What to Know About Kakadu Plum, the Most Powerful Natural Source of Vitamin C
By now, we’re all aware that citruses like orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit contain vitamin C. Whether we ingest it to aid tissue repair and boost our immune system or we apply it topically to target anti-aging, vitamin C (aka L-ascorbic acid) is one powerful ingredient.
What many people don’t know, however, is that there’s a special non-citrus fruit that contains an exceptional amount of vitamin C per serving (and no, we’re not referring to blueberries). Experts even say it holds the most amount of vitamin C of any other natural source. Enter: the nutrient-packed Australian kakadu plum (or terminalia ferdinandiana). Kakadu plum powder (aka gubinge)—which can be found in supplements—is packed with a slew of antioxidants, including a polyphenol known as ellagic acid, along with folic acid and iron. The plum extract even acts as a natural meat preservative alternative. If you’ve been hesitant to try this powerful fruit extract, we’re about to sway you with this rundown of its health benefits, how to use it, and product information provided by our experts.
Meet the Expert
John Layke, MD, is board-certified plastic surgeon who co-founded Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group and BEVERLY HILLS MD skincare.
Natalie Hwang is the director and head of product development at KORA ORGANICS.
What Is Kakadu Plum?
If you feel like you’re missing something because you haven’t yet heard of kakadu plum, rest assured there’s a reason. It’s actually a rare dark superfood fruit indigenous to the northern territory of Australia that hasn’t gotten a ton of press in the states. But if you can get your hands on it in some capacity, you’re in luck—because its nutritional value is through the roof.
The aboriginal fruit “is known for having the highest concentration of vitamin C in the world,” says BEVERLY HILLS MD skincare founder John Layke, MD. “Its vitamin C content is about 100 times more than found in oranges. In addition to its vitamin C, the kakadu plum is an excellent source of copper, as it’s rich in iron, and is also a source of dietary fiber.”
What Are the Skin Benefits of Kakadu Plum?
1. Impacts Collagen Formation
The vitamin C component of the northern Australia fruit targets the skin’s collagen formation, which, according to Dr. Layke, then gives the complexion a brighter, smoother, and plumper appearance.
2. Protects Skin From Environmental Stressors
Once again thanks to the vitamin C aspect, kakadu plum offers protection from environmental stressors. According to KORA ORGANICS’ head of product development, Natalie Hwang, “Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals caused by pollution and UV rays, protecting the skin from oxidative stress that leads to premature aging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. This results in a brighter, more even complexion.”
3. Targets Signs of Aging
Thanks to the combination of vitamin C and copper, Dr. Layke says kakadu plum helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also improving skin tone.
Hwang agrees, saying inclusion of the rare fruit smooths and hydratesfor brighter, younger-looking skin.
4. Energizes Dull Skin
Another benefit of kakadu plum, by way of vitamin C, is reviving complexion. “It visibly boosts the skin's natural radiance and luminosity,” Hwang says.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
While vitamin C is generally well-received by all skin types, users should still apply with caution.
“Skincare products with kakadu plum and vitamin C can affect individuals with sensitive skin, as they may experience redness or a mild irritation,” explains Dr. Layke, whose own products are formulated for all skin types.
As a precautionary safety measure, he recommends doing a small patch test on the inner wrist or elbow first to make sure his products (or any products with powerful actives like vitamin C) are compatible with each unique skin chemistry.
How to Use Kakadu Plum for Your Skin?
After cleansing, Dr. Layke says kakadu plum products—which typically come in the form of serums—should be applied directly to the skin and massaged gently into the face, decolletage, and neck areas.
Whether you use his BEVERLY HILLS MD Plump + Glo Vitamin C Serum or a different serum with kakadu plum, it’s recommended to wait 30 to 60 seconds for the product to absorb into the skin before continuing with the remainder of your skincare routine.
“When used in unison with other ingredients, kakadu plum can result in visibly lighter spots, firmer skin, and softened fine lines,” says Hwang.
There’s some discrepancy over whether to apply kakadu plum products in the morning or both morning and evening. Bottom line: Read your labels. Every product on the market has different guidelines, so defer specifically to what you’re using. If you ever have doubts or concerns, speak to a dermatologist or aesthetician.
Best Skincare Products With Kakadu Plum
1. GROWN ALCHEMIST Age-Spot Corrector
Kakadu plum is excellent for lightening and brightening, so it makes sense that this sun-spot corrector is so effective. We love the additional inclusion of damask rose water, bilberry extract (a derivative of hyaluronic acid), and other plant-based, antioxidant-rich ingredients to help hydrate, strengthen, condition, and protect the skin. The end result? A smoother, firmer, brighter, and more even-toned complexion.
2. REN CLEAN SKINCARE Glow and Protect Serum
Bright and glowy skin in a matter of two weeks? Sign us up! A lightweight serum powered by antioxidant-rich superfruits and magnesium, this skincare superhero is effective without being aggressive.
3. GENERATION SKIN Brightening Kakadu Plum Eye Patches
Under eyes always need love, so what better way to deliver than with kakadu plum brightening patches? We find that these new, serum-infused products are easy to apply, thanks to an enclosed mini pop spatula that helps separate and lift. After 10 to 15 minutes of application (or TikTok filming), we’re left with noticeably more awake under eyes.
4. RED EARTH Brighten Concentrate Oil with Kakadu Plum
We’re suckers for a good face oil, and this new-to-IPSY brightening gem checks all the right boxes. We’re fans of the formula (a little goes a long way), along with the skin benefits. It wears beautifully over our current moisturizer of choice, the FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer.
5. BEVERLY HILLS MD Firm + Balance Mineral Mask
This mineral-rich clay mask, which boasts kakadu plum as a key ingredient, was launched by Dr. Layke with the intention to firm, tighten, and revitalize the skin’s appearance. The mask helps draw out topical impurities to give the skin a firmer, brighter, and more lifted look.
6. KORA ORGANICS Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum
This powerhouse best seller is packed with some of nature’s most potent skin-brightening organic acids. It’s also blended with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and enhance skin health, and acerola cherry to target dull skin. Just one to two pumps each morning can quickly lead to smoother, healthier-looking skin. And of course, this baby is Hwang-approved.
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