In hair care products, marula hydrates, softens, and smooths strands. Paul Mitchell Rare Oil Replenishing Shampoo and Conditioner, $25 each, goes one step further to offer protection between washes. Because of the way the oil is encapsulated within the formulas, it sits on the surface of your hair and breaks open whenever you brush or style. It's perfect for the woman who likes to go a couple days (or five) between washing, and wants to know that her hair is being protected in the interim.
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Tinted Berry Lip Treatment
Between its silky feel and quick absorption, marula is a natural fit for lip products. The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Strawberry, $7, however, takes it to another level by using the nourishing ingredient in a product that tastes delicious (like strawberries) and also has a hint of color. Plus, The Body Shop sources its marula from a women's cooperative program in Namibia through a fair trade program -- so you can feel even better about enjoying this ingredient.
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A Facial Cleanser That Melts Away Makeup
The melting cleanser category is a relatively new trend, and Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel with Marula Oil, $35, is the hero product among them. It looks like a gel, then it transforms into an oil on your skin. Add water, and it morphs again, this time into a milky consistency. It removes makeup, deeply cleans skin and leaves behind a hint of moisture thanks to marula.
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Hair Serum for Glossy, Bouncy Curls
Carol's Daughter Marula Oil (Curl Therapy) Softening Serum, $18, can be used as a styling product or as a more intensive moisturizing treatment. A few drops can instantly define curls, but it's not heavy or greasy. Plus, you get the added antioxidant protection from the marula -- so it may even keep your color bright longer.
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An Age-Reversing Night Cream
Lancer Skin Care is incredibly popular in Europe and a best-seller on Net-a-Porter.com. If you've yet to try anything from the line, start with the Lancer Intensive Night Treatment, $155. This ultra cushion-y cream feels incredible, and it contains a blend of botanicals and oils (including marula, of course), to moisturize skin and plump fine lines so you wake up looking younger and more refreshed.
