Rooibos in Skincare

Rooibos, Aspalathus linearis, grows commercially in only one place on earth: the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. In 2021 it became the first African product granted Protected Designation of Origin status in the European Union, which means that only rooibos grown in that region may legally be sold as rooibos there.

Why rooibos matters as a skincare ingredient

Rooibos is caffeine-free and low in tannins, but its real interest is its antioxidant profile. It contains aspalathin, a rare dihydrochalcone antioxidant found in no other known plant, along with nothofagin, quercetin and rutin. Antioxidants matter in skincare because free-radical damage from UV exposure and pollution is one of the three main drivers of visible skin ageing, alongside lost hydration and slowing cell renewal.

In formulation, rooibos extract is used for that antioxidant contribution and for its soothing character on skin that flushes or reacts easily.

Why a local ingredient is not just a story

Rooibos is one of three botanicals that give Africology a formulating position no international brand can copy, alongside aloe ferox and cape snow bush. All three are indigenous, all three have a long record of traditional use in South Africa, and all three are sourced close to where the products are made.

Where to find the antioxidant step in the range

Rooibos appears as an antioxidant botanical across the Africology facial range. If you are looking for the antioxidant step in a routine specifically, that is the Anti-Oxidant Serum and the Anti-Oxidant Masque, both in the anti-ageing collection. For how to choose between them and the other serums, see which Africology serum do I need.

Read more about the botanicals Africology formulates with.