Baobab Beauty: The African Miracle Multi-tasker

Baobab extracts from the African tree with the same name are found in many skincare products, from Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Collection, to makeup products at The Body Shop, to Shea Terra Organics’ long list of lines. Baobab comes from what many refer to as the Tree of Life, partially because of its ability to hold water. According to research from the U.S. government unit, the National Research Council, Africa has many fruits that aren’t being fully used that could help fight malnutrition and improve environmental stability, including: baobab, aizen,balanites, butterfruit, ebony, marula and tamarind. The research comes with oversight from the Panel On African Fruits & Vegetables, which features professionals in the U.S., Australia and Mexico. According to the study, baobab is safe to eat and use on the skin. It is packed with protein, vitamins and minerals, and the trunk of the tree can store water. Both the fruit and the leaves can be eaten. According to PhytoTrade Africa, it could also enter the edible wellness sector in spaces such as smoothies and pulpy fruit bars.

The Paris-based SheerinO’Kho brand offers one luxurious product with a baobab and jojoba base, complemented by moringa, Indian senna, and essential oils such as rose, Uptown/Downtown Summertime. All SheerinO’Kho products are free of parabens, artificial colors or fragrances. Packaged in a glass, Uptown/Downtown Summertime is a creamy, fast-absorbing solution that could be used a summer moisturizer or as a thick serum before a thin sunscreen or daily winter moisturizer. It has a faint smell from the essential oils that makes it perfectly feminine.

Another luxe product with baobob is from London-based facialist Sarah Chapman. After about three years or research and development, she launched her skincare collection, Skinesis. The collection includes an amazing, oil-based night treatment called Overnight Facial. The rich paraben-free blend features vitamins, peptides, omega oils and essential oils that help restore moisture and a natural glow. Between the two products, skin is restored to a natural glow, with one bonus: beautiful bottles that adorn one’s night table.

Where:
The SheerinO’Kho Uptown/Downtown Summertime is $108 and the Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial is $89. Both are available at the SPACE.NK website and the New York store in SoHo. For more information on the brands or to see other products, visit the Space.NK website..