marula Oil Better?
Now that we know everything about marula oil vs. rosehip oil, let’s review the two amazing facial oils.
Both marula and rosehip oils have hydrating, nourishing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-protective properties.
What sets them apart are their unique characteristics and suitability to different skin concerns and types.
First up in the marula oil vs rosehip oil battle, we have the rosehip oil.
It is anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant in nature. It exfoliates dead cells, improves skin texture, brightens the tone, reduces signs of aging, alleviates skin irritation and damage, reduces acne breakouts, and keeps the skin super hydrated.
On the other hand, we have the marula oil.
It is hydrating, nourishing, antioxidant, and restorative in nature. It heals and repairs skin damage promotes moisture retention, and protects the skin against free radicals and environmental damage.
If you ask me about the clear winner when it comes to marula oil and rosehip oil, I think it depends on your skin concerns and skin type.
If you have blemish-prone, oily, damaged, or mature skin, you should use rosehip oil.
If you have dehydrated, dry, or irritated skin (flakiness, very dry patches), you should opt for marula oil.
Marula Oil Vs. Rosehip Oil – Which Is Better For Dry Skin?
Between marula oil vs. rosehip oil, marula oil is better for dry skin.
It has a high concentration of oleic acid and amino acids, has a thick and occlusive texture that promotes water retention, and soothes dry, dehydrated, or flaky skin.
Marula Oil Vs. Rosehip Oil – Which Is Better For Aging Skin & Wrinkles?
Rosehip oil is better than marula oil for aging skin and wrinkles.
Rosehip oil has anti-aging properties and boosts collagen production, which visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, sun spots, and pigmentation (melasma).
Marula Vs. Rosehip Oil – Which Is Better For Oily Skin?
Rosehip oil is better for oily skin than marula oil, because it is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and not greasy at all.
It has a high concentration of linoleic acid, which is great for balancing sebum production in oily skin.
Can You Use Marula And Rosehip Oil Together?
Yes, you can definitely use marula oil and rosehip oil together. Many skincare products include marula and rosehip oil among other oils to give your skin the love it deserves (hydration, anti-acne, and anti-aging benefits).
You can use them in the same routine or alternate, up to you. Always remember to layer from thinnest to thickest for a game-changing skincare regime.
What Is Better Than Rosehip Oil?
This depends on your skin type and concerns. Generally, the following oils are better than rosehip oil, according to their characteristics:
- Squalane – it works better than rose hip oil for dehydrated skin or skin with compromised natural barrier (check out my detailed comparison here).
- Sweet almond oil – it deeply moisturizes, nourishes and softens the skin.
- Grapeseed oil – because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Cacay oil – it has 3x more Vitamin A than rosehip seed oil.
- Marula oil – better for dry skin.
- Jojoba oil – great for sensitive skin.
What Is Better Than Marula Oil?
Depending on the type of your skin and your skin issues, these oils are better than marula oil:
- Argan oil – because it hydrates without a greasy feel.
- Rosehip oil – better for oily and blemish-prone skin.
- Moringa oil – it’s hydrating, nourishing, and additionally anti-aging.
- Tsubaki oil (Camellia Japonica oil) – it’s moisturizing, healing, and anti-inflammatory.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
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Sources of the pictures at the top: Skin1004 and IUNIK
Resources:
- https://www.researchgate.net/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/
- https://www.scirp.org/
- https://theblushingbliss.com/
- https://weheartthis.com/
