Tasmanian Blackcurrant Bud Stem Cells, or in traditional European medicine : “Gemmo”, is a brand new BioActive ingredient in our soon-to-be-launched Bioactive Leatherwood Honey Jelly Mask.

As opposed to a leaf, root or fruit, the tiny bud of a plant is pure intelligence, containing all the nutrients and genetic information required to reproduce. When concentrated and applied to the skin, bud extract can initiate powerful states of healing and regeneration; after all, they’re designed to bloom.

After years of working with plant chemists (wizards in white coats) and local growers (wizards in overalls) we’ve been able to source the rare and precious Blackcurrant Gemmo, (plant stem cells) incorporating it into our skincare range for powerful results against inflammation, environmental damage and ageing.

At the time of writing, we’re the only natural beauty company using this cutting edge yet ancient ingredient.

We’re proud to share the Tasmanian magic with you.

A little Gemmo memo

Everything about Blackcurrant Gemmo is slow and graceful, from the springtime harvest (where it takes experienced pickers about one hour to harvest just 100 grams of buds), to the process of several weeks of steeping and regularly stirring the extract.

We work with van de Winckel family of Marleen Herbs of Tasmania in Barrington who grow organic blackcurrant and process the buds in a way that’s both sacred and scientific. It takes between 125 grams to 225 grams of fresh buds to create just one kilogram of gemmo concentrate extract, so we use this special ingredient with reverence.

What’s so great about buds anyway?

Think of a flower bud; a tightly wrapped package of pure potential. Plants put a lot of energy into their buds because the goal is to produce dazzling flowers that attract pollinators and seed the next generation.

Buds are in a state of intense cell replication, awash with stem cells, antioxidants, nutrients and lifeforce. They’ve been used as medicine since the Middle Ages and are getting a lot of attention in specialised beauty care because, well, they rock.

Tell me more about Blackcurrant

Ribes nigrum is a deciduous shrub that dresses up in vibrant green leaves at the start of spring, delicate pink flowers later in the season, and masses of midnight blue berries over summer.

Brushing past this bush is therapy in itself because it releases a heady aroma of ripe berries, spice and hints of vanilla.

The berries are packed with vitamin C, polyphenols and antiinflammatory compounds; potent constituents that have a natural affinity for the skin.

Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, promoting the elasticity and plumpness we associate with youth, while polyphenols (flavonoids) are high power antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage, the effects of pollution, and UV radiation.

The flowers, leaves and berries have been used in traditional herbalism to treat all kinds of ailments from colds and flus to arthritis and vision loss.

And what about the buds?

We’ve talked a lot about Blackcurrant in general, but let’s hone in on the bud.

Buds are thought to offer even more potent therapeutic effects than the other parts of the plant because they represent the plant’s whole essence and developmental potential.

With soaring concentrations of active constituents like hormones, trace elements, vitamins, minerals and growth factors, they help cells become their best selves/cells.

And when you want to age in a glowing and graceful way, accessing the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate healthy growth and preemptive protection is exactly what you need to do.

Blackcurrant Gemmo in action

Working deep with the dermal layers, Blackcurrant Gemmo is thought to address skin problems at a root cause and symptomatic level, tackling issues like eczema and psoriasis at the source while relieving the itching, redness and irritation that goes along with them.

Another thing Gemmo is renowned for is draining the skin, allowing toxins and pollutants to be released while restoring the integrity of the skin barrier for smoothness, softness and an even complexion.

And finally, those rich antioxidants – designed to protect the bud during its blooming phase – shield your skin too. Free radical damage to DNA is a prime driver of ageing, so anointing yourself with concentrated polyphenols/flavonoids (plant antioxidants) is a wonderful way to keep your DNA intact and your skin tissue fresh and healthy.

If you’d like to become best buds with Blackcurrant Gemmo, watch this space for the launch of our Bioactive Leatherwood Honey Jelly Mask and start experiencing this extraordinary ingredient for yourself.