# Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil for oily skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-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 Canada.

Brand: [Drunk Elephant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/drunk-elephant)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/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 suitability for oily skin as the emollient action of Sclerocarya Birrea Kernel Oil and Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil may not be ideal for managing excess sebum, though it provides excellent moisturizing benefits for hydrating and smoothing skin texture.
- While the product offers general skincare benefits, these are mostly supportive and irrelevant for your oily shine concerns.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Sclerocarya Birrea Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Unrefined Sclerocarya Birrea Kernel Oil Sclerocarya Birrea Kernel Oil

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this facial oil is widely praised for its ability to deeply hydrate and soothe dry, sensitive skin without feeling overly heavy, often leaving a noticeable glow. A significant portion of users find it difficult to justify the high price tag for a single-ingredient product, noting that much cheaper alternatives offer nearly identical results.

- Liked: Deeply hydrating (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Extremely expensive (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Absorbs quickly (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Cheaper alternatives exist (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle on sensitive skin (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Imparts a glow (sometimes noted)
- Liked: High-quality packaging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Pipette issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sits on skin (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 Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil a weak match for oily skin?

This oil is a weak match because its heavy moisturizing oils do not help manage excess shine on oily skin. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrating agents and peptides to balance moisture without adding oiliness or clogging pores, along with ingredients that support the skin barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

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

Sclerocarya birrea kernel oil and sclerocarya birrea seed oil make this treatment a weak match because their smoothing and softening action is not ideal for managing excess shine. Oily skin needs a product of this type that features peptides, light hydrators, and soothing extracts without heavy oils to balance moisture while staying lightweight.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

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

Marula Oil is less than ideal for oily skin because it tends to trap moisture and can feel too heavy. A product for oily skin needs to be lightweight and oil-free to keep your face feeling fresh and clear.

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after your cleansing toner and before your moisturizer. Oily skin needs a product of this type to include lightweight hydrators and balancing ingredients like niacinamide that help manage excess shine while keeping the face smooth.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/), [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

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

This oil is a weak match for oily skin because its heavy smoothing oils may add to excess shine instead of helping control oil. For an oily skin routine with retinol, this product needs lightweight, oil-free hydrators and balancing ingredients that target shine.

### How often should I use this treatment?

This moisturizing treatment is a weak match for oily skin because its rich oils may not help manage excess shine, though an oily skin routine needs ingredients that balance oil and keep pores clear.

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

This oil is a weak match for oily skin because its heavy oils may sit on the skin and are not ideal for managing excess shine. Oily skin generally needs lightweight, balancing, and non-clogging ingredients that hydrate without adding extra weight or triggering breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

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

This moisturizing treatment is not a good match for oily skin because its rich oils do not help manage excess shine. Oily skin around the eyes or body needs lightweight hydrators and balancing ingredients that smooth skin without adding heavy oils.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26528587/)

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.99 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/oily-skin) — High fit — CA$16.20 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon
- SPF: [La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/anthelios-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$35.95 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$28.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.50 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Tatcha Clarifying Clay Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tatcha/the-clarifying-clay-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Sephora: CA$56.00 (https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/virgin-marula-tm-luxury-facial-oil-P392245?skuId=1679315)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$96.00 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/drunk-elephant-virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/p/BB_856556004005?variantCode=856556004005)
Prices checked 10 Oct 2026.

## Ingredients

Unrefined Sclerocarya Birrea Kernel Oil Sclerocarya Birrea Kernel Oil, 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/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/virgin-marula-luxury-facial-oil/for/oily-skin