When we started our Thirsty Turtl journey we spent hours and hours researching native Australian plants and their compounds. We read as many research reports as we could get our eyes on and gathered anecdotal evidence about the long history of First Nations nutritional and medicinal use of various plants.
Very quickly the focus turned to desert fruits. There seemed to be so much scientific and traditional evidence behind these small, phenolic-packed, colourful fruits able to thrive in the harsh Australian desert conditions, providing sustenance during dry periods and numerous other benefits.
We’d seen the traditional fruits used in skincare – like Kakadu Plum and Quandong but were on the lookout for something new and exciting, with multiple phenolic compounds in the one extract to benefit skin. We wanted it all – moisturising, skin soothing, skin brightening, depigmentation and protection from premature aging. All for sensitive skin. And most importantly – a fruit that could be sustainably harvested by Indigenous groups to support local communities and ensure quality, consistent supply.
And we found it with the new skin-friendly Desert Tomato (A.K.A the Bush Tomato, Desert Raisin or Kutjera)!
Here are five reasons we love Desert Tomato for our own skin and yours.
- The extract is packed with different phenolic acids like Chicoric Acid and 3,5-DA (dicaffeoylquinic acid) that provide a multitude of benefits all the way from reducing inflammation to reducing UV-induced aging from their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
- The Desert Tomato shows a strong concentration of Cernumidine, an alkaloid shown to be antigenotoxic through its antioxidant action – which protects the skin against oxidative damage and premature aging.
- There are loads of amino acids in this extract - the building blocks or proteins and peptides and are excellent for skin conditioning and improving barrier function, which aids in moisturising the skin and reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- The extract contains the elusive alkaloid Feruloyltyramine - rarely seen in plant extracts - that displays strong antioxidant action leading to depigmentation and skin brightening
- It was harvested sustainably from the Australian desert by an Indigenous supplier. That makes us feel good about using Desert Glow everyday – and consistency is the key to healthy-looking skin!