Marula Oil Market

Marula oil is derived from fruit of the marula tree, primarily grown in regions of Southern Africa such as Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, and others. Marula oil contains various skin protecting properties, thereby gaining wide range of applications in the cosmetic industry. It used as an ingredient for producing skin care, hair care, and cosmetic products, while the raw product also acts beneficial for both skin and hair. Rich in antioxidants and essential omega fatty acids, marula oil is considered to offers numerous benefits to skin health. The product also has high steric acid content and advanced hydrating properties, which are further beneficial for balancing the moisture content of the skin.

Marula oil is extracted from the kernels or hard nut shell of marula fruit, which contains 40-50% of essential oil in its kernels. Marula fruit is also utilized for making juice, beer, jam, wine, and other products. Marula oil is majorly exported to Europe and North America, and also consumed by locals as food and for medicinal purposes. Marula oil is among the most in-demand ingredients for the cosmetic industry, as it offers multiple benefits to manufacturers. As the consumer preference towards utilizing natural cosmetic products is growing at a high rate, ingredients such as marula oil, are creating a better market platform for themselves.

Growing Demand for Vegetable Oil in the Cosmetics Industry Creating Opportunities for Marula Oil

The cosmetics industry is experiencing a drastic change with the kind of ingredients being used in different cosmetic products. Mineral and vegetable oils are mostly used in the cosmetics industry due to their capability of providing a moisturizing effect. Mineral oil is derived from petroleum, and the extracting process creates a negative impact on the environment leading to growing demand for vegetable oil in the cosmetic industry. Vegetable oils are sourced from almonds, marula, castor, coconut, and others. Marula oil, a type of vegetable oil, contains anti-bacterial properties and is capable of maintaining correct moisture level of skin. Furthermore, mineral oil sometimes also contains impurities and contaminants, which are also some of the factors fueling the usage of vegetable oil in the cosmetic industry. Therefore, the negative consequences regarding the usage of mineral oil are expanding the market platform for vegetable oils including marula oil.

Growing Adoption of Anti-aging Products Promoting Marula Oil Use

The desire to look young among consumers has created a buzz for anti-aging products across the world. Millennials are especially on the lookout for products that will help them maintain the youthful look of their skin. Anti-aging products have become a viable solution to meet the desires of consumers. Cosmetic manufacturers are utilizing efficient ingredients to increase the anti-aging effect in cosmetic products. Marula oil contains essential omega acids, and also has antioxidant properties, which maintain smoothness and hydration of skin, hence, it is widely popular for use in anti-aging cosmetic products. Since anti-aging products are trending and gaining increased attention across the world, the marula oil market will witness significant growth.

Social and Economic Development of Southern Africa an Advantage for Marula Oil

Marula oil holds great cultural and social importance in the Southern Africa. Marula plant is cultivated in South Africa, Namibia, Madagascar, Swaziland, and other countries of Southern Africa. Traditionally, marula oil has been used for medicinal purposes by African people and they call it “Tree of Life”. At present, the production of marula oil and other marula-based products is responsible for the economic and social development of the region. Marula oil production provides livelihood to the rural African people, especially to women who handle the cold press process of marula oil. Hence, the added focus on social and economic causes will provide more opportunities to the marula oil market.

The Analyst’s Viewpoint

A comprehensive view of the global marula oil market has led our analysts to conclude that the market is growing at a stable rate, with North America and Europe holding a large chunk of the global consumption of marula oil. The increasing usage of vegetable oil in cosmetic products is spurring the demand for marula oil. The impact of high demand for natural ingredients will remain for a long period of time. Business expansion and strengthening the supply-chain by leading market players will give a thrust to the global marula oil market.

Companies with product diversification capabilities and expertise in the use of technology will gather momentum and profitability in the global marula oil market. Leading market players who are adopting a business expansion strategy will continue to grow and have a vast market revenue share. However, availability of substitutes of marula oil could restrain the growth of the global marula oil market.