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.
Alek says
$72 regular price?! WOW! That's a serious ding outta of the pocket. But glad TJ's got it cheap for $7 so that's a great value and it's natural.
Mary says
Thanks for doing the investisgation for us! Have you tried comparing to the Oridinary's Marula oil? Also please keep the reviews going!
becomebetty says
Hey Mary! Thank you for the kind words. I havent tried that one and don't know if I'll get around to it in a timely fashion. Thanks again for sharing and for the appreciation
Dagmar says
I am also thanking you for doing the facial product testing. I have oodles of facial oil samples &/or mini sizes that I have tried but could never deal w/the full size price. And to boot none of them have really blown me away . Certainly not the exorbitant prices . This seems like a great option. Thanks again.
Susan says
I love this product! It makes my skin feel & look so refreshed, hydrated & smooth the next morning. I highly recommend it!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing!
Josie M says
I just bought this today and love the price, the oil consistency is easy to apply and absorbs into face fast ( comparing to other oils I have tried that have a thicker/oily feel). My only con right now is the smell of it. Not a strong one but not sure if I will be able to tolerate it at night.
becomebetty says
Hi Josie! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this!
Steven James says
yes I found this little nugget on the new products shelf before the Holidays. Perfect during the winter and the price is right. A little goes a long way! (I found you to see what others were saying about this TJ product)
Ro says
I really like the marula oil the first time I bought it. Light non greasy perfect during winter. Traders finally restock the item so I bought 2 but this time it looks like the oil has particles in it. Has anyone else seen that as well??
becomebetty says
I haven't but I'd be curious to know if anyone else had the same experience. Thanks for stopping by!
Bonnie First says
Just bought today, first time. First thing I did, with any product, is the sniff test. Very light and not at all overwhelming. I liked the way it felt on my face and hands so I rubbed it on my forearms, knees, feet and legs. Several minutes later, still light on my skin, not heavily oily and just a bit of shimmer. I like it
becomebetty says
Thanks so much for sharing Bonnie!
Cahill says
Just wondering if it should feel like there are some chunks of something in it? I got today. I shook it but still see some flakes and used anyway.
becomebetty says
Mine seemed smooth. You can always bring it back for a refund.
Diana says
I just bought a bottle of this and it has white particles. It looks like when oil gets cold and hardens but its been inside my warm house all day.