African Botanics has been nailing it lately. When I first wrote about them (see review for their mask), I did not foresee that they’d go on to release a steady stream of hit after hits with an impeccable eye on design & packaging (the new Neroli Infused Marulia Oil calls my name). Today, African Botanics is beloved by the ultra-luxe Violet Grey editors and is frequently seen on Instagram in the photo editorials of the chicest influencers. I believe what catapulted African Botanics really started with one product – the Fleus D’Afrique – Intensive Recovery Oil. The striking black frosted semi-translucent glass bottle combined with the most high powered, sought after ingredients in the skincare game became the skincare version of capturing lightning in a bottle, and soon everyone was mesmerized by the $250 face oil.
I know – you’re probably thinking “$250!? What? Why!” – so let’s get to it:
What it is
Night-blooming flowers are merged with powerful anti-aging actives in this restorative face oil. Indigenous plants from the most remote regions of South Africa have adapted to survive the harsh challenges of their environment, making them ideal for skin exposed to urban stress, UV damage, and pollution. Utializing advanced anti-aging technology, this light oil reduces fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes, dark spots, redness, and dryness in all skin types.
The African Oil Complex, including extracts of baobab, damask rose, immortelle flower, and jasmine grandiflorum, provide omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 to fight signs of aging. Marine micro-algae, retinol, vitamin c, and CoQ10 are anti-wrinkle actives that refine, calm, and provide antioxidant protection. Formulated without parabens, silicones, or synthetic fragrances. Calms inflammation, redness and irritation from breakouts, sun damage and environmental exposure. The skin is left luminous, more youthful with increased firmness, elasticity and clarity.
What’s in the bottle?
Citrillus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon)* Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)* Seed Oil, Jasmine Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Oil, Adansonia Digitata*, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Rosa Moschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyseride, Cylindrotheca Fusiformis (Microalgae) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Helichrysum Angustifolium (Immortelle) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Myrothamnus Flabellifolius (Resurrection) Extract, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos)* Extract, Bulbinella Nutens (Bulbinella) Extract, Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo)* Oil, Cyclopia (Honeybush) Extract, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C Ester), Retinol (Vitamin A), Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract. *Wild-Harvested.
What struck me most was the high concentration of Jasmine and Rose essential oils, as well as the very unique ingredients including microalgae extract, CoQ10, Vitamin C, and Retinol. And if you’ll notice, they’re not “plant derived” either, we’re talking full-on Vitamin C and Retinol. The top two ingredients form the base which is Kalahari Melon Seed Oil and Marula Seed Oil which are signatures of the South African inspired and produced line. Beyond these call outs, it’s important to note the roster of ingredients including baobab, rosehip, and immortelle which would be stars in their own right in any other formula. The fact is, there is no other oil on the market that has ALL of these ingredients blended in a singular formula. The result is a face oil unlike any other, super concentrated and powerful with the most luxurious fragrance. Once you use it, you’ll understand that the $250 comes with value, as no expenses were sparred in getting only the best ingredients into the bottle.
Impressions
It is no exaggeration to say that African Botanic’s Fleurs D’Afrique was love at first drop. The pump dropper is a luxurious choice and equally as addictive, the golden oil teasing through the black frosted glass is a divine sight to behold, and the immediate floral aroma emanating from the bottle before a drop is even dispensed is sensory heaven. I knew from day one that it would be hard to go back to life without it.
I use about 5 drops for my entire face and I only use it at night due to all the active ingredients. My boyfriend would ask if I was wearing perfume because that is how potent and beautiful the scent profile is. Because of the high level of actives, and the relatively lightweight base oils, this blend is definitely on the lighter side which is why anyone can use it. I consider this an oil-based serum rather than a “face oil as moisturizer” as it is meant to be active rather than simply moisturizing. All of the ingredients are meant to do something rather than sit on your skin, which is the goal when you’re spending $250.
With that said, the results of Fleurs D’Afrique are immediate and long lasting. The superpowers of Vitamin C, Retinol, CoQ10, Microalgae work alongside high quality oils to tackle every issue from anti-aging concerns and pigmentation, to acne and sun damage. It’s powerful in that way where you know it’s just reworking your entire skin, simultaneously working out fine lines and breakouts. In fact the first few times I used it, my skin was flushed and tingly afterward as it really is a powerhouse that let’s you know that the ingredients are working. When I used this oil throughout winter, my skin consistently looked glowing and rested. To be honest, I’m not surprised, this is literally a merger of a high quality skin pampering face oil with an anti-aging treatment, so in one step you get your retinol, Vitamin C, CoQ10 treatments and a face oil. $250 for a multi-treatment doesn’t seem so bad now, right?
Final Thoughts
I know face oils are a dime a dozen these days, but this one broke the mold. This is one of the all time greats as far as I am concerned. Fleurs d’Afrique is as powerful as it is beautiful. Your senses will be taken by the beautiful frosted black glass bottle and the golden oil that peaks through, then when you open the dropper you’ll immediately be floored by the most exquisite aroma of jasmine and rose oils. Your skin will be in for quite a ride with a combination of retinol, vitamin c, coq10, marine algae. This just might be the most powerful oil in existence. Yes, at $250 it is quite an investment but anyone who buys skincare has the question in the back of their mind “is the best money can buy?” and I have to say, when it comes to face oils, this is it.
African Botanics’ Fleurs D’Afrique is available at:
Credo Beauty
Cult Beauty
Violet Grey
So true, this oil was so good. I splurged on it last fall and enjoyed it so much, maybe after I get my tax refund it will come back.
Author
Girl I know the feeling. It’s just a matter of time until I get another bottle in!
I have been waiting to finish all of my oils so I can purchase this. If you could pick one powerhouse oil for daytime, what would that be,
Author
For daytime, something photo-stable with good UV and free radical protection like YULI Liquid Courage for sure.
Thank you for your reply! Will I be able to use a vitamin C serum in the day with the Liquid Courage?
Do you think this oil is better than Sunday Riley’s Luna? I think that has a higher concentration of retinol, so wanted to check with you which has more results.
Author
I think this oil contains better ingredients than Sunday Riley’s. For one thing many of the oils are wild grown which is going to be of a higher quality than Sunday Riley’s which are not even organic. The African Botanics oil has a .1% Retinol content while Sunday Riley has not disclosed hers (also her form of retinol has less testing to indicate actual performance). Beyond that, Sunday Riley’s Luna is a mix of ho-hum oils with a retinol oil while African Botanics is a mix of the best oils with retinol, Vitamin C, CoQ10, AND Microalgae so it is definitely going to be more comprehensive and powerful.
Ooof, this one’s gonna hurt. $250, but you have sold me on it. Absolutely agree on face oils being a dime a dozen these days … I need something that really stands out AND won’t irritate my skin. (Been loving single-ingredient oils that comply a little better with my skin.)
But, jasmine calls…! Will have to see if I can sample it in-store the next time I’m at Credo. Join me? 🙂
The jasmine in this is BEAUTIFUL!!! You’ll love it Kim!
Totally agree with you that oils are a dime a dozen these days!!!! Vintner’s Daughter was my latest and hopefully LAST stupid purchase.
Yet I pulled the trigger on this. I purchased this African Botanics oil when you initially wrote about it last fall (November/December? 2016). I have to admit, I’ve been loving it so much! Unlike you, I didn’t quite see immediate improvements, but my skin has gradually brightened, lightened, cleared, and become more even toned… I don’t think I’ve had a pimple since! Now, I’ve also simplified my daily and nightly ritual too but whatever I’m doing is clearly working.
Oh – now I’m intrigued! I was actually on the road to purchasing Vintner’s Daughter. I’m a novice of using oils on the face (well, I got a sample of Tatcha Cameilla Cleansing Oil and LOVE it) so I was thinking I should test out using a less expensive one first, just to see if I enjoy using these (any suggestions?). One problem with essential oils is that I am VERY sensitive to smells (not skin sensitivity). Most perfumes give me headaches, and even some essential oils are a bit much for me, while others are wonderful. So before I purchase, I wish I could just test the scent first but I don’t have a retail store that has these products near me. I have used many oils listed here, but you never can describe the strength in a to another person. I did find an online store that you can get a sample of Vintner’s Daughter (Ayla for $10) , so maybe I can find one for this because I am really interested, especially with your glowing review. I ordered a bottle of The Ordinary retinol 2%. I only tried it for a few days but I was curious if I could add that to a facial oil?? Anyone know if that would work? Thank you!
Hello! I was wondering if you had tried their new mask, the infinite resurfacing mask? I’m a huge fan of their face oil (my face never looked as good as when I used their samples), but I also purchased their Mineral Cleansing Mask and didn’t really see much of a difference. And what about their new Rose Treatment Essence?
Agreed–the frosted glass bottle is stunning!