FACE OIL - Marula Oil & Vitamin C

PRODUCT STORY

Stefanía formulated this oil the way she thinks about beauty: with intention, clarity, and nothing unnecessary. Born from her belief that true radiance starts with protecting what your skin already has, this oil pairs the ancient nourishing power of marula — cold-pressed from the fruit trees of sub-Saharan Africa — with Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, the most stable, deeply penetrating form of Vitamin C available in oil-based skincare. The result is a face oil that feels like a second skin: absorbed in seconds, active from within, and gentle enough for every day.

KEY BENEFITS
• Neutralizes free radical damage from UV, pollution, and blue light — Vitamin C is one of the most studied antioxidants in dermatology, shown to reduce UVB-induced skin damage by up to 52% (topical 10% application)
• Stimulates collagen production — Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for the enzymes that cross-link and stabilize collagen fibers; it activates Type I and III collagen transcription and helps slow visible aging at the structural level
• Marula oil inhibits collagenase activity by up to 99% in vitro — collagenase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down your existing collagen; blocking it is one of the most direct anti-aging strategies in skincare
• Non-comedogenic and clinically non-irritant — Marula's unique fatty acid profile closely mirrors human skin's own epidermal lipids, which is why it absorbs rapidly without heaviness or breakouts, even on acne-prone skin

HERO INGREDIENTS
Marula Oil (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil)
Cold-pressed from the kernels of the African marula fruit, this oil has been used for centuries in southern Africa for its remarkable skin-softening properties. Its oleic acid content (69–73%) acts as a natural penetration enhancer, creating temporary pathways in the outer skin layer that deliver active ingredients deeper than most topicals reach. Clinical studies confirm statistically significant improvements in skin hydration and moisture barrier function in lipid-depleted skin (p<0.001). Its antioxidant stability is approximately ten times greater than olive oil — meaning it stays active and potent on your skin, not in the bottle.
Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate)
Not all Vitamin C is created equal. Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is an oil-soluble derivative of L-ascorbic acid — esterified with four isopalmitic acid molecules — which makes it uniquely compatible with an oil formulation, highly stable (effective for up to 18 months without degrading), and able to penetrate the lipid-rich outer skin layer far more efficiently than pure Vitamin C. Once inside the skin cells, it converts to active L-ascorbic acid, delivering its full collagen-boosting, free-radical-fighting benefits where they matter most. A 3% topical Vitamin C application over four months has been shown in clinical study to produce a significant increase in dermal papillae density — a direct measure of skin structural renewal.

HOW TO USE
1. Cleanse your face thoroughly with your preferred cleanser and pat dry.
2. If using a serum (such as a water-based treatment), apply it first and allow to absorb — roughly 60 seconds.
3. Dispense 3–5 drops of Aceite Marula y Vitamina C into your palm. For targeted application on specific spots, 2–3 drops are sufficient.
4. Warm the oil between your palms for three seconds, then gently press — do not rub — into your face, neck, and décolletage.
5. Morning use: Allow 1–2 minutes for full absorption, then apply SPF or Sun Rise Marula Day Cream over the top. The oil's oleic acid actually helps your sunscreen and day cream penetrate and perform better.
6. Evening use: Can be layered under Moon Night Marula Night Cream for an added hydration boost, or used alone as a complete evening treatment.
7. Avoid the eye area. Use Eye Serum – Eye Contour for the delicate periorbital zone.

EXPECTED RESULTS TIMELINE
Weeks 1–2: Hydration and Comfort
Skin feels softer and more supple from the first application. Redness and sensitivity calm noticeably as the linoleic acid in marula addresses inflammatory signals at the barrier level. Skin looks more luminous by end of week two — not because anything has been "added," but because the lipid barrier is functioning the way it should.
Weeks 3–4: Tone and Radiance
Vitamin C begins meaningfully interrupting melanin production. Dark spots and areas of uneven pigmentation start to appear lighter and more diffused. Skin texture smooths as cellular renewal is supported at the deeper dermal level. Friends may comment that you look "rested" — this is Vitamin C working.
Weeks 6–8: Structural Change
This is when collagen synthesis becomes visible. Fine lines — particularly those caused by dryness and lipid depletion — appear softer. Skin regains a firmness and elasticity that goes beyond surface moisture.
With consistent morning use, UV-induced damage is also being actively mitigated before it can deposit as pigment or structural loss.

Founder's Note

"This Marula Oil was the first I tested on my own skin after years of stage makeup, transatlantic flights and the cameras that show everything. If it worked for me, I know it can be there for you."

— Stefanía Fernández, Miss Universe 2009