What Is Kakadu Plum? A Deep Dive Into Its Skincare Benefits

ICYDK, here at Sundae, we’re head over heels for two natural ingredients in particular – and you’ll find ‘em throwing shower parties in our Whipped Shower Foam cans! These are none other than Finger Lime, and, you guessed it, Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana). Also known as ‘gubinge’ or ‘billygoat plum’, Kakadu Plum is a small pale green fruit found in the Eucalypt open woodlands across Northern Australia, and we’ve bottled it up in every Sundae Shower Foam to help brighten skin complexion and protect against premature ageing (it’s also one of the richest sources of vitamin C – but more on that down below!) 

Now, we don’t play ingredient favorites… but this one has a special place in our hearts (and in the shower caddy). Ahead, discover the health and skincare benefits of our bestie, Kakadu Plum.

Health Benefits of Kakadu Plum

Skincare aside, Kakadu Plum has been used by Indigenous people for generations – eaten to treat headaches, cold and flu, and even used topically as an antiseptic. Recent research from the University of Queensland confirmed the antioxidant properties in the ingredient, but noted that before the food industry can use it, they need concrete scientific data to confirm exactly what the fruit contains and what it does. (Side note – it also has a tart, bitter taste!)

Beyond its well-studied high vitamin C content, the fruit also has polyphenolic compounds. Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that give them antioxidant properties to prevent or delay cell damage. (Think of them as little superheroes in plant foods that fight off harmful molecules and help keep our bodies healthy.) So, there may be a way to go before we see Kakadu Plum fruit or powder on supermarket shelves, but it sure sounds promising!) Yay for science!

Skincare Benefits of Kakadu Plum

Now, for the part you’ve all been waiting for. Keep scrollin' on by to discover the skincare benefits of Kakadu Plum.

Vitamin C Superhero

With super high levels of vitamin C – up to 100 times more than oranges – Kakadu Plum brightens skin and rejuvenates dullness. Beyond all that excellent stuff, it has an abundance of antioxidants, possessing 5x the amount of antioxidants as a blueberry! This high level of antioxidants shields the skin from environmental damage, such as sun exposure and pollution, while helping to stimulate collagen synthesis, a process crucial for maintaining skin elasticity (because without vitamin C, the body can’t produce collagen!).

Skin-Calming Properties

Aside from being rich in Vitamin E, a known skin-calming ingredient that helps to calm redness and irritation, Kakadu Plum contains a liiittle something extra. Heard of ellagic acid? Kakadu Plum is full of it! It’s a potent polyphenol that is blessed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and prebiotic properties, is known for being a super strong antioxidant, and is also found in strawberries, boysenberries, walnuts and almonds. It's potent antioxidants like ellagic acid that help neutralise free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing, but more on that below.

Protects Against Premature Ageing

Kakadu Plum is considered an anti-ageing ingredient in skincare due to its impressively high concentration of Vitamin C and its rich antioxidant profile. (We mean, what can’t this superstar do?!) This combination makes it highly effective in addressing signs of ageing skin. See, the vitamin C in Kakadu Plum plays a key role in stimulating collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Kakadu Plum also contributes to a brighter and more even skin tone by suppressing melanin synthesis, promoting a youthful, radiant complexion. And, while it is NOT a substitute for sunscreen – you should be using that every day and reapplying as often as the label suggests – its antioxidants offer some degree of protection against UV damage, helping to prevent premature ageing). Love that!

Fallen in love with Kakadu Plum yet? Just you wait until our Whipped Shower Foams meet your skin. Discover the deliciousness of Kakadu Plum in our Whipped Shower Foams (this excludes our Exfoliating Foams (Green Tea and Berry), which we’ve packed with AHA!).

Happy Sundae x

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin