Davidson plum

Antioxidant0.5–3%

A tart, deep-purple rainforest plum rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, used for radiant-looking skin and natural colour.

What it is

Davidson plum is a sour, dark-purple fruit from the rainforests of northern New South Wales and Queensland. It is rich in anthocyanins, the pigments that colour berries, and other plant antioxidants. Extracts appear in serums, masks and body washes, adding antioxidants and a natural rosy tint.

Good for

Dull skinRadianceAntioxidant care

How it works

Anthocyanins and other polyphenols neutralise free radicals in lab tests, which is why the extract is used as an antioxidant ingredient. In a 2020 study of three native fruits, Davidson plum (named there as D. pruriens, a related species) had the highest iron-reducing (FRAP) antioxidant power, ahead of finger lime and pepperberry.

Ratings

Evidence

2/5

Antioxidant activity in lab studies, with no published skin trials.

Gentleness

4/5

No irritation concerns reported, though acidic extracts may tingle.

Formulation difficulty

3/5

Its red pigment turns blue-grey near neutral pH and fades in light.

Cost

3/5

Mid-priced, as orchard supply is small.

Popularity

2/5

Niche, used mainly by Australian natural brands.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

Neutral-to-alkaline bases if a red tint is wantedTurns blue-grey

Formulations it suits

Serum Cream or sleeping mask Body wash Cream Toner, essence and face mist

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	Davidsonia jerseyana is listed as endangered, so supply must be cultivated and exports need a wildlife trade permit backed by an approved propagation source. Confirm AICIS status with the supplier.
China	Not in China's IECIC, so it must be notified to NMPA as a new ingredient before use; if it is used to colour the product, it needs full NMPA registration instead.
European Union	Listed in CosIng as Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract, with no EU restriction or labelling requirement of its own.
Climate	Its anthocyanin colour fades with heat and strong UV, so for hot or high-UV markets use opaque packs and keep the formula towards the low end of pH 3–5.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

0.5–3%0525%

pH window

pH 3–52 acid7 neutral10 alkaline

Solubility

Water-soluble

Sensitive to

LightHigh pHHeat

Serums, masks and washes use 0.5–3% as an antioxidant fruit extract; higher levels add more red colour.

INCI	Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract
Also known as	Davidson's plum, Davidsonia, Davidsonia jerseyana
Origin	plant-derived

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Water phase, as a glycerin–water extract.

Stability

Add below 40 °C, and choose a grade preserved with sorbate and benzoate or order it unpreserved to suit the formula's own preservation.

Regulatory, Australia

Cosmetic ingredient in Australia, so confirm AICIS Inventory status with the supplier, who lists CAS 1174401-42-3.

Claims to take care with

Cosmetic claims include 'antioxidant-rich' and 'radiant-looking skin', but avoid 'anti-ageing at the cellular level', which is therapeutic. Do not present lab antioxidant data as clinical results.