Why a harsh environment creates powerful skincare ingredients 

Some of the most effective skincare ingredients come from plants that have learned to survive in extreme conditions. Scientists sometimes call these “extremophiles” – but put simply, they are nature’s strongest survivors.

In New Zealand, our plants have adapted to strong sunshine, sudden temperature changes, and wild weather. To cope, they produce natural defences like antioxidants and vitamins. These are powerful protective compounds that help the plants block harmful UV rays, repair damage, and retain moisture in drought conditions.

Over time, this built-in resilience means the plants grow stronger and more nutrient-rich. The same compounds that shield a leaf from UV rays or help it hold onto moisture can also protect your skin. Translated into skincare, these natural defences fight free radicals, calm stress, and lock in hydration – keeping your skin healthy, bouncy, and glowing.

New Zealand has some of the strongest UV rays in the world – about 40% stronger than places at the same latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. During summer, our UV index often hits extreme levels, which can cause sunburn in as little as 10 minutes.

On top of that, we see dramatic weather: the West Coast can get up to 15,000 mm of rain each year, while other regions face long, dry spells. New Zealand’s plants have had to toughen up to survive – and that toughness is exactly what makes them so valuable for skin.

New Zealand-grown fruit has more antioxidants

It’s not only our native plants that have had to adapt to our environment, our fruit also works overtime to build up protection from the sun. Take Vinanza® grape seed extract, made from Marlborough sauvignon blanc seeds. Grown under New Zealand’s harsh sun, these grapes naturally develop up to twice the antioxidant levels of grapes grown elsewhere.*

New Zealand Kiwifruit skins have almost twice the level of antioxidants compared to kiwifruit grown in the USA or Italy. Our blackcurrants also contain higher levels of antioxidants than those grown in Europe.

*NZ EXTRACTS

Mānuka honey comes from the hardy mānuka shrub, which has evolved to thrive in challenging, windswept landscapes where competition with other plants and constant exposure to pests and pathogens is intense.

To protect itself, the shrub produces special compounds with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These same protective qualities show up in its honey, making mānuka honey famous for its ability to calm, heal, and defend – both for the plant in the wild and for your skin in skincare.

Marine algae that survive both underwater and on dry rocks produce natural compounds that lock in moisture, protecting themselves from drying out. In skincare, these same compounds provide long-lasting hydration – keeping skin moisturised and supple for up to 72 hours, as clinically shown in Pheohydrane a key component in Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum.

Over in neighbouring Australia, Kakadu plum grows in the extreme sun of the Northern Territory. To thrive there, it has become the richest natural source of vitamin C in the world – up to 100x more than oranges. For skin, this means brighter tone, boosted collagen, and strong protection against the oxidative stress that causes signs of ageing.