# Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [Trader Joe's](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/trader-joe-s)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for oily skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate moisturizing for your oily skin due to Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, which provides hydrating and smoothing texture but lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control.
- This product offers general skincare benefits that are mostly supportive for oily shine and oily skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin): Low (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil

## Why other moisturizers fit oily skin better

- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))

## What reviewers say

Users with dry and combination skin widely praise this oil as a lightweight, hydrating option, noting it leaves skin soft and glowing without a greasy residue. While most find it effective for sealing in moisture, a small minority experienced breakouts or found the natural nutty scent off-putting.

- Liked: Affordable price (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective hydration (often mentioned)
- Liked: High-end dupe (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight & absorbent (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Not moisturizing (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil a weak match for oily skin?

Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil is a weak match for oily skin because it only offers moderate moisture and lacks the ingredients needed for optimal oil control. A moisturizer for oily skin needs peptides, hydrating agents, and ingredients that support the skin barrier while maintaining a lightweight texture without heavy oils.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

### Which ingredients make this oil a poor fit for oily skin?

Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil is a weak match for oily skin because it relies solely on Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, which lacks the oil control needed for this skin type. Oily skin needs a moisturizer with peptides, light hydrating agents, and soothing extracts that provide hydration without heavy oils.

### What does Marula Oil do for oily skin?

Marula oil is less than ideal for oily skin because it tends to trap moisture and sit heavily on the surface. An oily face needs a lightweight, quick-absorbing product with ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid to help balance oil and keep pores clear.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

### Where does this oil go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This moisturizer goes near the end of your morning routine after your hydrating toner, and as the last step in your evening routine. While Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil gives a smooth texture, this product is a weak match because it lacks ingredients for oil control, meaning oily skin needs a lightweight moisturizer with oil-balancing ingredients.

### Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this facial oil with retinol, applying it after your retinol treatment to help seal in moisture and keep your skin soft. Because this oil lacks oil-controlling ingredients, oily skin types need a moisturizer with lightweight hydrators and oil-balancing ingredients to stay fresh.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

### How often should I use this oil?

You can use this oil in your morning and evening routines as a moisturizer to help keep your skin soft and smooth, though oily skin generally needs a lighter product that helps manage shine. A moisturizer for this skin type needs oil-control ingredients and a lighter texture that hydrates without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This product may cause breakouts for oily skin because some reviewers experienced this issue. Oily skin needs a moisturizer with ingredients that provide oil control alongside hydration, rather than just heavy oils.

### Can I use this oil around the eyes or on my body?

Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil can be used on the body and around the eyes, as its gentle ingredients are generally well-tolerated. However, because it is a weak match for oily skin, a moisturizer for this skin type needs ingredients that provide oil control alongside hydration.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 29.35 at Amazon
- [Anua Heartleaf 78% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/anua/heartleaf-78-soothing-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 71.00 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-skin) — High fit — AED 91.81 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 92.70 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 120.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 101.09 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Revision Skincare Black Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/revision-skincare/black-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 204.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 101.21 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B08TZWPB75?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/trader-joe-s/marula-facial-oil/for/oily-skin (this page)