Length / Less than 5 minutes
Another natural source of vitamin C to add to your skincare routine. Because, we can never have enough of this stuff stored in our skin for your skin to use for overnight repair. As I’m sure you know by now, when it comes to securing an even, radiant and healthy skin tone, vitamin C is the answer. So, at Tailor, we’re always on the lookout for nature’s most potent sources of skin-loving ingredients like this one. This is one remarkable fruit that's packed with vitamin C…but, before we give too much away - shall we get a wriggle on?
Not all forms of vitamin C are created equal
You’re probably wondering...wait, so why do they have vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, in powder form for Gold Dust, yet the Kakadu plum’s vitamin C, can be in liquid form for Elevate? This is a very good point, but it comes down to the fact that not all forms of vitamin C are created equal. The key difference here is that Kakadu plum is rich in antioxidants like ellagic acid, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These compounds work synergistically with its natural vitamin C source, helping to protect it from oxidation and degradation, even when exposed to water. But, how? Well, these antioxidants found in Kakadu plum act as natural preservatives, shielding this vitamin C from the oxidative stress that typically breaks down ascorbic acid in water, resulting in less benefit to the skin. For a bit of science, “antimicrobial effect of bioactive compounds present in Kakadu plum such as the ellagic acid… ascorbic acids...has been reported that organics acids…inhibit or slow down microbial growth…” Therefore, pure ascorbic acid is most beneficial when delivered in a powder form (Gold Dust), so it can be activated with a water-based serum or moisturiser at the time of use, to ensure the maximum benefits are absorbed by your skin within that 48 hour window before it denatures.
What is Kakadu Plum?
Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is a small, green fruit native to northern Australia, renowned for being the highest natural source of vitamin C. Winding back the clock, this superfruit has been used for centuries, both as food and for its medicinal properties. More recently, it’s made a splash in the skincare world as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, which helps protect the skin from environmental damage, boost collagen production, and brighten the complexion. Its high concentration of vitamin C makes it a highly effective ingredient for promoting skin radiance and reducing signs of aging, such as fine lines and dark spots.
Kakadu Plum in skincare
Rich source of vitamin C:
Kakadu plum is known around town for having the world’s richest natural source of vitamin C, of all fruits. For e.g., “Kakadu plums have the highest recorded natural amount of vitamin C of any food in the world.” Vitamin C is vital for brightening the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, and boosting collagen production. In turn, improving skin elasticity, reducing fine lines, and promoting a more youthful complexion.
Antioxidant protection:
The high levels of antioxidants in Kakadu plum help neutralise free radicals caused by environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, preventing oxidative damage to your skin, which leads to premature ageing.
Anti-inflammatory:
Kakadu plum’s anti-inflammatory compounds help soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin, making it super beneficial for sensitive and breakout-prone skin types.
Even skin tone:
Topical use of Kakadu plum in your skincare routine can reduce dark spots and promote a more even skin tone, helping to reduce the appearance of discoloration, to enhance overall radiance.
Hydration support:
Rich in hydrating compounds like gallic acid and ellagic acid, which help maintain moisture levels and support the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it soft, plump, and well-hydrated.
That is one multi-purpose ingredient, if I’ve ever seen one. I personally think it deserves a well earnt spot in your skincare routine, just saying.
How does Kakadu Plum and Ascorbic Acid work together?
Fun fact, our newest product Elevate is formulated with Kakadu plum to give your skin that boost of natural vitamin C content. But, how does this work with ascorbic acid? Well, when used together, they create a potent powerhouse duo, providing a double dose of vitamin C content in your skin, to ramp up that reservoir for when your skin does it’s most repairing, overnight. The natural vitamin C from Kakadu plum, combined with the pure ascorbic acid, works synergistically to maximise collagen production, brighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. A birdie told me, Tailor is one step ahead here, as Kakadu plum is in our new Elevate, and ascorbic acid happens to be in Gold Dust too. Pro tip: It’s as simple as mixing a scoop of Gold Dust to your Elevate mask.
How does this source of vitamin C work in a wash-off product, like a mask?
I mean, I get it, you might be wondering how an ingredient could possibly provide your skin with it’s benefits, with such a short contact time, as a wash-off product like a mask, has. Well, I’m here to tell you it can, and it does. A deep dive into research on vitamin C in skincare, in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal article called ‘Vitamin C in dermatology’, suggested “once applied, Vit. C cannot be fully washed or wiped off the skin.” Even with Kakadu plum’s short contact time with the skin, in Elevate’s wash-off mask, it will be able to provide all it’s skin-loving goodness to your skin.
Ok, so how come it doesn’t wash-off? Well, our skin builds up a reservoir of vitamin C content, this is then depleted during the day by environmental stressors e.g., the sun. Therefore, it’s super important to replenish our vitamin C content in our skincare, to keep our reservoir topped up. This is the reason why vitamin C can’t be washed off the skin, because it is stored in our skin, once applied.
Well, there you have it, nature at its best, once again. Kakadu plum really was the natural choice to elevate your skincare routine (sorry, couldn’t resist). In all seriousness, if you’d like our expert advice, this is one ingredient-worthy spot taker in your routine, delivered in a buttery, soft and fluffy mask, called Elevate (ofc). Until next time…
Talk soon,
Tailor x
References:
Beya , M. M., Netzel , M. E., Sultanbawa , Y., Smyth , H., & Hoffman, L. C. (2023). Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) bioactivity against spoilage microorganisms and oxidative reactions in refrigerated raw beef patties under modified atmosphere packaging. Meat Science, 204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2023.109268
Mandl, E. (2019, October 28). 7 Health Benefits of Kakadu Plum. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kakadu-plum-benefits#:~:text=Kakadu%20plums%20have%20the%20highest,your%20daily%20needs%20(1).
Telang, P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 143–146. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.110593