What is Totarol？

What exactly is Totarol?

Totarol is a compound extracted from the Totara tree, a native to New Zealand. A giant of the New Zealand forest, the Totara tree has lived here for a long, long time. After the Kauri, it’s recognised as the longest living tree, having reached the ripe old age of 1000 years. This tree has definitely seen some things!

Its Totarol compound makes the wood extremely resistant to decay, due to its potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. In fact, the Maori people and early European settlers realised the tree’s potential long before we ever caught on. While they used the wood for housing, waka’s and more, their medicinal use for the tree was most fascinating. The smoke was said to be a cure for skin complaints, while boiled bark was used to reduce a fever.How Does Totarol Work?

What Does Totarol Do for the Skin?

Drawing inspiration from Maori traditions, totarol's antimicrobial and antioxidant properties become invaluable for skincare. Addressing acne caused by Propionibacterium acnes, totarol inhibits bacterial growth, promoting clearer, less-prone skin. With antioxidant prowess surpassing vitamin E, totarol becomes a shield against UV damage and environmental toxins, offering a natural defense mechanism. Additionally, totarol's sustainable sourcing adds an eco-friendly dimension to its skincare benefits.

Is Totarol Good for Acne Prone Skin?

Totarol's antimicrobial qualities make it an ideal ally for acne-prone skin. By inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, totarol helps clear pores and soothe irritated skin. Its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of acne establishes totarol as a valuable addition to skincare routines targeting breakouts.

Is Totarol Good for the Skin?

In unequivocal terms, totarol proves to be exceptionally beneficial for the skin. Its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, combined with sustainable sourcing, make totarol a holistic solution for various skin concerns. Whether tackling regular acne breakouts or occasional stress-induced spots, totarol emerges as a versatile skincare ally.

What is the solubility of totarol?

Totarol is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, DMSO, and dimethyl formamide. The solubility of totarol in these solvents is approximately 2, 3, and 2.5 mg/ml, respectively.

About the benefits of Totarol...

Through 20 years of R&D we know that Totaral has potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can be utilised across health applications, including very effectively in skincare and oralcare where it has predominantly been used since its commercialisation.

By disrupting the bacteria cell, Bioactive Totarol™ creates an environment that starves bacteria of any environment for it to survive in, while not harming any of the other useful microorganisms. In the case of bacteria on skin, Totarol is active against acne causing bacteria and is one of the rare phytochemicals active against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Streptococcus (Strep) and Cutibacterium acnes (C. Acnes). 

Bioactive Totarol also strongly inhibits lipid peroxidation and scavenges ROS (reactive oxygen species); its high antioxidant properties have been tested and proven to be seven times more effective than Vitamin E, a popular antioxidant used across skincare. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralise free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause harm if their levels become too high in the body. They’re linked to multiple illnesses and are caused by oxidative stress caused by lifestyle and environmental factors like sun, UV rays, pollution and smoking.

How Does Totarol Work?

The Totara tree, with a lifespan of up to a thousand years, owes its endurance to totarol. This compound exhibits antimicrobial properties, rendering the tree resistant to decay. Acting as a potent antioxidant, totarol safeguards the Totara tree against environmental stressors. Translating these attributes to skincare, totarol becomes a powerful ally for the skin.