This Australian fruit has the highest vitamin C on the planet

Words by Gail Shortland

The Kakadu plum has the world’s highest vitamin C content and is a powerful antioxidant. Despite it being an ingredient that’s used in skincare products and health supplements, there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of it before but that’s all about to change. 

This tiny green fruit from Australia has become a global superstar in the wellness world, and for good reason. Indigenous Australians have valued Kakadu plum for tens of thousands of years, and modern science is finally catching up with the benefits to your body and skin.

Kakadu plum, also known as Gubinge, Billygoat Plum, or Murnong, depending on the region, is a small green fruit native to northern Australia, particularly the Kimberley and Arnhem Land. It looks a bit like a tiny, pale olive or a small, lumpy lime and in their natural form, they are tart and sour. But inside, this fruit is absolutely loaded with nutritional goodness. For Indigenous communities, Kakadu plum has long been used as food and as a medicinal remedy for fighting off illness.

Small but mighty

Kakadu plum has one of the highest natural concentrations of vitamin C of any fruit on Earth. While oranges give you about 50 mg per 100 grams, Kakadu plum can contain well over 2,000 mg per 100 grams, and sometimes more depending on the season. This massive vitamin C content is one of the main reasons it’s now so beloved in skincare products, immunity supplements, wellness blends and natural brightening treatments.

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants your body can access, and Kakadu plum gives it to you in a particularly potent, pure, and natural form. Kakadu plum is packed with antioxidants and not just vitamin C.

Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which contributes to ageing, inflammation, environmental damage, and even chronic disease. Think of antioxidants like tiny superheroes neutralising unstable molecules before they cause chaos in your cells. The more antioxidants you have working for you, the better your body defends itself from everyday stressors.

You can enjoy the benefits of Kakadu plum in a few different ways. Powders are usually freeze-dried and can be added to smoothies, yoghurt, juices or wellness shots to boost your daily vitamin C and antioxidant intake. You can also take it in capsule form for quick convenience. 

Here are the health benefits of Kakadu plum.

1. Supports your immune system

Vitamin C and antioxidants work together to support your immune system by boosting your body’s natural defence cells, helping fight off environmental stressors, supporting recovery from mild illnesses and reducing overall inflammation. Because Kakadu plum contains such high amounts of vitamin C, it’s an easy go-to for people wanting natural immune support.

2. Anti-inflammatory benefits

Inflammation is at the root of so many health issues such as joint discomfort, digestive problems and fatigue. The ellagic acid and gallic acid found in Kakadu plum help calm down inflammation throughout the body. Indigenous communities traditionally used the fruit not just as food, but also to soothe and support the body during times of illness or injury.

3. Supports digestive health

Kakadu plum contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, which can promote a healthy gut, support regular digestion, encourage beneficial gut bacteria and help maintain a balanced microbiome. A healthy gut equals better nutrient absorption and better overall well-being.

4. Natural Energy and Brain Support

Because vitamin C helps with iron absorption and supports the production of neurotransmitters, Kakadu plum can play a role in mental clarity, energy levels and even mood balance.

5. Cell protection

The combination of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants makes Kakadu plum a great all-rounder for supporting healthy ageing and can play a part in protecting cells from environmental damage.

What about the beauty benefits?

Its high vitamin C and antioxidant content make Kakadu plum a superstar in skincare. You’ll find it in serums, vitamin C drops, facial oils, moisturisers and brightening creams. Kakadu plum is often paired with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or vitamin E for even stronger benefits.

Brightens the skin

Vitamin C is famous for brightening dull skin and so products with Kakadu plum in can minimise the appearance of dark spots, even out your skin tone and give your complexion a natural, healthy glow. Because it has such a high concentration, skincare made with Kakadu plum extract can be particularly effective.

Supports collagen production

Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm, plump, elastic and smooth. As we age, collagen slows down naturally. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis because your body literally needs it to produce collagen.

Reduces redness

If you deal with sensitivity, irritation, or redness, Kakadu plum’s natural anti-inflammatory compounds can help soothe and calm the skin. Many skincare brands use Kakadu plum in serums designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin. It works gently which makes it ideal for calming all skin-types.

Other stand-out Australian ingredients

Australia has a huge range of potent native plants, many of which have become global ‘it’ ingredients in skincare and wellness. Here are the top native health and beauty ingredients from down under that you need to know about.

Tea tree

A natural antibacterial powerhouse. Tea tree oil is one of Australia’s most famous exports and for good reason. It’s a staple in acne and scalp-care products and is particularly effective in skincare for oily or congested skin types.

• Strong antibacterial and antifungal properties
• Reduces acne-causing bacteria
• Calms redness and irritation
• Helps dandruff and scalp inflammation
• Supports wound healing

Eucalyptus

Anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and skin-soothing. Australia is home to hundreds of eucalyptus species, each packed with naturally therapeutic compounds. Eucalyptus is a hero in wellness rituals, think baths, oils, diffusers, and muscle rubs.

• Clears congestion (hence why it’s popular in balms and inhalants)
• Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
• Soothes muscle aches and tension
• Boosts circulation
• In skincare, it can refresh and purify the skin

Davidson plum

This deep purple native fruit is another antioxidant powerhouse, loved in modern skincare for its impressive brightening and firming benefits. It’s a collagen-supporting, pigmentation-fighting superfruit that is often found in serums, masks, and creams targeting radiance or firmness.

• Rich in anthocyanins (the same antioxidants found in blueberries, but more concentrated)
• Supports collagen production
• Fades dark spots and sun damage
• Strong anti-inflammatory properties
• Helps strengthen the skin barrier

Quandong

A brightening fruit rich in natural AHA-like compounds. Quandong is a vibrant red native fruit used traditionally as food and medicine. In beauty, it has surged in popularity because it behaves almost like a gentle natural exfoliant. Great for people with dull skin, uneven texture or mild hyperpigmentation.

• Rich in phenolic acids — antioxidants that protect and brighten
• Natural AHA-like action to smooth and refine skin
• Hydrating and anti-inflammatory
• High in vitamin E and magnesium

Pink clay

Australian clays are globally recognised for their purity and mineral richness. Each colour has its own unique benefits, and pink is the superstar of the bunch. It works for almost every skin type and is ideal for glow and radiance.

• Brightens and even skin tone
• Gentle exfoliation
• Softens and hydrates
• Calms irritation

Images: Getty

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