Project
Kalahari Melon Oil - Turning a drought-resistant weed into a high-value cosmetics ingredient

African Origin Oils was founded as a climate intervention, following the worst drought in our region for 80 years. As other crops was failing in the arid climate, the Kalahari Melon - indigenous to our region - was flourishing, given the little competition from other plants.

Widely considered a weed by most farmers, the plant has been ignored and even actively removed from lands. It was not until we took a closer look following the failure of other crops, that we discovered the plant contained a special oil, with a unique chemical profile and fantastic benefits for skin and hair care.

For the last 10 years, we have been researching, developing and producing the oil. We have paid special attention to the development of the market for this unknown ingredient, understanding that for this increadibly drought resistant plant and is sustainable, powerful ingredient, to have the social impact it is capable of, it should gain recognition and acceptance in the wider market.

In 2019 we were fortunate enough to be awarded a grant by Innovate UK, working in conjunction with TGH Think Space NPC in South Africa, to conduct research into the industrialisation and social impact potential of this ingredient. The project started in March 2020, and will continue until at least March 2022.

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