South African warthogs love it. Sub-Saharan African rhinos love it. Sub-equatorial baboons have been known to get intoxicated on it. And quite a few other South African animals are turned on by it.
Murala is how elephants keep their looks and keep the free radicals at bay.
Have you ever wondered why vervet monkeys never suffer from split ends? And how do elephants maintain such young-looking, healthy, hydrated skin? How do they protect themselves against acne, UV damage, and other environmental aggressors?
It’s their diet. Not knowing about its proven microbial properties and that it provides ultra-effective after-sun care for sensitive skin types and caring more about its nutritious proteins, elephants eat prodigious quantities of marula. And humans are now utilizing the multi-benefit superfruit in a variety of healthy-giving, cosmetic ways.
Companies like “Africology!” use marula oil which is anti-microbial and non-comedogenic, keeping the skin hydrated by preventing trans-epidermal water loss.
“Africology” all-natural products are available in twelve countries worldwide. The company was founded by Reiki healer and former “metaphysical counselor”, Renchia Droganis.
“Africology” also uses the African potato (rich in sterols and sterolins helpful in the treatment of acne, eczema, and psoriasis), “rooibos” (red bush which contains alpha-hydroxy acid, a compound beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, and is also rich in iron, potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, zinc and sodium. Native to southern Africa, aloe Ferox leaves are used for sensitive complexions. African tribeswomen have been using the flora surrounding them for centuries for skincare.
The Swaziland Queen Mother also has her own job creation and poverty alleviation projects. She even has her own cosmetics label, “Swazi Secrets”, which produces not only cold-pressed, wild-harvest marula soaps, potions, and lotions but also Ximena ( sour plum) and trichilia (Cape mahogany) skincare and spa products.
High in antioxidants, vitamin E rich, and having four times more vitamin C than an orange, marula is sacred. “African Botanics” make Marula Stretchmark Body Oil.
Grounded in ancestral knowledge and abundance, A-Beauty is buzzy. “At Epara we believe luxury is not about ostentatiousness or glamour, “ says founder Ozoh Adio who went to Oxford University and worked in finance, strategy, and business development.
“It’s a precious quality of handcrafted products with a true spirit of authenticity. Our customers deserve skincare that treats them to the finest in natural luxury.” Ingredients include plankton extract, Kenyan moringa oil, Moroccan argan, Madagascan, ylang-ylang, Ghanaian shea butter, and Egyptian neroli.
Epara means “to cocoon oneself” in the Nigerian dialect of Ebira. It is a collection of handcrafted skincare products tailored to the underserved needs of women of color. One woman’s quest to discover luxury skincare that caters to the unique issues affecting women of color led to a bespoke beauty brand created especially to nourish and protect.
Ozohu Adoh uses advanced scientific formulations to harness the healing, antioxidant, and nurturing properties of African botanicals with a particular focus on hyperpigmentation and hydration.
Epara is a line of high-quality, scientifically-proven products derived from the rich soils of Africa that will wrap you in an all-natural luxury. Epara repairs and pampers, leaving skin moisturized and hydrated.
“Mallee” was founded by Zeze Orialkhi and was the name of her great grandmother. Malle is a term of endearment for a gracious wise woman.
“Our hero ingredient is an organic green Rooibos extract because it offers powerful antioxidant protection and soothing properties,” says Sarah Hetherington, co-founder of the “African Extracts” brand with her husband, Cape Town-based skin-care manufacturer Rob Tiffin. Their products utilize the anti-oxidant benefits of the plant which grows naturally in the Cederberg mountain of South Africa’s Western Cape.
Founder of R and R Luxury, Valerie Obaze comments: “Most of our product formulations are modern versions of ancient African skincare secrets We use all-natural plant-powered ingredients that are great for the skin and, because of the power of the ingredients, our formulations feature one to five ingredients maximum.
“Whilst sharing Africa’s beauty secrets we must be sustainable and responsible, sowing back into African soil and African people what we are taking out.” The company is involved in empowerment initiatives. One of its products is baobab repair oil.
Emilia Ramos, CEO, and Founder of Agrestal Beauty is similar. “Each ingredient is uniquely sourced from the motherland, offering pure and organic plant-based products that nourish and soothe the skin”.
Agrestal means “in an unprocessed and raw state to grow wild in cultivated fields.” Products include a Turmeric Clay Mask, Rose Hydrating Oil, or Willow Bark Cleanser.
“We have a rich bio-environment,” explains Nomshado Baca, founder of A Complexion Company which makes an eco-luxury single source wellness super powder inspired by medicines used by Kalahari tribes. “There are many efficacious ingredients which are cultivated using native farming practices, while others are sourced through careful wild harvesting by the local population.”
Charis Udeh, founder of Kyalli Skin. “The most beautiful part of A-beauty is the bond when beauty formulas are created, and rituals are exercised,” she says. “It is similar to the bond and togetherness shared amongst families at a dinner table in the Western culture; think an Italian family feast. The love and camaraderie are so tangible.”
Meaning “luminous” in the sub-Saharan Hausa language, products use another allegedly-miraculous plant, yakuwa. Kyalli Skin’s portfolio includes a Good To Glow whipped body souffle.
Joyce Awojoodu is the founder and CEO of ORIKI, Nigeria’s first skincare brand. Oriki means “inspiration” or “your crown”. in the Yoruba language.
Concludes Udeh. “These ingredients have been used by people on the continent for centuries and the results remain unchanged and unchallenged, which is a testament of the purity and efficacy of the ingredients.”
Africans have been seeking even skin tone, targeting their imperfections and ways to reduce hyper-pigmentation for centuries. Humans and elephants included.