Almond Oil

Almond oil (Prunus amygdalis) is a emollient oil that is rich in the glycerides of oleic and other fatty acids. It imparts moisturizing properties to the creams and lotions in which it is used and makes a preferable natural alternative to synthetic paraffinum or petrolatum derivatives

Aloe Ferox

The gel from the Aloe Ferox plant is derived from the pulpy cortex of its thick leaves. It contains a wide profile of nutritional substances including vitamins and minerals which are absorbed by the skin during anti-aging therapy. The gel has been used as a traditional healing medicine for the skin for centuries. It is anti-inflammatory and has been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis in the skin. 

Avocado Butter

Avocado Butter (Persea americana) is a highly emollient wax that is derived from the avocado nut. It is excellent hydrating properties and also contributes to the silky richness of the Karaeka Olive products. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil (Persea americana) is harvested from the Low Veld regions of South Africa. It makes an excellent natural base oil for use in cosmeceuticals and armoatherpy products and has very good moisturizing activity. 

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an extraordinary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that is highly concentrated in the cell's microscopic powerhouses, the mitochondria. It has high antioxidant activity in the cellular membranes where it protects against peroxidation of lipid membranes which is associated with aging. This coenzyme's natural concentrations in the the cell decrease as we age and needs to be reconstituted. It is particularly depleted by the action of ultraviolet light and the Revitalising Night Cream which is high in Coenzyme Q10 is an important product to use in the summer months.

Cape Kelp

Southern Ocean Kelp (Ecklonia maxima) grows in the cold, clean Benguela current. It is packed with a nutritional profile that includes vitamins, amino acids, trace elements, anti-aging antioxidants and natural healing agents. After harvesting, the kelp cell walls are disrupted by sonic energy rather than heat so as to preserve the goodness within the cells. The kelp mucilage has healing and soothing qualities while providing skin nutrition.

Collagen

Collagen is a vital element in skin physiology and structure. It provides connectivity within the skin and is responsible for maintaining the elasticity of the skin. It also helps to impart a luxurious feel when used in products that are applied to the skin.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) has achieved notable success in the treatment of atopic eczema. It is high in the polyunsaturated γ-linoleic acid (or GLA). The oil is also useful for soothing purposes as an anti-pruritic (anti-itch) and anti-inflammatory of the skin.

Ginger Root Extract

Ginger root extract (Zingiber officinale) is a centuries-old traditional remedy that has natural antioxidant activity and moisturising properties. 

Grapeseed Oil and Extract

The Grape (Vitis vinifera) is very rich in oligomeric proanthocyanadins (OPC's) and other antioxidants. Karapeka Olive uses oil and extract that are derived from the crushed seed. OPC's are very active in inhibiting the enzyme collagenase and are considered to be venotonics, assisting in improved circulation in the skin. OPC's work hard to keep the skin smooth by protecting collagen.

Green Rooibos

Green Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) is the unfermented and hence more potent form of the plant. It has legendary healing properties amongst traditional users in Southern Africa and its antioxidant activity is due to the presence of phenolic fractions such as flavanoids in the plant, of which aspalathin is the most abundent. An extract is used to gain the highest concentrations of antioxidants possible.

Honeybush Tea

Honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) is a tea with a beautiful yellow flower that grows exclusively in the Southern Cape region of South Africa. Like Rooibos, it is a favoured beverage for its healing properties. It has high antioxidant activity due to the polyphenols including isoflavones and coumestans that abound in its leaves.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid, or more specifically, d-lactic acid, has superior moisturizing and humeectant activity in the skin and is considered to be the human body's own Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Lactic acid is also an excellent antimicrobial and antifungal agent and has an important place in setting the right physiological pH for the creams in which it is used.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil (Lavendula augustifolia) is an oil known to the ancients which has a wide spectrum of healing and antiseptic activity. It is particularly useful as an adjunct in the management of problem skin. It has additional aromatherapy properties that make it useful for people experiencing stress.

Mango Butter

Mango Butter (Mangifera indica) is derived from the mango nut. This exotic African butter has high emollient properties and confers slip and texture to the creams in which it is used.

Olive Oil

Olive oil (Olea europaea) is one of Nature's special gifts to the skin. Not only is it a superlative skin softener and moisturiser, but it also possesses outstanding anti-oxidant properties as well. As such, it is well suited for it's role in Wild Olive's Anti-Ageing treatments. It is also applied as an anti-inflammatory and as a skin tonic. Only the finest Extra-Virgin oils are used in Wild Olive products.

d-Panthenol

d-Panthenol is otherwise known as Vitamin B5. It is especially important for the health of the skin, hair and nails and is used to promote skin healing and for minor skin disorders. It plays an important role in the synthesis of fatty acids.

Patchouli Oil

Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin) has amongst its many properties anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antitoxic activity. As an ingredient it is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, making it an excellent choice sensitive skin types.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter is a natural alternative to petroleum jelly and is derived from the nuts of the Shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii). It confers excellent emollience and elasticity on the skin with its high concentrations of non-saponifiable fatty acids. It has intrinsic antioxidant activity and plays an important role in emulsion stability.

Sodium Lactate

Sodium lactate has superior moisturizing and humectant (or water-holding) activity in the skin. It is also an excellent antimicrobial and antifungal agent and has an important place in setting the right physiological pH for the creams in which it is used.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E (or alpha tocopherol) is a thick, treacle-like substance that has high antioxidant activity. It has antioxidant activity and is recognized for its cell membrane-stabilizing effects. It is a chain-breaking antioxidant that prevents the generation of free radicals and displays its activity in lipid-rich areas such as the cell membrane. It is also known as alpha tocopherol.