If you could bottle that glow someone gets after a fancy facial or a day at the spa. Marula Oil would be it. And guess what? Trader Joe's now offers the same star ingredient for just $6.99. Yes, you read that right. No frills, no splurge. Just pure, antioxidant-rich hydration that leaves your skin looking lit.
Jump to:
A quick comparison
The most similar product to this is a product I've gotten once from Sephora: Drunk Elephant's Marula Oil. It's a good product, but its price tag is even more breathtaking.
A one-ounce container will set you back $70. Yup. You read that correctly.
And while I like that product, I can't say that I like it $70 worth. And if you read through the reviews of the products a lot of people like it but also feel it isn't $70 worth of nice.
Enter Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil. This almost one-ounce bottle will set you back $6.99.
Review
This 25 ml bottle of 100% cold-pressed marula oil is lightweight, luxuriously smooth, and free of fragrances. The packaging is simple but elegant: a frosted glass bottle with a dropper, giving off minimalistic-chic vibes.
Let's cut right to the chase: this oil feels like silk. Just a few drops warm between your palms, and it glides across your skin, leaving a clean, never-sticky finish. The moment you apply it-whether post-cleanser or layered over moisturizer-you'll feel that gentle velvety hug across your face.
Some reviewers online have praised its hydrating properties, especially for dry and combo skin, and my experience echoes that. After just a few nights, my skin felt plumper and smoother, with a healthy, dew-like glow. Sensitive skin? It won't freak out here. Acne-prone? It's non-comedogenic, so no clogged pores.
Now, you might notice a slight nutty scent when you first open the bottle-it's natural, from the marula nut. But it's not overpowering. Personally, I find it comforting. And if fragrance gives you pause, know that some users barely notice it after a moment.
Weight-wise, it's featherlight. A single drop really does the trick, and the product lasts. Some people report a less moisturizing effect than pricier oils like Drunk Elephant's marula, but that's because Trader Joe's formula is unadulterated-no extras, just pure hydration. You can always layer it if you crave a punchier finish.
Pro tip: I love adding two drops post-moisturizer as a final step or mixing a drop into my night cream to boost hydration. It also works wonders smoothed onto cuticles or dry elbows.
Oh, and fans also rave about it being nearly identical to much pricier oils, including comparisons with Drunk Elephant made by former Sephora staff. Meanwhile, Reddit users have shared daily moisturizing routines, including this little budget hero.
How to Use
• Apply a couple of drops to clean, slightly damp skin after moisturizer-any time, day or night.
• Pat over lips, cuticles, or elbows for extra hydration.
• Mix a drop into your nighttime cream for a hydration boost.
Creative Uses
• Apply to mid-lengths and ends of hair on dry or humid days to tame frizz.
• Dab on rough patches-knees, elbows, heels-for a smoothing overnight treatment.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Marula Oil
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Yes-100% plant-based marula oil.
No-this oil is non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin.
Nope! This is available year-round at Trader Joe's or on Amazon through third-party sellers.
Final Thoughts
If you're craving a simple yet effective upgrade to your skincare routine, Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil is your steal. It brings high-end hydration, antioxidant support, and glowing results-all in one lightweight, budget-friendly bottle. Whether you're new to oils or swapping from a splurge, this is one bottle you'll want to keep stocked.
Do you love these reviews?
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
You can also FOLLOW ME on the following platforms by clicking the icons below:
Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil
Product Name: Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil
Product Description: Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil is new and competes well against more expensive brands.
Price: $6.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil has been on shelves since 2020 and a fan favorite ever since.
-
Value
-
Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Pure & Gentle: Single-ingredient magic—no fillers, no fuss.
- Hydrating: Lightweight but effective even for dry skin.
- Versatile: Great for face, hair, and skin all over.
- Affordable: Drunk Elephant vibes minus the luxury price.
Cons
- Subtle Effects: Haven’t seen dramatic anti-aging results yet.
- Natural Smell: Slight nutty scent on application.
- Not Multi-step: Doesn’t replace heavier nighttime creams if you need that intense moisture.
Stephanie says
I had to return 2 bottles of the marula oil. I could see big gloppy white particles that just keep growing more and more. I don’t know what it is, maybe mold? Glad I could see through the glass bottle!!
Arianna says
I just picked a bottle up today and the same thing happened to me. I wonder if it’s just the oil hardening up at warmer temperatures?? Did you ever get an answer?
MAB says
I usually use avocado oil decided to try the marula when I saw it at TJ's. There were some semi solid flakes at the bottom. This is due to temperature though not a sign of mold or it being bad or anything. It is as good as avocado oil except that you're not supposed to use near eyes, which is inconvenient. Also, it doesn't smell very good to me. Like earthy peanut butter. The scent doesn't last but the initial smell is not my favorite! I'll still use the jar I bought. It's pretty decent.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie says
How do you know for sure it’s not mold??
Stephanie says
I would imagine that at warmer terms the oil shouldn’t harden. I didn’t want to take any chances, so I stopped using it altogether. It’s strange that the globs increased in size which makes me think it’s growing mold.
MAB says
Mold needs water to grow. There is no water in this product only oil. Oils do sometimes contain natural occurring wax that solidifies at cooler temperatures or if left still for a while. Do the flakes disperse when you shake the bottle vigorously or gently warm? Then it's not mold.
Tate says
I tried this and i cant get past the cigarette smell. I put it on my skim and it smells like Ive been holding a cig or smoking. Theres something that looks like ash in the bottom of the bottle. When i shake it it goes away but then resettles. Wouldnt get it again. Will return this one.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!
Nicole Ashley-Evans says
I started using this product daily. I don't notice a smell, nor do I have any solids in my 2 bottles. I really feel that my face is nice and hydrated, and so far I love it. I use it after my toner and before my daily face moisturizer.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Nicole!