JenniferEight years ago, Liz first discovered Kigelia africana, and its distinctive fruits at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden in Mauritius. Following much research into this ingredient, this spring Liz and I travelled to Malawi, southern Africa to participate in the harvest of kigelia fruits – one of the key ingredients in our new Superskin Bust Treatment (UK & IE).
Kigelia, renowned for its skin-tightening properties, has been blended in our Superskin Bust Treatment with mangosteen, quince, white lupin and chlorella extracts in a potent synergy of botanicals, each with properties to help improve skin elasticity, firmness and tone.
The fruits are collected from the wild by trained harvesters, then grated and dried in Malawi before being sent to the UK where the extract is made. Through a benefit sharing scheme, the whole community, not just the collectors, receives income from the harvest. This recognises that the trees belong to the community, and it gives them an incredibly valuable income, which is used to benefit everyone rather than individuals.
Following this ingredient from Liz’s initial discovery, through all of the research and development stages until you complete the circle and see the beautiful bottles on the shelf is fascinating and incredibly rewarding. As is knowing that our involvement with kigelia is helping to educate children in these rural communities in Malawi. Discover more about kigelia and the impact its harvest has on the people and forests of Malawi in this exclusive video diary of our expedition.