The Kigelia Africana tree is found throughout the dry-land regions of Africa.

Its distinctive, sausage-shaped fruit has an extensive history of traditional use for a healthy-looking skin.

Well known as one of Africa’s cosmetic “superfruits,” it has been shown to promote the appearance of enhanced density and elasticity and smooth the look of wrinkles.

Kigelia fruit extract helps skin appear smooth, luminous and radiant.

Early European explorers in Africa documented many of its miraculous properties, especially those associated with the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Our co-founder’s father was fascinated with stories he heard about this strange-looking fruit. He researched how indigenous tribes used Kigelia and other local plants for health and beauty—and he experimented with it for skin care. He and Janine were blown away with the results.

Since then, over half a century of scientific research into Kigelia has shown that this extraordinary extract contains potent, unique compounds.

The phytosterols, flavonoids, and caffeic acid in Kigelia have significant antioxidant effects that help reduce oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals.

As with many natural extracts, the synergies between the individual compounds within Kigelia magnify each other’s performance—strengthening and reinforcing their actions—to make Kigelia a genuine “cosmetic superfruit”.

Kigelia is the signature ingredient for our Katavi skin care products. This is a key source of the Katavi glow.