Tasmanian Native Pepper is an aromatic shrub endemic to the cool temperate rainforests of Tasmania. We source sustainably harvested Tasmanian pepperberries and feature them in our devil skin care soap. Aborigines traditionally used the leaves and magenta-coloured fruit therapeutically for skin disorders, venereal diseases, colic, stomach ache and as a quinine substitute. European settlers used it as a spice. Modern-day science has isolated T. lanceolata’s specific bioactive compounds so that we can understand how it can benefit us in cosmetic care:
- Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-yeast: its hot-tasting terpene compound, polygodial, gives it these qualities which may help control bacteria, fungi and yeast growth on skin;
- Antioxidant: its fruit contains three times more antioxidants than blueberries. According to certified dermatologist Lian Mack, MD, antioxidants protect the skin by reducing and counteracting free radical production and they also help to reduce pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles;
- Anti-inflammatory: The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) decoder explains that the berries also contain rutin, an anti-inflammatory agent that can strengthen capillaries and possibly reduce skin redness, dark undereye circles, itching and burning.
Like most pepper varieties, Tasmanian Native Pepper contains ‘bite’ when eaten. However, this one is a skin soother with many other exciting future applications for both human and animal health. Explore the possibilities in our devil skin care soap!
