Kakadu Plum Extract
INCI: Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
An Australian native fruit extract with the highest known natural concentration of vitamin C — roughly 50x that of oranges.
Overview
Kakadu plum (also called gubinge) is the fruit of Terminalia ferdinandiana, a tree native to the savannas of Northern Australia. It has been a traditional food and medicine for Aboriginal Australian communities for thousands of years. Modern testing has confirmed something extraordinary: kakadu plum holds the world record for natural vitamin C content per gram. Different cultivars range from 5,000 to 7,000 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fruit — roughly 50-100x more than oranges.
That concentration translates well into cosmetic extracts. Even after extraction and dilution into a glycerin/water carrier, kakadu plum delivers significantly more vitamin C than guava, acerola, or amla extracts at the same percentage.
Other active compounds include ellagic acid (skin brightening), gallic acid (antioxidant), and unique Australian native flavonoids that are still being researched.
Shelf life is 12-18 months for liquid form.
What it does in a formula
- Highest natural vitamin C delivery — measurable brightening and antioxidant effect at 2-3% (where other fruit extracts need 4-5%)
- Tyrosinase inhibition — ellagic and gallic acid both contribute
- Antioxidant protection — broad spectrum
- Mild astringent feel from the tannin fraction
It is one of the few “natural fruit extract” choices where the active concentration is genuinely competitive with synthesised vitamin C derivatives. For brands that want a “natural fruit-based vitamin C” claim with substance behind it, kakadu plum is the strongest credible option.
How to use
Add to the cool-down phase, below 40 C. Vitamin C is heat-sensitive.
Usage rates by product type:
- Vitamin C serums: 3-5%
- Brightening face creams: 2-4%
- Eye creams: 2-3%
- Sheet mask essences: 2-5%
- Anti-aging face creams: 2-4%
- Anti-pigmentation treatments: 3-5%
It pairs naturally with niacinamide (long debate about C+niacinamide compatibility — modern studies clear them to work together), with alpha arbutin (combination brightening), and with ferulic acid (vitamin C stabiliser).
Best for / Worst for
Best for: premium brightening serums, Australian-positioned natural lines, vitamin C products targeting natural-ingredient buyers, mature skin treatments, anti-pigmentation products, antioxidant face serums.
Worst for: budget formulating (it is one of the pricier fruit extracts), strict colour-neutral products (light amber tint), sourcing-sensitive brands (kakadu plum is wild-harvested and supply is small — check sustainable sourcing certification with your supplier).
Common pitfalls
Sustainable sourcing. Kakadu plum is harvested largely by Indigenous Australian communities. Several supply chains are well-managed; others are not. If your brand emphasises ethical sourcing, ask suppliers about traceability and the share of harvest fees that returns to source communities.
Overstating equivalence to pure vitamin C. Even with kakadu plum’s record content, the percentage of ascorbic acid in the finished cosmetic extract is still modest (typically 0.5-2% of total extract weight). For maximum brightening, pair with a synthesised vitamin C derivative.
Heat sensitivity. Vitamin C content degrades above 50 C.
Light sensitivity. Use opaque packaging.
Substitutes
- Acerola cherry extract — second-highest natural vitamin C content.
- Camu camu extract — South American berry, also very high vitamin C.
- Amla extract — high vitamin C with different polyphenol profile.
- Guava extract — moderate vitamin C, lower cost.
- A direct ascorbyl glucoside or 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid — for measurable vitamin C delivery without the fruit dimension.