Australia's Most Powerful Superfruit
At Thirteen Degrees South, every formulation decision is intentional. When it comes to our hero ingredient, the choice was clear: Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana). This remarkable native Australian botanical sits at the heart of our skincare philosophy — and for good reason.
Rooted in Country: Supporting Aboriginal Communities
Approximately 95% of Kakadu Plums grow on Aboriginal land across northern Australia. For us, sourcing this ingredient is not simply a formulation choice — it is a commitment to ethical, community-centred commerce.
By partnering with Aboriginal-led enterprises and supporting sustainable wild-harvesting practices, we help create meaningful economic opportunity in remote communities where employment options are often limited. Every product you purchase contributes directly to this ecosystem — sustaining livelihoods, preserving cultural knowledge, and honouring the deep connection between Country and its custodians.
This is what we mean when we say our skincare is rooted in purpose.
The Science: Kakadu Plum and Your Skin
Beyond its cultural significance, Kakadu Plum is one of the most nutrient-dense botanicals on the planet. Its bioactive profile is extraordinary — and modern extraction science allows us to harness its full potential at a cellular level.
Unrivalled Vitamin C Concentration
Kakadu Plum contains the highest recorded natural concentration of Vitamin C of any food source on Earth — up to 100 times more than an orange. As L-ascorbic acid, this Vitamin C is a clinically validated antioxidant that:
- Neutralises free radicals that accelerate skin ageing
- Inhibits melanin synthesis to reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
- Stimulates collagen biosynthesis for improved skin firmness and elasticity
- Supports the skin's natural barrier repair mechanisms
Ellagic Acid
A potent polyphenol, ellagic acid delivers powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It helps suppress UV-induced pigmentation, calm reactive skin, and protect against environmental oxidative stress — making it particularly effective for sensitive and compromised skin types.
Gallic Acid
Gallic acid contributes antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to regulate sebum production and reduce the conditions that contribute to congestion and breakouts. It also supports skin tone evenness and overall luminosity.
Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds
The broader phenolic profile of Kakadu Plum — including quercetin and other flavonoids — provides synergistic antioxidant protection, reinforcing the skin's defences against photoageing and environmental damage at a cellular level.
Cellular Extraction: Unlocking Bioavailability
The potency of an ingredient is only as effective as its delivery. At Thirteen Degrees South, we use advanced cellular extraction technology to preserve the full spectrum of Kakadu Plum's bioactive compounds — ensuring they remain stable, concentrated, and bioavailable when they reach your skin.
Traditional processing methods can degrade heat-sensitive compounds like Vitamin C. Our extraction process is designed to protect molecular integrity, so the actives in your formulation perform exactly as the science intends.
A Hero Ingredient for a Reason
Kakadu Plum is not a trend. It is a scientifically validated, ethically sourced, and culturally significant ingredient that embodies everything Thirteen Degrees South stands for: premium performance, purposeful sourcing, and deep respect for the land and people of Australia.
When you choose our skincare, you are choosing a product that works — and one that gives back.
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