The Cosmetic Wonders of the Baobab Tree

The Baobab tree, which is indigenous to Namibia as well as some areas in the Caribbean, India, Madagascar, Cape Verde and other African countries, is a tree of many wonders.

One of these is the properties it contains which makes it ideal for use in cosmetics. A wonder which has been tapped into for hundreds of years.

Entrepreneur Tulimeyo Ausiku has been using the Baobab tree in her range of natural cosmetics and health products for about 15 years and she isn’t planning on stopping any time soon.

“When I was growing up, I saw my mom using the powder as a face powder and when I started using it as an adult, my colleagues all asked about it, complimenting me on how good it looks on my skin,” she recalls. “At the time I started using it, loose powders were not widely available in Windhoek so I decided to go into the business of making my own with the Baobab powder, making sure to get better packaging so that I can attract more customers.”

The Baobab, which is also known by its scientific name Adansonia digitata, can grow up to 25 metres high and has an impressive lifespan of up to several thousands years. In Africa, its leaves, bark, trunk, seeds and fruit are all used for various purposes.

The Baobab powder is made from the tree’s nutritious fruit which is considered a super food – containing more antioxidants than any other whole fruit, according to aduna.com. “The Baobab powder is highly sought-after around the world because if its high mineral content. When I went into this venture, I read up on the properties of the fruit and once I compared the costs of other cosmetics available on the shelves at the time with the costs of making my own line with this unique ingredient, I realised that this is a good venture,” Ausiku says.

Today, she produces a clay face mask, face powders in a variety of shades as well as a nutritional 100% organic Baobab smoothie mix under her company, Tuli line. “The response we have been getting over the years has been great,” Ausiku says.

The organic smoothie, on the other hand, works from within the body to provide benefits for the skin, aiding in weight loss and prevention of varicose veins, amongst others.

The Tree That Keeps Giving

Baobab oil is yet another incredible ingredient derived from this ancient tree.

Responding to enquiries from The Weekender on the benefits of ingredients from the Baobab tree, naturopath Dr Petrina Auino-Mwandingi said that the Baobab tree has been used for years as a cosmetic and nutritional agent, and for good reason. The Baobab oil, which is obtained from the seeds of the tree, for example is one of the best moisturisers that nature can offer. “It has Omega 3, 6 and 9 and can be used on a daily basis as it absorbs quickly without leaving the skin greasy,” she said. She added that Baobab oil is rich in all the essential fatty acids and is a great moisturiser especially for dry skin and even chapped lips. “With many of the oils that are selling around the world, it sometimes becomes more of what’s trending,” she said, adding that the Baobab oil has persevered over the years because of its unique properties.

“This oil has been around for years. It’s an all-round good oil to use.”

Tuli line products are available at J&P Traders in the Windhoek CBD. Follow Tuli line on Facebook for more information.

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