African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil: A Deliriously Happy Review!

Press Sample (Affiliated Link)

African Botanics is my very favorite new company, and one that I am excited to introduce you to. This Los Angeles based company was founded in 2012 by Craig and Julia Noik, but their "South African roots and passion for the land" inspired them to create a wellness line of beauty products that  captures "the exceptional beauty and pure floral wealth of Southern Africa."

Southern Africa is filled with exceptional treasures of numerous powerful botanicals and minerals. African Botanics uses a variety of sustainable, indigenous plants and natural resources in their unique range. Formulated with an exclusive combination of entirely organic, cold pressed - Wild Grown African Marula Oil, as well as African Green Rooibos Tea Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Pure African Muti Mud, Baobab Oil, Cape Camomile, Shea Butter, Helichrysum and some others, found mostly in the Western Cape’s Fynbos [Fine Bush] region, the smallest and most ecologically diverse plant kingdom in the world. All specially selected for their high antioxidant content, powerful healing attributes and skin regenerating abilities. The therapeutic and nourishing qualities of these fascinating plants have led to Fynbos being used for generations in native tribal beauty rituals. The entire range is based on natural ingredients.

Not only does African Botanics create products of the very highest quality, but they also focus on sustainably sourced plant extracts and essential oils.

Our wild-harvested plant extracts and essential oils are sustainably sourced from remote, untouched regions, blended to create products that care holistically for your body and mind. We support the responsible harvesting and production of all our raw materials from the most reputable suppliers, working with projects that regenerate the environment and local communities in South Africa.

All products are made in South Africa with a distinct focus on craftsmanship, luxury and quality.

Neroli Infused Marula Oil is a lovely fast absorbing and deeply nourishing lightweight oil that smells divine, and imparts an unbelievable healthy glow (you really do have to experience it to believe the results).

According to African Botanics,

Neroli infused Marula Oil is a natural, cold pressed, light textured facial oil blend that is easily absorbed into skin. Rich in vitamins C + E & natural antioxidants that help cells renew & resist damage. High in essential fatty acids (Omega 9 oleic & Omega 6 linoleic) that deeply hydrate skin & reduce redness while protecting against the elements. This impeccable facial anti-aging oil infused with essence of Neroli, penetrates deeply for soft, supple & radiant skin. pH balanced & non-comedogenic.

Unique Properties: "Perfect as a daily moisturizer on all skin types including combination to oily skin. Rejuvenating & nourishing treatment for re-conditioning your skin after snow, wind or sun exposure. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, sun damaged skin, eczema, stretchmarks & scars. Great when traveling because it sweeps away the signs of jet lag. Preservative + chemical free."

Marula fruit and seeds

Skin Benefits of Marula Oil: "Marula Oil is extremely rich in important naturally occurring anti-oxidants including, Vitamin C, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Tocotrienol, phenolic compounds, essential amino acids and flavonoids that help cells renew and resist damaging effects of the environment. With regular use, Marula Oil delivers advanced protection against premature skin aging – neutralizing free radicals, helping build collagen, and providing antioxidant protection." 

The Marula Belt in the North East part of South Africa. Very close to Kruger National Park.

Marula Oil has been shown to:
-Intensely boosts skin's ability to repair, accelerating recovery.
-Neutralizes free radicals that cause signs of aging.
-Protects skin from harmful environmental agents & provides powerful anti-oxidant protection.
-Restores skin elasticity, firmness & improves skin tone.
-Ideal treatment following facials, provides pre-and-post support for chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
-Excellent moisturizer that can help plump up the skin to reduce & minimize fine lines.
-Rejuvenates and recovers skin’s luminosity, radiance and suppleness.
-Soothes irritation.
-Anti-pollution, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging benefits.
-Marula Oil is rich in essential fatty acids Omega 9 – oleic at 60-70% concentrations and Omega 6 – linoleic that deeply hydrate and reduce redness while nourishing, healing, moisturizing and improving skin elasticity.
-Marula Oil is pH balanced, non-comedogenic and has anti-microbial properties which can help heal acne blemishes and scarring. It is appropriate for all skin types.
-Completely free of parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient.

Benefits of Neroli Oil: "The deeply floral essence of Neroli Oil is steam distilled from freshly hand-picked organic orange blossoms. Produced by small growing co-ops in Tunisia, North Africa. Stimulates cell growth & produces noticeable rejuvenating results on all skin types. Assists in cellular repair, smoothing out wrinkles & promoting a luminous & radiant complexion. The effects of Neroli oil on emotional well-being can be compared to the nourishing, soothing, and revitalizing effects of Mediterranean sunshine. Carefully infused to aide in relaxation, stimulation, promote endorphins, clarity and self-healing."

Essential oil of Neroli has been shown to:
-Regenerates skin cells. Improves suppleness.
-Protects against free radicals & environmental stresses.
-Powerful antioxidants that fill cells with water & nourishment, prolonging their life & vitality.
-Strengthens the skins flora.
-High in Vitamin C – essential for the production of Collagen.
-Stimulates circulation, clears blemishes. Assists in the release of toxins.

This gorgeous oil-based serum addresses the following skin concerns and conditions:
-Dull, dry, dehydrated aging skin, under-nourished skin, and skin stressed by frequent traveling.
-Damaged, stressed skin after UV exposure (and other environmental assaults such as: exposure to snow and wind) as well as aging, acne scars, pollution, lifestyle.
-Lack of elasticity and firmness
-Loss of youthful glow
-Lines and wrinkles and uneven texture
-Deeply nourishes and dehydration
-Sensitive skin
-Scars and stretchmarks

My experience: My beloved friends Sheri and Tanya from SpaceNK first introduced me to African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula oil when I was visiting them one afternoon. They both are well aware of my deep and abiding love of luxury face oils, and both told me that this was categorically one of the very very best oils on the market. This was no sales pitch, but instead two beauty insiders telling their oil-obsessed friend about one of the very best oils that they had discovered. When two people who I know, adore and respect tell me that I have to try something-- I know that I have to try it. With their glowing and effusive endorsements of not only the face oil, but of the company and founders-- I knew that I was going to love not only the Marula oil, but the whole line. The moment that I tried the Neroli Infused Marula on the back of my hand, I knew that they had, if anything, understated just how amazing the oil truly is. Once I had been using it for a while and told Sheri and Tanya that I was blown away by this luxury oil, and they both said "we told you it was amazing!" They weren't kidding, I mean they really weren't kidding!

There is something magical about Neroli Infused Marula Oil from the feather light texture to the sweet and understated smell of the Neroli. It is a thin potent oil that immediately sinks in and gets right to work. When I told Julia Noik that I was shocked by the efficacy of her Neroli Infused Marula oil, and that it was one of the most amazing oils that I had tried- she said,  "Marula Oil is lightweight and quick-absorbing, but at the time is very nourishing, thanks to the Omega 9 content of the oil (70% - 80%). It is the fastest way to deliver essential nutrients and vitamins to the skin."

As with all luxury oils, I apply African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil to warm and damp freshly cleansed skin. The added slip from the water facilitates quick absorption followed my an immediate radiance and glow. Every single time that I apply this lovely oil (which is quite often) I note that my skin reveals a newfound clarity and evenness of tone. There is an unmistakable luminosity that is so obvious and pronounced that I have been receiving so many comments about how beautiful, clear and glowing my skin is- followed by "what are you using, and did you get a peel or something- your skin is gorgeous!" I must clarify that these comments preceded my recent Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Peel (read about it here). The post-peel comments about my skin were even more effusive! Following my peel, I only used this oil, and it really worked wonders!

After using African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil exclusively day and night for about a month, and without hesitation I can tell you that it is one of my all-time favorite oils. It has kept my skin perfectly balanced, deeply nourished and moisturized, and with an unbelievable luminosity and clarity. It is so nourishing and moisturizing, in fact, that I have been able to forgo an added moisturizing cream at night. I have even used this as my sole moisturizer during the day and my skin looked and felt amazing. I have even been adding a few drops to my foundations and tinted moisturizers and it most definitely enhances their effects.

I have even tried this in lieu of an eye cream and it does an amazing job! However I just discovered that African Botanics makes an eye serum called Marula Botanical Eye Serum that I really must try. Eye oils are a nearly untapped market, and if anyone can do it right- it will be African Botanics!

Bottom line: This is an amazing luxury face oil!

Directions: "Apply to clean, moist skin where needed: face, neck and décolleté. Gently massage in upward circular motions. Stimulating these areas will increase circulation and allow deep penetration of active ingredients. Recommended: 1-2 pumps for combo to oily skin, 2-4 pumps for dry to mature skin."

Some Extra Tips: "Great under make-up for a fresh look at any time, or as a nourishing overnight treatment. A few drops of Neroli Infused Marula Oil mixed with sunscreen, foundation or tinted moisturizer will illuminate the skin.Rejuvenating & nourishing treatment for re-conditioning your skin after snow, wind, sun exposure and following laser / cosmetic treatments.Can be used under your regular night cream/serum and eye cream as it will provide optimum hydration.Use it on hair to restore shine and relieve frizz.Use on hands to treat everyday dryness."

Full List of Ingredients: Sclerocarya birrea (Marula Essential Oil), Citrus aurantium (Neroli Essential Oil). That's it!

Overall assessment: Truly the nectar of the gods. I am so transfixed by this luxury oil that I can hardly wait to further investigate more of their products! Furthermore, the price is amazing-- particularly since most luxury oils only provide a single ounce of product and are often far more expensive. This is a must-have for the luxury oil enthusiast! Expect to hear much more about this company and their products from me-- this is just the tip of the iceberg! I am in love, and I suspect that you will be too!

63 ml / 2.14 fl oz for $85.00 from African Botanicals and SpaceNK. (Affiliate link)
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. All photographs taken by me except those provided to me by African Botanics.

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