Some of the most popular products on the market that lighten
us, tighten us, lift saggy parts and protect us from the elements are
made with ingredients from African plants and trees. Beauty and cosmetic brands
and retailers such as Clarins, Jergens, Lush and Ulta, boast ingredients
from Africa, so you’ve probably used more of them than you realize. Here are
some beauty ingredients from Africa that you didn’t know you use.
1. Baobab
(Madagascar, South Africa)
Baobab
oil is very lightweight so it’s ideal in moisturizers for those with oily skin,
or hair products for those with greasy hair. Baobab oil also contains vitamin
A, vitamin E, and several fatty acids that can treat psoriasis, eczema and
severely dry skin. Find it in face masks, body creams and face lotions.
2. Kalahari
melon (South Africa)
Kalahari
is the name of a desert, and the oil that comes from a watermelon seed. South
Africans have used the oil for ages to protect against the sun, and now you see
it more in after sun-protection products. Kalahari melon contains linoleic,
oleic and palmitic essential fatty acids that help the skin retain moisture. Find
it in body oil, hair oil, and face oil.
3. Marula
(Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe)
Marula
is a fruit that grows in Africa that’s showing up more and more in alcoholic
beverages, desserts and skin care products. The oil from the fruit’s seed
kernels is 75-percent oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that has several health
effects but also helps trap moisture in the skin. You’ll find it in skin-care
products for those with oily to normal skin.
4. Mafura
(Mozambique)
Several
parts of the mafura tree are used in beauty products. Some parts are used to
produce oil and others, butter. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties,
making it great for puffy or red skin. The butter has tons of essential fatty
acids. You’ll find it often in skin moisturizers and hair conditioners.
5. Mongongo
(Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
The
mongongo tree provides anti-aging oil that is rich in vitamin E. Mongongo has a
type of acid that locks moisture into hair and it contains zinc, a natural
skin-care ingredient. You’ll find mongongo in moisturizers, pre-sun skin care,
lip balms, shampoos and conditioners.
6. Argan
(Morocco)
Argan
oil comes from the fruit of the Moroccan argan. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E
and fatty acids, making it a great moisturizer. It’s also loaded with
anti-oxidants, making it ideal for anti-aging. You’ll find it in hair
conditioner, lotion, hair styling products and acne products.
7. Moringa
Moringa
oil comes from the Moringa tree, otherwise known as the “miracle tree.”
The oil has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for fighting skin
damage, Vitamin C which fights wrinkles and lines, and a special hormone
that promotes skin cell growth. You’ll find it in lotions, balms and body
scrubs.
8. Rooibos
(South Africa)
Rooibos
tea has been a part of South African medicine for ages. With alpha hydroxyl
acid and zinc, it is great for treating sunburn, acne, eczema and other types
of skin damage. You’ll find it in moisturizers and facial toners.
9. Katafray
(Madagascar)
The
katafray tree is found in Madagascar. An extract from the tree’s bark helps
skin naturally hydrate itself, and retain moisture. Clarins recently had an
extract developed just for the company to put in its Double Serum.
10. Prickly
pear oil (Morocco)
Prickly
pear oil from Morocco contains antioxidants that promote glowing skin. It has
fatty acids and protein for shiny hair, and Vitamin E which serves as a
conditioner. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and can reduce the appearance of
blemishes. You’ll find it in hair treatment oil, skin oil and soap.
11. Yangu
(Kenya)
The
Maasai people of Kenya use yangu oil on their skin, and are known for having
few wrinkles. The oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids and can
offer UV protection against the sun. You can buy it at Ulta, according to the
website.
12. Shea
butter (sub-Saharan Africa)
The
shea tree grows throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The butter comes from the seeds
of the fruit. Shea butter has fatty acids, several compounds that reduce
inflammation and acids that prevent wrinkles, making it a great moisturizer.
You’ll find it in body lotions, body scrubs, hair masks and face lotions.
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