Mahua Oil

Product Description:

Mahua Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia), often referred to as the Butter Tree across central and eastern India. The tree holds deep cultural and traditional significance among tribal communities, where its seeds, flowers, and oil have been used for generations. The oil is pale yellow to amber in colour with a mild, characteristic scent and a smooth, slightly thick texture. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Mahua Oil as a raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY formulators, and skin care product developers looking for an authentic, traditional carrier oil from India.

Botanical and Local Names

Botanical Name: Madhuca longifolia (syn. Madhuca indica)
English Name: Mahua Oil / Mowrah Oil
Hindi Name: Mahua Tel
Tamil Name: Iluppai Ennai
Telugu Name: Ippa Nune
Malayalam Name: Ilupa Enna
Kannada Name: Hippe Enne

Key Properties

• Cold pressed from mahua seeds with no heat and no chemical solvents involved
• Smooth, slightly thick texture with a mild, characteristic scent
• Naturally rich in essential fatty acids and natural tocopherols
• Unrefined and supplied in its natural state without bleaching or deodorisation
• Colour ranges from pale yellow to amber, typical of an unrefined seed oil
• Long standing traditional use among Indian tribal communities
• Compatible with other carrier oils, butters, and oil-phase ingredients

About Marula Oil

Marula oil belongs to the same botanical family as mango and is widely regarded as one of Africa's most prized plant oils, sometimes called "miracle oil" across the western and southern parts of the continent where it grows. Beyond cosmetics, marula has traditional uses in cooking and in the treatment of burns and wounds, which gives a sense of how deeply embedded it is in the regions it comes from. It is extracted from the seeds of the Sclerocarya birrea tree and is classified as a high-oleic acid oil, with oleic acid making up 70 to 78% of its fatty acid composition.

Marula oil contains a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants, and despite having relatively low tocopherol content compared to some other oils, it has good oxidative stability overall. Alongside its fatty acid profile, it contains various phytosterols that promote barrier repair, help reduce transepidermal water loss, and present anti-inflammatory action. The result on skin is a softening and soothing effect that absorbs well and provides a silky, non-greasy feel, which is why it is valued for massage and body conditioning. Marula is gentle enough for sensitive skin where it helps reduce redness and calm inflammation, and it is equally beneficial for hair, where it helps balance the scalp's natural oil levels without leaving heaviness or residue.

Working with Marula Oil in Your Formulations

Marula oil works well in anhydrous products such as balms, masks, butters, and scrubs, and can also be used in emulsions and haircare products. Its silky skin feel and fast absorption make it a particularly strong choice in facial oils, body oils, and massage blends, and its gentle profile suits sensitive skin formulations well.

Quality & Formulation Notes

No adverse effects or formulation restrictions are documented for marula oil. Its good oxidative stability is a practical advantage, and no specific substitute exists given its unique fatty acid profile and the sensory properties that come with it.

Applications

Skin Care Formulations: Body lotions, balms, massage oils, moisturising creams

Hair Care Formulations: Hair oils, scalp oil blends, traditional hair care formulations

Cosmetic and Soap Making: Soap making, lotion and cream oil-phase ingredient, carrier base for blended formulations

General Use: Bulk supply for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY skin care kits, traditional and Ayurvedic product formulation

Packing and Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in active use. Recommended storage temperature below 25°C. Best before 18 months from packaging date. Natural variation in colour and scent between batches is characteristic of a cold pressed, unrefined oil.

Caution

Patch test is recommended before use on skin. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or physician.