The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil (Unrefined) 30ml

The essentials

The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil is an unrefined, single-ingredient facial and hair oil made from virgin marula seed oil. In plain terms, it’s designed to help you add moisture and a bit of antioxidant support to skin that feels dry or looks a touch dull.

What you’re really buying here is a straightforward oil: no complicated promise list, just an oil you can use at home as part of your routine. The cold-pressed, unrefined angle matters if you prefer oils that keep the ingredient in its more natural state. That said, oils aren’t a cure-all—if your main issue is acne flare-ups or very sensitive, reactive skin, you’ll want to be a bit more cautious.

It’s also positioned as multi-use: the brand suggests you can apply it to both skin and hair. So instead of stocking multiple products, this can cover “face hydration” and “hair needs” in one bottle.

Key takeaways

It’s a good fit if you want a simple, antioxidant-rich oil and you’re aiming to improve radiance and hydration—especially if your skin tends to feel dry. The description specifically notes naturally occurring antioxidants and fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) to support hydration.

You’ll likely like it if you enjoy lightweight oils that you can use in small amounts, either on the face as a finishing step or worked through damp hair for softness.

Worth bearing in mind: it’s unrefined. Some people find unrefined oils feel a little more “oil-forward” than refined alternatives, and oils are always a personal choice depending on your skin type and how you layer products.

What stands out in everyday use

If you’ve ever had that “my skin looks fine but feels tight” moment, this is the sort of product that can slot in to help. On the face, the instructions are to apply a few drops. In practice, that often means warming a couple of drops between your fingers, then pressing it into moisturised skin (or using it as the last step) rather than smearing a large amount over dry patches.

For hair, the routine is a little different but the same idea: work through damp hair as needed. Think of it more like a hydration and smoothness assist than a styling product. A small application can help hair feel less rough after washing.

The multi-use angle is handy if you want one product for two jobs. Still, it’s not perfect for everyone—if you’re trying to manage an oily T-zone, you may find you need to keep the amount very controlled.

Tech specs

• Name: The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil, Antioxidant-Rich, Unrefined Oil for Radiant Skin
• Type: Oil (unrefined, cold-pressed virgin marula seed oil)
• Capacity: 30ml
• Formulation highlights: naturally occurring antioxidants, contains oleic and linoleic acids

Who it suits (and who should be careful)

It makes sense if you prioritise hydration and radiance, and you’re comfortable using facial oils as part of a routine. Dry skin types are explicitly mentioned as an ideal match, which is a helpful clue for where this could fit best.

It might not be for you if you have a very acne-prone routine and you’re looking for something strictly “oil-free” or lightweight in the way gel moisturisers are. Also, if your skin barrier is currently compromised, you’ll need to follow the safety guidance: avoid using it on broken skin and patch test before use.

One more limitation to consider: oils can take time to settle into your routine. If you switch everything at once, it can be hard to tell what’s helping and what’s not.

How to use it safely

The instructions are simple: apply a few drops to the face, or work through damp hair as needed.

Before you commit, patch test. That’s not just legal wording—oils are active in the sense that they can interact with your skin barrier and may not agree with everyone. The guidance also says to avoid using on broken skin, which is important if you’re dealing with irritation, cuts, or areas that are actively healing.

A practical approach is to start with the smallest amount you can get away with. If it feels too heavy, use fewer drops or apply only to drier areas.

Is it worth it?

Choose The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil if you want a no-fuss, antioxidant-rich oil that can support hydration and radiance—particularly for dry skin—and you also like the idea of using one product for both face and hair.

Skip it (or at least be cautious) if you’re specifically trying to avoid facial oils, you’re currently dealing with broken or irritated skin, or you know your skin reacts unpredictably to new oils. Also, if you’re expecting it to replace a full moisturiser routine, it may leave you wanting more—oils are usually best as a supporting step within your existing care.

If you’re the kind of person who likes straightforward products and you’re happy to patch test and adjust the amount, it’s a reasonable purchase to consider.