Emu Apple and Davidson Plum, Our Newest Stars!

I don’t think we’ve begun to scratch the surface of what is possible with Australian native botanicals in the skincare space. We have vast experience with the powerhouse ingredients Kakadu Plum and Tea Tree, but we are discovering that many more plants growing in our rugged landscape too have an entourage of unique properties. Let’s look at some of the compounds found in Emu Apple and Davidson Plum. Emu Apple is in our Hydra Cream and Davidson Plum is in our Vitamin B3/B5  Serum.

Emu Apple

Emu Apple (Kunzea pomifera) is also known as muntries or munthari in the South Australian Indigenous languages of Ngarrindjeri and Bungandidj and is traditionally valued by Indigenous Australians for its edible qualities. It is said to be sweet with a hint of spiciness, much like an apple crossed with juniper.

This fruit is rich in a variety of natural compounds, including flavonoid glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, amino acids, organic acids, and sugars. Let’s have a look at a few of the key components in Emu Apple.

Quercetin, one of the key compounds in Emu Apple, is a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to premature ageing. By neutralising free radicals, quercetin can help maintain the skin’s vitality, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Kaempferol, another significant compound, is also a potent antioxidant with additional skin-brightening properties. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of melanin, thereby helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. Moreover, kaempferol’s anti-inflammatory effects can soothe irritated skin, making it beneficial for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Catechin, also well-known for its antioxidant properties, helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen, maintaining the skin’s structure and preventing the formation of wrinkles. Catechin also supports wound healing and reduces inflammation, making it an excellent ingredient for products aimed at skin repair and anti-ageing.

Ellagic acid, another potent antioxidant found in Emu Apple, offers significant anti-ageing benefits. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress, supports collagen production, and enhances skin elasticity, all of which contribute to a more youthful appearance. Ellagic acid also has skin-brightening effects, helping to reduce dark spots and improve overall skin tone.

Gallic acid, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties helps to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation, while also providing skin-brightening effects by inhibiting melanin production.

Davidson Plum

Davidson Plum (Davidsonia jerseyana), in the Bundjalung language of the Northern Rivers region in New South Wales, is called ooray and it is a native Australian fruit, that is quickly becoming a rising star in the world of skincare, thanks to its rich entourage of active ingredients. This unique fruit is not only a surprise for the taste buds (I recently tried some….tart!!) but also a powerhouse for skin health, offering a range of potential benefits that are as diverse as they are exciting.

The Davidson Plum is packed with a vibrant mix of phyto-compounds, including anthocyanins, quercetin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, flavonoid glycosides, organic acids, sugars, and amino acids. These compounds work together in a synergistic dance, each contributing its own unique properties while enhancing the effects of the others. This harmonious blend creates a potent formula that can support skin health in multiple ways.

One of the standout components in Davidson Plum is anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the primary contributors to premature ageing, as it leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. By neutralising free radicals, anthocyanins help to protect the skin from environmental damage, keeping it looking youthful and radiant.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, anthocyanin has also been shown to have a depigmentation effect, which could be beneficial for those looking to even out skin tone or reduce the appearance of dark spots. This makes Davidson Plum an exciting ingredient for formulations aimed at promoting a more luminous complexion.

Like Emu Apple, Davidson Plum also contains quercetin, and gallic and ellagic acid. Additionally, the flavonoid glycosides and organic acids found in this fruit contribute to its ability to support overall skin health. Flavonoid glycosides have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while organic acids help to exfoliate the skin, promoting a smoother, more refined texture.

Finally, the sugars and amino acids in Davidson Plum play a vital role in skin hydration and barrier function. These compounds help to lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft and supple, while also supporting the skin’s natural defence mechanisms against environmental stressors.

Stay tuned for another amazing Australian native botanical coming soon to one of our premium Black Label products that can only be found in our expert skin health clinics!

Image: Copyright Australian National Botanic Gardens (Photographer: Lamb, N.)