Kakadu Plum Vitamin C: What the Science Says About This Native Superfruit

Kakadu Plum Vitamin C: What the Science Says About This Native Superfruit

Kakadu plum has become a talking point in skincare, often described as one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Here is what the research actually says, kept separate from marketing.

What Kakadu plum is

Kakadu plum, known botanically as Terminalia ferdinandiana, is a small native Australian fruit that has been used by Aboriginal communities for a very long time. In recent years it has drawn scientific interest for its unusually high vitamin C content.

What the research found

A 2024 study analysing Kakadu plum fruit reported an abundant vitamin C content and strong antioxidant activity in laboratory testing (Bobasa et al., 2024, PMID 39335818). Other work on the fruit has likewise measured significant antioxidant capacity linked to its natural plant compounds (Phan et al., 2022, PMID 35967775). It is worth being clear that these are studies of the fruit itself, not of any finished skincare product.

Why vitamin C matters in skincare

Vitamin C is one of the more studied antioxidants in skincare. A review in the journal Nutrients summarises its roles in skin health, including its part in antioxidant defence and in the normal formation of collagen (Pullar et al., 2017, PMID 28805671). This is the general context behind why brightening serums so often feature vitamin C.

Using a vitamin C product

  • Many people use vitamin C in the morning, under sunscreen, as an antioxidant step.
  • Introduce it gradually if your skin is sensitive.
  • Pair it with daily sunscreen, which remains the cornerstone of protecting your skin.

At Verdo we stock the Pure Fiji Kakadu Super Vitamin C Brightening Serum, which pairs Kakadu-derived vitamin C with hyaluronate and bakuchiol, and the matching Kakadu Super Vitamin C Brightening Eye Creme.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kakadu plum really high in vitamin C?
Yes. A 2024 laboratory study of Kakadu plum fruit reported an abundant vitamin C content along with strong antioxidant activity (Bobasa et al., 2024). It is often described as one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. These findings describe the fruit itself rather than any finished product.
What does vitamin C do for skin?
Vitamin C is one of the more studied skincare antioxidants. A review in Nutrients summarises its roles in skin health, including antioxidant defence and a part in the normal formation of collagen (Pullar et al., 2017).
When should I use a vitamin C serum?
Many people use vitamin C in the morning, under sunscreen, as an antioxidant step. Introduce it gradually if your skin is sensitive, and pair it with daily sunscreen.
Is Kakadu plum vitamin C better than regular vitamin C?
Kakadu plum is a naturally vitamin C rich fruit, and research confirms its high vitamin C content and antioxidant activity in the lab (Bobasa et al., 2024). Whether one source outperforms another in a finished product depends on the formulation, so it is best to choose a product you enjoy using consistently.
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