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We are often dubious when we hear about a new ‘wonder’ ingredient hitting the skincare aisles, but the beauty industry’s budding obsession with ximenia (sour plum) oil is one we cannot argue with.
Pronounced ‘she-meen-ya’, this Namibian treasure has actually been used by Southern African women for centuries – prized for everything from healing wounds to keeping hair and skin soft. And it turns out this magical oil is dripping in skin-loving fatty acids and a rare and potent anti-inflammatory active called ximenic acid. Fancy trying some for yourself? Here’s our pick of the most ximenia-fabulous potions out there…
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil
From an award-winning authority on natural afro and mixed heritage tresses, this luxe elixir contains sustainably sourced manketti nut and ximenia oil to transform parched strands from sulky to shining.
Pietro Simone The Fierce Oil
This blend of hydrating oils by celebrity facialist Pietro Simone includes moringa, marula and ximenia oil. An ideal investment for stressed out skin in need of a detox, use as a night-time treatment or before your serum, or even for a Gua Sha massage.
Wishful Get Even Rose Oil
A luscious cocktail of 15 botanical oils created by Insta goddess Huda Kattan, this makes a fab sundown choice if you need to nourish frazzled skin. Improving tone and texture to boot, think of it as a long drink for your face.
Darphin Youthful Radiance Camellia Mask
A favourite with the jet-set, this firming and smoothing mask teams ximenia oil with camellia and soft-focus illuminators for skin to grin about.
Healthy Hair Studio by Enitan Mighty Moisture
From a fabulous British and black-owned brand committed to kinks, coils and tight textures, we’ve been slapping this leave-in conditioner onto our strands as the first phase of super-hydration.
Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment
Don’t let your lips miss out in the action, this iconic balm is packed with the good stuff too! Providing broad spectrum SPF25 protection and available in un-tinted and soft pink shades, make it one of your summer staples.
Liha Beauty Oju Omi Cleansing Mud
Cleanliness is next to godliness – and using this beautiful goop can be a pretty holy experience. Crammed with naturally occurring lactic acid from molasses, agave syrup and–of course – ximenia, grubby pores are purged, radiance is restored and the skin you have always prayed for is delivered.
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