LOCAL IS BEAUTIFUL

By Mpho Masenya

Natural African ingredients are all the rage in the beauty scene right now, and for good reason!

Africa offers a bounty of naturally nourishing and restoring skin and hair care ingredients, with a wide range of oils, butters, and herbs to choose from. Ingredients from the Motherland have become increasingly sought-after as consumers are favouring pure, local and naturally-sourced solutions that cater to a range of different hair and skin types. Here are some of our favourite local beauty ingredients…

OILS

Mongongo Oil

This nutty oil from Namibia is also rich in fatty acids, as well as vitamin E. The hydrating wonder ingredient can assist in defending the skin against toxins (thanks to its antioxidant properties) and preventing and treating acne by unclogging pores. It also promotes skin renewal and new hair growth. It’s a great base note for soaps, lotions and perfumes, with a light texture and rich moisture content plus powerful amino acids.

Baobab Oil

Cold-pressed from the seeds of the ‘tree of life’, this rich oil can be used in hair and skin care as well as in cooking. It’s rich in omega 3 fatty acids palmitic, oleic, linolenic and linoleic. It softens and moisturises the skin, encouraging elasticity and healing. As it is protein-packed, it’s an ideal leave-in conditioner for brittle hair. The baobab fruit is also high in vitamins B and C plus a variety of minerals.

Ximenia Oil

A hidden Southern African gem, this oil targets dry skin prone to wrinkles, and helps to stimulate sebaceous tissues. High in unsaturated fatty acids, it’s great for those wanting softer, more elastic skin. It also contains ximenyic acid, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Moroccan Argan Oil

Used throughout the beauty industry, this showstopper is a great moisturiser that’s also known for regulating sebum, reducing wrinkles, and supporting hair growth and conditioning.

Rosehip Oil

This popular South African oil is a natural source of vitamin C and an effective antioxidant that’s said to help boost collagen. Loaded with vitamin A, it renews skins cells and can assist in the treatment of scars and hyperpigmentation.

HERBS

Rooibos

Everybody’s South African favourite, rooibos is being used in more and more beauty solutions across the globe. It contains alpha hydroxy acids and superoxide dismutase to support healthy ageing, as well as important minerals such as the healing and hair-growing zinc.

Buchu

This fragrant local herb acts as an antiinflammatory, and is both taken orally and applied topically. It reduces skin blemishes and soothes hair follicles for re-growth. As an antibacterial agent, it is also used in deodorants and shampoos that remove the dandruff-causing fungus.

Aloe Vera

This multi-beneficial gel is a well-loved base ingredient for many products. It is non-greasy, with an abundance of antioxidants, minerals, enzymes and vitamins. It’s great for healthy ageing and acne prevention (with natural salicylic acid), as well as for treating scalp itching (thanks to its proteolytic enzymes).

BUTTERS

Shea Butter

From Ghana and Uganda with love, shea butter has, in recent years, become a mainstream ingredient in cosmetics, in either its raw or whipped form. Bursting with vitamins E and A, it supports cell renewal and moisture retention, while boasting antioxidant and healing qualities. Pure shea butter contains a unique compound - cinnamic acid – which acts as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal to restore inflamed skin.

Mafura Butter

This nourishing Southern African butter is known for its anti-microbial and antiinflammatory properties. It offers superb moisturising benefits, is quickly absorbed by the skin, contributes towards elasticity and a youthful glow, and repairs hair when used as a conditioner.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mpho Masenya is a passionate writer, communicator and advocate for basic nutrition education.