Green Rooibos

Green rooibos is the natural unfermented form of an ancient tea from the Southern tip of Africa. This targeted extract tightens and soothes the skin while the potent mix of anti-oxidants provides relief from inflammation and has a positive impact on problem skin. The extract also adds smoothness and brilliance to hair.

Rooibos (red bush) is a shrub which is indigenous to the Western and North Western Cape province of South Africa in the Cederberg Mountain range. It is a member of the legume family, Fabaceae, and is highly drought resistant due to its deep tap roots. The Rooibos plant is a green shrub that grows between 1.5 and 2 metres high, with fine needle-like leaves. The plant is now cultivated in tea farms and has become popular as a hot beverage or tea all over the world. It is known as the Tea of Long Life or Youth tea in parts of Asia.

From the point of view of the cosmetic formulator the most important characteristics of Rooibos are related to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This means it is the ideal choice for an active anti-ageing ingredient as it has been thoroughly researched as an active free-radical scavenger. It is anti-mutagenic and is useful as an ingredient for cosmetic preparations targeting acneic skin. It is gentle and healing and has been used for the manufacture of baby creams and the treatment of baby rashes.

Full INCI: Aspalathus linearis leaf extract, propanediol, water

N.B. We also provide a Hydro-Glycerine extract version of this ingredient which does not contain propanediol. More info can be found here