African Botanics
Products that convey the rich diversity of the African landscape.
Founded by South African couple, Craig and Julia Noik, in 2012, African Botanics was founded as a creative outlet to preserve and promote Africa’s biodiversity by harnessing the properties of indigenous plants and traditional knowledge through beauty and skincare. Each product is made from start to finish in South Africa, embodying the love and passion that the founders have for their country and its biodiversity.
This biodiversity can be found within South Africa’s eight terrestrial biomes, which is home to 10% of the world’s flowering species. Hand-harvested, unrefined, certified organic and fair trade, and obtained through a cold-press process using green technology to capture its nutrients, Marula Oil is Africa’s beauty secret: it is the heart and soul to every African Botanics’ products. These products convey the rich diversity of the African landscape and flora through its signature, bespoke creations, unique plant-based ingredients, luxury textures, and rare raw materials that embody the African spirit.
Tell us more about the benefits of Marula Oil.
Marula Oil is a highly anti-inflammatory plant oil, known for its high antioxidant content and superior stability. It has a serum-like silky texture and is suitable for all skin types including very sensitive skin. Marula Oil contains tocopherols, tocotrienols, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols, which all help protect cells and repair free radical damage.
Omega 9 and Omega 6 in Marula Oil protect skin from transepidermal water loss. Marula Oil is one of our favorite oils for its ability to calm, revive and regenerate dull and tired skin.
You recently launched new products. What are their benefits?
This year has been very busy for us with our new launches as we tapped into a new age-defying category, on a very luxury and scientific level.
The following products utilize the latest in green technologies including marine biotechnology, which are all derived from natural botanicals with advanced plant peptides: Infinite Resurfacing Mask and Rose Treatment Essence followed by Nutritive Molecule Serum.
These incorporate a superior complex of antioxidants and advanced biotechnology to supplement and protect skin against the main types of free radicals: oxygen, carbon and nitrogen, whilst improving skin’s texture, brightening and providing a strong protective barrier against pollution and cellular damage. It infuses the skin with 3 types of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Tannic Acid, Niacinamide, Superoxide Dismutase, Resveratrol, Green Coffee and Yeast to accelerate antioxidant activity.
Our latest product is Fleurs d’Afrique Intensive Recovery Cream, a highly-concentrated age-defying and innovative luxury face cream that offers a transformative experience. It is an infusion of nocturnal flowers from ancient Baobab trees, and “Queen of the Night” Jasmine Grandiflorum, hand-picked at dusk.
It is empowered by soothing African adaptogenic plants with extreme regenerative properties, making it ideal for skin exposed to urban stress, UV damage, pollution and harsh climates. It is recommended for hormonal, mature, unbalanced and sensitive skin. Enhanced with a unique Blue Marine Micro Algae and a high concentration of plant peptides, this light, multi-correcting face cream stimulates cell renewal, plumps, protects and envelops the skin.
Can you tell us more about your sustainable practice?
Our main focus is to use wild harvested, indigenous ingredients that we source from very remote areas in South Africa. We make sure that the plants are harvested in a way that does not deplete the ecosystem. Buying our ingredients directly from the communities ensures controlled Fair Trade practices and allows us to source from our own known suppliers. All our packaging is made from 100% recyclable glass.
Water scarcity impacts the lives of over 300 million Africans, where approximately 75% rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. Global warming is aggravating the situation.
YOUR HOME
Can you share something that our readers would be surprised to learn about Africa? What are some of the must-see places? A must-try specialty dish and drink?
South Africa is blessed with several distinct ecosystems. Safaris in the Kruger National Park is a wonderful life-time experience where you can connect with life and nature like no other place on earth. The Fynbos of the Western Cape is a magnificent site to visit, where you can enjoy thousands of the most beautiful plant species. The Western Cape offers beaches, and lush winelands are to be found around Stellenbosch and Paarl. Furthermore, there are endless cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forest and lagoons along the Garden Route, and finally the city of Cape Town is set beneath the magnificent Table Mountain.
Craig’s favorite South African dish is Boerewors and pap with an ice-cold Hunters Gold Cider.
Julia’s would be grilled Kingklip fish in Peri Peri sauce with traditional African spinach.
YOUR BEAUTY
What is your beauty routine? What are your best tips for protecting your skin?
I look forward to my beauty routine every morning and evening as it sets the tone for the day and also de-stresses for the night. I start by cleansing with the Baobab Clay Cleanser, massaging the skin for at least for 1-2 minutes. I then moisten my skin with our Rose Treatment Essence, and then protect it using an antioxidant super serum (Nutritive Molecule Serum), Neroli infused Marula Oil and Intensive Recovery Cream which is very soothing and brightening. I always apply the Resurrection eye cream.
Don’t forget the neck and décolletage when applying skincare products and don’t forget the body as well. Apply our nourishing Botanical Body oils straight after the shower or bath whilst the skin is slightly moist for maximum absorption. Our Botanical Body Cream is perfect for cooler weather when you need extra hydration and protection.
These products convey the rich diversity of the African landscape and flora through its signature, bespoke creations, unique plant-based ingredients, luxury textures, and rare raw materials that embody the African spirit.
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