As the cannabis industry continues to gain global momentum at an astounding pace with more contenders throwing their hat into the ring with every passing law, the development of unique, innovative cannabis products in this space poses a compelling challenge.
Having given rise to some incredibly creative and dynamic cannabis companies, the American Cannabis forerunners have done well to set the bar high. So without reinventing the wheel or replicating those ideas, it makes the most sense for African Cannabis to seek out originality by returning to its roots – literally.
That is why our recently launched Goodleaf skincare range combines CBD with rooibos and various oils derived from other African botanicals, including kalahari melon, marula, baobab and mongongo.
The soothing, moisturising and anti-inflammatory capacities of these plants echo those same properties in CBD – meaning that the combination of the two in our range offers some particularly powerful products for skin vitality.
Let’s break down the benefits of all of these botanicals, and where you can find them in our Goodleaf topicals...
MARULA
Marula oil is harvested from the nut contained inside the marula fruit, and has been used for centuries in Southern Africa for its skincare benefits. Containing 8 times more vitamin C than an orange, as well as essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants, it has regenerative properties for skin and treats dryness, irritations and stretch marks. It is incredibly nourishing and hydrating, helping to keep skin soft and supple by maintaining its natural lipids.
You will find marula in our Day & Night Moisturisers and in our Hand & Body Lotions.
KALAHARI MELON
The Kalahari melon is a relative of the watermelon, and has been used as a source of water, a skin moisturiser and a sunscreen by the desert’s San people for more than 300 years. Rich in essential fatty acids, Kalahari Melon Seed oil helps to maintain the integrity of the skin’s cell walls and offers intense hydration to keep it soft and supple. In addition, it has antioxidant properties to maintain elasticity and provide regenerative, anti-aging benefits.
You will find Kalahari melon in our Lip Balm and Hand & Body Lotions.
BAOBAB
Baobab oil is packed full of the very best ingredients for taking care of skin, including omega fatty acids, magnesium, potassium and calcium, as well as a high content of vitamins A, B and C. Vitamin A serves to repel bacteria, which can assist in preventing outbreaks of acne, while Vitamin B ensures skin retains its moisture. Vitamin C provides the skin with incredible regenerative capacities as an antioxidant, warding off the fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots brought on by damage from free radicals.
You will find baobab in our Glow Serum.
NAMIBIAN MYRRH
Namibian Myrrh has powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory capabilities - making it an ideal ingredient for alleviating redness and swelling in the healing of wounds, or in targeting acne, rosacea and other skin irritations. Namibian Myrrh is also packed full of antioxidants which help to combat the free radicals that result in premature signs of aging, and assist in fading unwanted skin blemishes, fine lines and sun spots.
You will find Namibian Myrrh in our Relief Roller.
GREEN ROOIBOS
Rooibos is bursting with antioxidants, meaning it can help to soothe skin irritations in the form of sunburn, eczema or dryness, as well as serve as a powerful anti-aging ingredient. Due to the zinc and natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) it contains, rooibos is also useful for combatting breakouts of acne and providing mild exfoliation to the skin to remove dead skin cells and avoid the clogging of pores.
You will find green rooibos in our Day & Night Moisturisers, Face Mask and our Face, Body & Hand Washes.
The incorporation of these kinds of remedial plants into our topicals range serves to emphasise and enhance the very same benefits that cannabis can offer. Just like cannabis, these botanicals have been used for generations as resources for natural healing. And, just like cannabis, the power and wisdom of these botanicals can be found by unlocking this inherent value – the mysterious qualities afforded to them by nature that can be used for the benefit of our own health and wellness.
An intersection of cannabis and botanicals is not just intuitive, it’s imperative. Not only does it negate any need for synthetic terpenes or flavonoids, but it also tells an original cannabis story by infusing it with a legacy of natural medicine on the African continent. It places an African narrator at the helm, rather than simply reappropriating a notion of what the cannabis industry should look like.