Experimenting with new beauty launches, ingredients, and viral social media trends is all fun and games…until you end up with an irritated and damaged skin barrier. The skin barrier—a.k.a. the outermost layer of skin—acts as a protective barrier and keeps out external aggressors. Given how easy it is to throw your skin’s balance out of whack, it makes sense that more people are opting for soothing, barrier-supporting ingredients to help retain their skin’s moisture. One of those ingredients is safou oil—it’s amazing when it comes to retaining moisture and delivering antioxidant benefits to the skin. Koba Skincare, launched by Thérèse M’Boungoubaya in 2021, is centered around safou oil. Ahead, learn all about what safou oil is and what it can do for your skin.
What is Safou Oil?
Also known as dacryodes edulis, safou fruit is native to Central and West Africa. The large violet fruit also goes by other names, depending on where you are in Africa; it’s widely known as the African pear, but in Nigeria it’s called ube, and in Gabon, atanga. In Congo, explains M’Boungoubaya, it’s cooked and served as a side dish, but its uses go far beyond the kitchen. The bark of the tree is used in perfumes rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Safou oil—which is extracted from the fruit’s pulp—has a myriad of skincare benefits.
As a newer ingredient in the West, there are few studies on safou oil’s impact on skin. However, the ingredient is grounded in its ancestral roots. Similar to other plant-powered ingredients from Africa—like manketti oil or shea butter,safou oil has been used on the continent for generations, culminating in centuries of knowledge and expertise. Thanks to Koba Skincare, safou oil has finally made its way onto Western beauty shelves, offering the benefits of this traditional ingredient to everyone around the world.
Benefits of Safou Oil for Skin
Safou oil is infused with fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to help create a smoother, more hydrated complexion.
Hydrating: Fatty acids support the outermost layer of the skin, stop moisture from escaping, and help smooth the skin’s surface. Amino acids work to hydrate and soothe the skin, making it look more plump and supple.
Anti-Inflammatory: Safou oil is packed with antioxidants, like vitamin E, which helps to calm skin, seal in moisture, reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect skin from damaging and premature aging free radicals.
Regulates sebum production: You’ll also find vitamin B6 in safou oil, an ingredient that studies have shown helps reduce sebum levels to help prevent breakouts.
Evens out skin tone: Thanks to vitamin C, safou oil promotes collagen production, protects against free radical damage, and fades dark spots for an even, glowing complexion.
Who Should Use Safou Oil?
Depending on how a specific product is formulated, safou oil can be a great option for all skin types, especially considering the fact that it restores moisture, protects the skin from external aggressors, and improves skin elasticity. Before you start using a new skincare product, though, be sure to do a patch test first to see how your skin reacts.