At jean & andy we are committed to using as many native botanics in our skin care products.  In this Blog, we will dive into the skin benefits of the various botanics we use, as well as a bit of history about how our First Nations people have traditionally used them.  We have added the products that contain each of these botanicals to help inform your purchases.

Quandong

(also known as Santalum acuminatum or native Australian desert peach) is a nutrient-rich superfruit celebrated for its potent skin-enhancing properties, especially in modern natural skincare.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

• Packed with rutin, chlorogenic acid, and vitamin C, which help fight oxidative stress and protect skin from free radical damage.

• Slows signs of premature aging and helps boost collagen production.

2. Brightens & Evens Skin Tone

• Naturally high in vitamin C, Quandong helps reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dullness.

• Encourages a radiant, glowing complexion.

3. Anti-Inflammatory & Calming

• Contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe redness and calm irritated or acne-prone skin.

• Ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

4. Hydrating & Moisture-Boosting

• Though lightweight, Quandong helps skin retain moisture and improves hydration without clogging pores.

• Helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.

5. Supports Skin Repair

• Contains amino acids and essential fatty acids that help repair the skin and support overall skin health and resilience.

• Great for healing and restoring damaged or stressed skin.

Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) holds deep cultural and practical significance for many Indigenous Australian communities. Traditionally, it has been valued not only as a nutritious food source but also for its medicinal and ceremonial uses.

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🌿 Traditional Indigenous Uses of Quandong

1. Bush Food (Bush Tucker)

• The bright red fruit was a valuable source of nutrition, especially in arid regions. It contains vitamin C, protein, and essential fatty acids.

• Quandong fruit was eaten raw, dried for storage, or cooked into cakes or pastes for future use.

• The kernel inside the nut was sometimes eaten after careful preparation, though it is highly oily and bitter.

2. Medicinal Uses

• The fruit and leaves were used to create infusions or poultices for soothing skin conditions, such as sores, wounds, and boils.

• Quandong was believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which aligns with its modern skincare benefits.

3. Ceremonial & Cultural Use

• Quandong trees often held spiritual or symbolic meaning, particularly in regions where food sources were scarce.

• The seeds (nuts) were used as decorative beads in jewelry and ceremonial items, and sometimes as game pieces or tools.

4. Practical Uses

• The hardwood of the tree could be used for crafting tools or implements.

• Seed oil was sometimes extracted for use on the skin or as a base for traditional remedies.

We use Quandong in our Quandong Face Cream-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/quandong-face-cream-with-hibiscus-cranberry 

and Papaya and Quandong Face Serum-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/papaya-and-quandong-face-serum

Lilly Pilly

(Syzygium luehmannii), also known as riberry or bush cherry, is a vibrant native Australian superfruit rich in skin-loving nutrients and widely used in natural skincare. Traditionally used by Indigenous Australians as a food and medicine, it’s now prized for its antioxidant, brightening, and anti-aging properties.

🍒 Top Skin Benefits of Lilly Pilly

1. Rich in Antioxidants

• Contains vitamin C, anthocyanins, and flavonoids that protect against free radical damage.

• Helps combat environmental stressors and premature aging.

2. Brightening & Radiance Boosting

• High vitamin C content supports collagen synthesis and reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

• Promotes a brighter, more even complexion.

3. Astringent & Firming

• Naturally astringent properties help to tighten pores, firm the skin, and refine texture.

• Great for oily or combination skin types seeking a smooth, toned appearance.

4. Anti-Inflammatory & Calming

• Soothes inflammation, irritation, and redness, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

• Promotes healing and recovery for stressed or reactive skin.

5. Hydration & Skin Barrier Support

• Helps skin retain moisture and strengthens the natural lipid barrier, keeping skin supple and resilient.

• Especially effective in serums, gels, or moisturisers for daily use.

🌿 Traditional Indigenous Uses

Indigenous Australians traditionally used Lilly Pilly:

• As a nutrient-rich bushfood.

• For its antiseptic properties — crushed leaves or bark were used to cleanse wounds or treat skin conditions.

Lilly Pilly is found in our Native Botanic Face Gel-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/native-botanica-face-gel

as well as Lilly Pilly Face Scrub-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/lilly-pilly-face-scrub

Davidsons Plum

(Davidsonia spp.) is a strikingly dark, sour native Australian fruit celebrated in both traditional Indigenous use and modern skincare. Known for its deep purple hue and rich phytonutrient profile, Davidsons Plum is a powerful botanical for skin health—especially when it comes to brightening, rejuvenating, and defending against damage.

🍇 Top Skin Benefits of Davidsons Plum

1. Brightening & Skin Tone Correction

• Exceptionally high in natural AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), which promote gentle exfoliation and cell turnover.

• Helps fade pigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.

• Leaves skin looking radiant, smooth, and refreshed.

2. Antioxidant-Rich & Anti-Aging

• Packed with anthocyanins, flavonoids, and gallic acid, which fight free radicals and protect skin from environmental stress.

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines, dullness, and early aging.

3. Anti-Inflammatory & Calming

• Soothes redness, puffiness, and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

• Naturally cooling and calming, especially beneficial in serums or gels.

4. Collagen-Boosting Power

• Contains vitamin C, which plays a key role in collagen synthesis.

• Helps maintain firmness, elasticity, and a more youthful appearance.

5. Hydration & Barrier Support

• Aids in retaining moisture and improving skin barrier integrity, especially when used alongside nourishing oils or humectants.

🌿 Traditional Indigenous Uses

Indigenous Australians have long used Davidsons Plum:

• As a food source, both fresh and preserved.

• For its medicinal properties, particularly its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions (used in poultices or infusions).

These products have Davidsons Plum in them-

Native Botanic Face Gel-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/native-botanica-face-gel

Coconut Milk & Raspberry Face Mask/Scrub-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/raspberry-and-coconut-face-mask-scrub

Desert Lime

(Citrus glauca), a resilient native Australian citrus, is a skincare powerhouse known for its intense antioxidant and brightening effects. Growing naturally in arid inland areas, Desert Lime has long been valued by Indigenous Australians as both food and medicine, and today it's recognised for its ability to protect, revive, and rejuvenate the skin.

🍋 Top Skin Benefits of Desert Lime

1. Rich in Vitamin C for Brightening

• Packed with concentrated vitamin C, which helps fade pigmentation, even out skin tone, and enhance radiance.

• Stimulates collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.

2. Potent Antioxidant Protection

• Neutralises free radicals and protects against environmental stress, such as UV exposure and pollution.

• Prevents premature aging and maintains skin vitality.

3. Hydration & Barrier Support

• Contains natural humectants that help retain moisture in the skin.

• Supports a healthy skin barrier, keeping skin plump and resilient.

4. Gentle Natural Exfoliation

• Offers mild exfoliating action thanks to its natural fruit acids, promoting cell renewal and smoother skin.

• Helps reduce clogged pores and rough texture without harsh scrubs.

5. Anti-Inflammatory & Calming

• Soothes irritation and inflammation, making it suitable for sensitive or stressed skin.

• Promotes a calm, balanced complexion.

🌿 Traditional Indigenous Uses

Indigenous Australians traditionally used Desert Lime:

• As a refreshing bushfood, rich in hydration and nutrition.

• For topical and internal health, especially due to its immune-supportive and antimicrobial qualities.

Desert Lime is used in Native Botanic Gel- https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/native-botanica-face-gel

Kakadu Plum

(Terminalia ferdinandiana) is one of the most celebrated native Australian botanicals in skincare, revered for its incredibly high vitamin C content—the highest known natural source in the world. Used for thousands of years by Indigenous Australians for its medicinal properties, Kakadu Plum is a powerhouse ingredient for brightening, protecting, and rejuvenating the skin.

🟢 Top Skin Benefits of Kakadu Plum

1. Brightening & Radiance Boost

• Exceptionally high in vitamin C—over 50x more than oranges.

• Helps fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.

• Promotes a luminous, even-toned complexion.

2. Antioxidant Protection

• Rich in gallic acid, ellagic acid, and flavonoids that neutralise free radicals.

• Shields skin from pollution, UV damage, and premature aging.

3. Collagen Support & Anti-Aging

• Stimulates collagen production, improving firmness, elasticity, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Anti-Inflammatory & Healing

• Naturally anti-inflammatory, it soothes redness, irritation, and sensitive skin conditions.

• Speeds up skin repair and supports barrier recovery.

5. Antibacterial & Acne-Fighting

• Contains antimicrobial compounds that help manage blemishes and acne.

• Helps purify skin and calm active breakouts without over-drying.

🌿 Traditional Indigenous Uses

Kakadu Plum has been used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years:

• As a bush medicine to treat colds, skin infections, and wounds.

• Applied topically or consumed as a rich immune-boosting food.

• Highly valued and respected in Indigenous culture for its powerful healing abilities.

You can find Kakadu Plum in our Face Cream-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/kakadu-plum-cranberry-face-cream?_pos=1&_psq=ka&_ss=e&_v=1.0 

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa –  is a powerful botanical ingredient celebrated for its vibrant antioxidant profile, skin-renewing acids, and anti-aging effects. Known for its ruby-red calyx and tangy tea infusions, hibiscus also delivers remarkable topical benefits in natural skincare.

Native to: Likely West Africa or Southeast Asia.

Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Australia.  

🌺 Top Skin Benefits of Hibiscus Saffrida (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

1. Natural AHA Exfoliation

• Rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as citric and malic acid, which gently exfoliate dead skin cells.

• Promotes cell renewal, improves texture, and helps fade dark spots and acne scars.

2. Brightening & Even Skin Tone

• AHAs combined with natural vitamin C content help brighten dull skin and even out tone.

• Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and promotes a radiant complexion.

3. Firming & Anti-Aging

• Known as the "Botox plant" due to its ability to firm and tone the skin naturally.

• Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen synthesis and increasing elasticity.

4. Antioxidant Powerhouse

• Contains potent anthocyanins and polyphenols that neutralize free radicals, protecting skin from environmental damage and premature aging.

5. Hydrating & Soothing

• Contains natural mucilage (a plant-based humectant) that draws moisture to the skin.

• Leaves skin feeling plump, soft, and soothed, especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin.

6. Balancing for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

• Helps to clarify pores, regulate oil production, and calm inflammation.

• Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for acne-prone or congested skin.

🌿 Traditional Indigenous Uses

It’s sometimes used in bush food products, jams, and teas, but it’s not considered part of traditional Aboriginal bush medicine or flora.

Hibiscus features in- our new Native Botanic Face Gel-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/native-botanica-face-gel

and Quandong Face Cream-

https://www.jeanandandy.com.au/products/quandong-face-cream-with-hibiscus-cranberry?_pos=1&_psq=qua&_ss=e&_v=1.0

As you can see, there are so many benefits from native botanicals right here on our doorstep!  It makes sense to utilise plants that can survive our harsh environment!  We believe that in harnessing the power of these incredible plants, our skin is more aligned with our environment! 🌿🌿🌿🌵💚