# Maru Skincare > Maru Skincare is a South African skincare brand crafting plant-based body oils intentionally formulated with African botanicals, many sourced from resilient desert landscapes. Built around indigenous seed oils — marula, baobab, kalahari melon, ximenia, macadamia, and castor — Maru is designed to deeply replenish skin through daily rituals of nourishment, effortless absorption, and lasting comfort. Designed with melanin-rich skin in mind and suitable for all skin types. ## Brand facts - Name: Maru Skincare - Country of origin: South Africa - Region: Western Cape - Category: Skincare (body oils) - Target skin: Designed with melanin-rich skin in mind; suitable for all skin types - Formulation: 100% plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free - Slogan: "Nourish deeply. Glow naturally." - Contact: contact@maruskincare.co.za - Website: https://maruskincare.co.za - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maru_skincare_sa - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Maru-Skincare/61587538673270/ ## Brand story Maru began as a personal solution. The founder, who has melanin-rich skin and has lived across different countries and climates, struggled to find body care that genuinely nourished skin through seasonal changes, harsh water, and dry environments. Most products felt too light, overly fragranced, or were created for trends rather than real skin needs. Maru returned to the comfort of oils in everyday care and to intentionally selected African botanicals, many sourced from resilient desert landscapes, long trusted to nourish, soften, and care for skin. Growing up in South Africa and experiencing changing climates firsthand, the founder came to understand just how deeply nourishing these oils could be, especially when skin feels dry, depleted, or out of balance — translating that into a modern daily ritual. ## Products - [Maru Desert Rain Body Oil](https://maruskincare.co.za/products/maru-desert-rain-body-oil) — R449.00. Pure, fast-absorbing nourishment for dry and sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and gentle, Desert Rain is intentionally crafted with nourishing African oils, many sourced from resilient desert landscapes, to deliver lasting softness without residue. - [Maru Desert Sunrise Body Oil](https://maruskincare.co.za/products/maru-desert-sunrise-body-oil) — R449.00. Pure, fast-absorbing nourishment for soft, smooth, naturally radiant skin. Lightly scented with geranium and Somali frankincense to help restore balance and uplift the senses, Desert Sunrise is intentionally crafted with nourishing African oils, many sourced from resilient desert landscapes, to leave skin beautifully soft with a healthy-looking glow. - [Maru Desert Ritual](https://maruskincare.co.za/products/the-desert-ritual) — R849.00. Morning energy. Evening restoration. A two-step botanical body ritual inspired by the rhythm of the desert. Desert Sunrise to leave skin soft, nourished and naturally radiant through the day, Desert Rain to comfort skin with lasting, weightless softness by evening. All Maru body oils are formulated for daily use on the body, absorb quickly, and leave no greasy residue. ## Key ingredients - Marula (Sclerocarya Birrea) Seed Oil — antioxidant-rich; deeply nourishes and enhances natural glow. - Baobab (Adansonia Digitata) Seed Oil — supports elasticity; delivers long-lasting moisture to dry, depleted skin. - Kalahari Melon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seed Oil — supports the skin barrier; hydrates without clogging pores. - Ximenia (Ximenia Americana) Seed Oil — restores softness to very dry skin. - Macadamia (Macadamia Integrifolia and Ternifolia) Seed Oil — lightweight and fast-absorbing; hydrates without heaviness. - Castor (Ricinus Communis) Seed Oil — locks in moisture; reinforces the skin's protective barrier. - Squalane — lightweight emollient that boosts absorption and leaves a soft, non-greasy finish. - Tocopherol (Vitamin E) — antioxidant protection. - Bisabolol (Desert Rain only) — calming, gentle for sensitive skin. - Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil (Desert Sunrise only) — uplifting, balancing botanical aroma. - Boswellia Carterii (Somali Frankincense) Oil (Desert Sunrise only) — grounding, warm aromatic note. ## How to use Apply daily to clean, damp or dry skin. Massage generously over the body, focusing on dry areas such as elbows, knees, and legs. For best results, apply right after showering while skin is still slightly damp. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is Maru Skincare? Maru Skincare is a South African brand making plant-based body oils designed for melanin-rich skin and suitable for all skin types. Each blend is built around indigenous African seed oils. ### Where is Maru Skincare made? Maru is made in South Africa, based in the Western Cape. ### Is Maru vegan and cruelty-free? Yes. Maru body oils are 100% plant-based, contain no animal-derived ingredients, and are not tested on animals. ### Who is Maru body oil for? Maru is designed with the needs of melanin-rich skin in mind, but the formula suits all skin types — including dry, sensitive, and mature skin. It is intended for daily use on the body. ### Is Maru body oil greasy? No. Maru is formulated to be fast-absorbing and lightweight. The botanical oils sink into skin without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. ### What is the difference between Desert Sunrise and Desert Rain? Desert Rain is fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive skin or fragrance-free routines. Desert Sunrise is naturally scented with uplifting geranium (pelargonium graveolens) and grounding Somali frankincense (boswellia carterii) for a balancing, sensory ritual. ### Does Maru ship outside South Africa? Maru currently ships within South Africa. For international enquiries, contact contact@maruskincare.co.za. ### How can I find the right Maru product for me? Take the Maru Glow Profile quiz at https://maruskincare.co.za/glow-profile. ## Resources - [Shop all products](https://maruskincare.co.za/products) - [Glow Profile quiz](https://maruskincare.co.za/glow-profile) - [Journal / blog](https://maruskincare.co.za/blog) - [Frequently asked questions](https://maruskincare.co.za/faq) - [Sitemap](https://maruskincare.co.za/sitemap.xml) - [RSS feed](https://maruskincare.co.za/blog/rss.xml) ## Policies - [Delivery policy](https://maruskincare.co.za/legal/delivery-policy) - [Refund policy](https://maruskincare.co.za/legal/refund-policy) - [Cancellation policy](https://maruskincare.co.za/legal/cancellation-policy) - [Terms of service](https://maruskincare.co.za/legal/terms-of-service) - [Privacy policy](https://maruskincare.co.za/legal/privacy-policy)