The Power of Australian Botanicals for the Skin
We've had clean skincare, organic, cult creams and serums and hero ingredients, even skinimalism.
However, Australian native plants are still, surprisingly, underutilised by the skincare industry and consumers, despite their enormous potential.
We have some of the most powerful ingredients in the world growing right in our backyard and scientists are still discovering their benefits as well as how to harness them.
SkinB5 has been harnessing the benefits of Australian native botanicals in their range of highly-awarded and bestselling holistic skincare products since 2019.
When founder, Judy Cheung-Wood began to delve into their properties she was excited by what she found.
"I began to research them and was amazed by their profiles. What got my attention was the way the molecules were extracted and that their integrity was maintained," she explained.
"I was shocked more brands aren't utilising these plants that we have in our backyard. I'm not sure why. Instead of importing expensive overseas ingredients we can support local manufacturers and researchers here in Australia.
"Our efficacy first approach means we don't just include one or two native extracts. We actually have eight."
"We chose each one specifically. Each one has complex properties and are harnessed to maintain their integrity and together they deliver a full range of properties that target not only people with problematic skin, but everyone."
Judy said there is a complex web of different plant nutrients good at calming inflammation with powerful antioxidants to fight damage from the sun.
"The Australian landscape is harsh, but our flowers are resilient and bright and beautiful. We are harnessing their ability to protect themselves," she said.
"Rather than putting synthetic actives on your skin we can use natural molecules. Nature is complex and works in a synergetic manner which single synthetically produced molecules just can't replicate.
"Natural molecules have the added benefit of being far more bioavailable as they are a natural substance."
Kakadu plum and Davidson plum are two of the standout ingredients – both incredibly high in natural vitamin C and SkinB5 ensure they use the maximum potency in their products.
SkinB5 use a supplier with a patented cellular extraction to remove the molecules without disturbing them and suspending them into a cushioning liquid matrix. Airless packaging then maintains the integrity of it and prevent oxidisation.
Kangaroo paw flower is well known for calming and you can feel the immediate cooling sensation when you use the Australian Botanicals Hydration Essence as well as Australian Botanicals Cleansing Mousse.
"I grow kangaroo paw in my own backyard and it's so resilient. My husband challenged to me keep a plant alive and I picked a kangaroo paw. I don't do anything to it and it's now a big bush," Judy laughs.
Quandong is another powerful plant used which helps protect the skin from environmental damage including UV rays and contains a natural acid that behaves similar to AHA.
Lesser-known natives, although no less powerful used include snowflowers, silky oil grass, Tasmanian blue gum and mountain pepper berry.
Combined in the Australian Botanicals Hydration Essence these plants sooth, calm, heal and reduce redness and acne marks, while protecting from further damage and build up the skin's resilience and the regeneration process.
"Overseas customers love these ingredients," Judy said.
"Australia has a reputation of being clean and green and natural and they love the exotic nature of them and the results.
"We formulated it to be almost like a serum, so in hot humid countries it sells really well.
"We are showcasing the amazing benefits of plants in Australia and supporting local industries to harness these plants sustainably.
"Our supplier works closely with local Aboriginal communities to look after the land and we can then support those communities."
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