Meet The Australian Superfood That Helps Prevent Wrinkles and Dark Spots + 8 Products You’ll Love

Step aside, superfoods of the past: Kakadu plum is here to blow everything else out of the water. Trust us, your skin will love it.

What is Kakadu plum?

Kakadu plum, or Terminalia ferdinandiana, is a flowering plant that grows in an open woodland region of Northern Australia. Aboriginal Australians have been eating Kakadu plums for around 40,000 years, and it has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments in traditional medicine.

However, Kakadu plum can be tricky to access. “Due to the location of Kakadu plum, it’s difficult for everyone to get their hands on it,” says Harold Lancer, M.D., celebrity dermatologist, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and founder of Lancer Skincare who includes Kakadu plum in his own formulations. “Its native region is rather remote, and they are only harvested about 3-4 months out of the year.”

How Does Kakadu Plum Improve Your Skin?

In the beauty realm, Kakadu plum is appreciated for its many skincare perks, especially its seemingly otherworldly levels of antioxidants, including ellagic acid and vitamin C. “It is rich in vitamin C, with some reports suggesting 55 times more vitamin C than an orange,” says Marisa Garshik, M.D., a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. “As an antioxidant, it helps to protect the skin against free radical damage, so it can help to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and more. It can also work to brighten the skin.”

Kakadu plums also boast natural antibacterial capabilities. These properties are mainly studied as a potential ingredient in keeping food fresh, but some experts believe they could also benefit the skin. Throw in anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating properties, and we’ve got ourselves an incredible cocktail of perks for an unprecedented flawless complexion. 

The fruit has surfaced in everything from cleansers to serums to moisturizers. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $46

In this serum, Kakadu is joined by two other antioxidant-rich plums, Illawarra and Burdekin, to moisturize and plump the skin. Vegan collagen and silk proteins in the formula up the ante even further.

2. Revolution Skincare Kakadu Plum Essence Spray, $5.60

This vegan, cruelty-free facial mist squeezes notable benefits into a single spritz. Kakadu plum and fruit extract deliver instant hydration both morning and night. Store it cold if you want an extra refresh.

3. Kakadu Evening Beauty Elixir, $42

Clean beauty powerhouse RMS Beauty calls their Kakadu serum “beauty sleep in a bottle,” and it’s easy to see why. The blend of Kakadu and adaptogenic herbs blend with vitamin C for a powerful overnight skin boost. You’ll wake up feeling brighter and glowier.

4. Lancer Active Rejuvenation Serum, $150

Lancer’s anti-aging serum taps into the power of Kakadu to provide daily hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines. “It’s an everyday serum with high-quality ingredients containing a complex blend of amino acids to help revitalize the skin while providing all-day hydration,” says Dr. Lancer.

5. Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask, $40

This 10-minute mask combines Kakadu with Australian pink clay, aloe vera, and organic licorice to tighten your pores, even your skin tone, and create luminosity. The handy applicator brush makes the application a cinch. 

6. StriVectin Peptight Tightening & Brightening Face Serum, $99

StiVectin’s coveted serum taps into Kakadu plum extract alongside hexapeptides and brighteners. You can expect improved elasticity, reduced skin sagging, reduced hyperpigmentation, and a boost in brightness.

7. Follain Eye Cream: Firm + Brighten, $36

Perk up those windows to the soul with this eye cream’s formula of coveted ingredients. A combination of Kakadu plum, caffeine, arginine, moringa oil tighten the skin around the eyes will removing puffiness. Peptides and Bakuchiol (a plant-derived retinol alternative) aim to reduce the appearance of fine lines, while rosehip oil helps re-energize the skin.

8. Dr Roebuck's Daintree AHA Brightening Mask, $14

This refreshing mask puts Kakadu plum to work alongside another Australian ingredient, caviar lime, to brighten skin and lift dead skin cells. AHA and sunflower seed oil help amp up the suppleness and strengthen your skin barrier. This illuminating mask also helps increase your skin’s natural cell turnover for a more vibrant, compliment-worthy look.