What is Oleic Acid?

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that is found naturally in many foods, including olive oil, avocado, and nuts. It is also produced by the human body in small amounts.

Sebaceous glands within the skin produce sebum, which is a mixture of lipids including oleic acid that contribute towards the skin's barrier function and moisture retention. However, oleic acid naturally depletes from skin with age, making it more vulnerable to dryness and sagging with a loss of elasticity.

Why is Oleic Acid so Beneficial for Skin?

Oleic acid is a unique fatty acid because it actually helps other fatty acids and ingredients penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin, thereby deeply nourishing your skin. It has been shown to be important for skin health for several reasons:

1. Moisturizes the skin: Oleic acid is a natural emollient, which means that it helps to moisturize the skin and prevent dryness. This is especially important for people with dry or mature skin.
2. Improves skin elasticity: Oleic acid can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Reduces inflammation: Oleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness, swelling, and other signs of inflammation on the skin.
4. Helps to heal wounds: Oleic acid has been shown to promote wound healing, making it useful for treating skin injuries and reducing the appearance of scars.

 

Signs Your Skin is Lacking in Oleic Acid

As oleic acid helps to keep skin hydrated, soft, and supple by forming a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss, there are several signs you can watch out for that show your skin may be lacking in oleic acid, including:

1. Dry skin: One of the most common signs of a lack of oleic acid in the skin is dryness. If your skin feels rough, flaky, or itchy, it could be a sign that it is not getting enough of this important fatty acid.
2. Fine lines and wrinkles: Without enough oleic acid, your skin may become more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. This is because the fatty acid helps to maintain the elasticity of your skin, which is important for preventing premature aging.
3. Dull complexion: A lack of oleic acid can cause your skin to look dull and lifeless. This is because the fatty acid helps to give your skin a healthy glow by keeping it moisturised and nourished.
4. Skin irritation: A lack of oleic acid can also make your skin more prone to irritation and inflammation. This can cause redness, itching, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it may be a good idea to talk to a dermatologist or skincare professional about incorporating more oleic acid into your skincare routine. You can also try incorporating more foods that are rich in this fatty acid into your diet, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts.

 

Some of the best sources of oleic acid in skincare include:

• Olive oil: 55-83% content
• Avocado oil: 55-86% content
• Marula oil: 70-78% content
• Almond oil: 65-78% content
• Sunflower oil: 20-80% content
• Argan oil: 36-48% content
• Jojoba oil: 5-15% content

Note that these percentages can vary depending on the variety of the plant used, growing conditions, and processing methods used to extract the oil.

It's worth noting that while oleic acid can be beneficial for the skin, it may not be suitable for all skin types, particularly for those with acne-prone or oily skin who may want to look for products that contain lighter, more easily absorbed oils. As with any new skincare product, it's always best to patch test first and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.

Why Marula Oil is an Excellent Source of Oleic Acid 

One of the main reasons why Marula oil is an excellent source of oleic acid is because it contains a consistently high percentage of oleic acid and is considered to be non-comedogenic, which means that it is unlikely to clog pores. 

 

A lightweight oil that is easily absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling, it is also high in antioxidants and fatty acids, which can help nourish and protect the skin.

Uniquely formulated for high performance, our Marula Hydrating Serum and Marula Hydrating Pre Cleanser are specially formulated with a combination of intensely nourishing carrier oils, making it the best combination of oils for dry skin and mature skin. 

This custom blend includes jojoba, cranberry, blackcurrent and rosehip oils, which comprise of a molecular composition that not only empowers Marula to penetrate even deeper into skin for excellent absorption and nourishment, but each of these oils has their own unique properties. 

When paired with Marula, they make an incredibly light, absorbent, yet super hydrating complexes designed specifically to nourish and repair skin.