Kakadu Plum: What to Know About This Vitamin C-Rich Fruit
The Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana), native to Australia’s northern regions, has long been used by Indigenous communities. In recent years, this small fruit has gotten global attention, including in hair care, because of what’s inside it.
Rich in Vitamin C
Kakadu plum is rich in vitamin C. A 2024 study of wild-harvested fruit from Western Australia found much higher levels than those reported in common fruits and vegetables.
What that vitamin C can do in a hair product is a different question, and it’s one we’ll want to test.
Rich in Antioxidants
Beyond vitamin C, Kakadu plum is abundant in antioxidants like ellagic acid, flavonols, and aromatic acids. Those are the compounds that help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Moisture and Shine
You’ll see Kakadu plum in more and more hair products, often for moisture and shine. We’ll need testing to know what it can do for relaxed hair, so we’re not going to promise anything yet.
If You Want to Try It
Look for shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that list Kakadu plum extract as a key ingredient. Patch test anything new, and stop if your scalp itches or burns.
Where We Stand
We’re planning to use Kakadu plum in our neutralizing oil, “Fatty Fatty,” one of the after-care steps of our Signature Relaxer System. Plant ingredients break down inside relaxer cream, so it belongs after the relaxer, not in it.
The system is still in development, so join the waitlist to hear what testing shows.
