The 5 Best Natural Ingredients for Maturing Skin in NZ: A Formulator’s Guide
Let’s be honest about ageing. In the beauty industry, “anti-ageing” has become a loaded term, often synonymous with fighting, fixing, or erasing who we are. At Scenturie, we prefer the term pro-ageing. We believe that ageing is a privilege, and our goal isn’t to make you look 20 again—it’s to help you look and feel your absolute radiant best at 40, 50, 60, and beyond.
However, as an experienced health professional and skincare formulator, I know that the skin’s needs change dramatically as we mature. The cell turnover slows down, collagen production dips, and the lipid barrier—the shield that keeps moisture in—becomes thinner.
When you add the unique environmental challenges we face here in Aotearoa, New Zealand, specifically our intense UV radiation and fluctuating humidity, you have a recipe for accelerated skin ageing, dehydration, and sensitivity.
For years, the industry standard for maturing skin has been synthetic Retinol. While effective, it often comes with a harsh trade-off: redness, peeling, and a compromised skin barrier. I knew there had to be a better way. I wanted to formulate a solution that delivered high-performance results without the “burn.”
In this guide, I’m sharing the science behind the top five natural ingredients that I believe are essential for maturing New Zealand skin—and why I chose them for our award-winning Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum.
The Unique Challenge: Why NZ Skin Ages Differently
Before we dive into ingredients, we need to understand the environment we live in. New Zealand skin takes a beating that skin in Europe or North America simply doesn’t.
Due to the thinner ozone layer over our region, UV radiation levels in New Zealand can be up to 40% higher than at similar latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. This intense UV exposure is the primary cause of “extrinsic ageing” (ageing caused by external factors rather than genetics). It leads to:
Breakdown of Collagen: UV rays penetrate deep into the dermis, damaging the collagen fibres that give our skin its bounce and structure.
Free Radical Damage: Environmental stressors create unstable molecules that attack healthy skin cells.
Dehydration: Our wind and sun strip the skin of its natural oils.
To combat this, a skincare routine for NZ skin needs to do more than just moisturise. It needs to provide high-level antioxidant protection, barrier support, and ingredients that promote a smoother, firmer appearance without making the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Ingredient 1: Bakuchiol (The Plant-Based Game Changer)
If you are looking to smooth the appearance of fine lines without the side effects of harsh chemicals, Bakuchiol is the gold standard.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-ol) is a vegan skincare ingredient found in the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It has deep roots in traditional medicine, but modern science has recently thrust it into the spotlight.
Why I Formulate With It
Scientific studies have shown that Bakuchiol functions as a “functional analogue” to Retinol. This means that while it has a different chemical structure, it triggers the same pathways in the skin cells. It helps to:
Boost the appearance of firmness: By supporting the skin’s natural structure.
Smooth texture: Improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Even out skin tone: Helping to reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots.
The NZ Advantage
The biggest advantage of Bakuchiol for Kiwis is that, unlike synthetic Retinol, it is not photosensitizing. You can wear it during the day (always with SPF, of course) without worrying that it is making your skin more vulnerable to our harsh sun. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin types that usually react to active ingredients with redness or flaking.
This is why Bakuchiol is the “Hero” ingredient at a 1% concentration in our Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum.
Ingredient 2: Cacay Oil (The Natural Vitamin A Powerhouse)
While Argan and Rosehip oils are fantastic, Cacay Oil is the unsung hero of high-performance natural beauty. Sourced from the Amazon, this golden oil is cold-pressed from the nuts of the Cacay tree.
The Science of Cacay
I chose to include Cacay Oil in our formulations because it is incredibly nutrient-dense. It is naturally rich in Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin E, and Linoleic Acid.
Vitamin A: Promotes cell turnover for fresher, smoother-looking skin.
Linoleic Acid: This is an essential fatty acid that our bodies cannot produce. It fortifies the skin barrier, keeping moisture locked in.
For maturing skin, Cacay Oil offers a “double-whammy” of support: it helps to soften the look of lines while deeply nourishing the lipid barrier that tends to weaken as we age.
Ingredient 3: Coenzyme Q10 (The Cellular Energy Shot)
You might know CoQ10 as a supplement for heart health, but it is vital for skin health too. Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant in our bodies, but levels decline rapidly as we age.
Why Maturing Skin Needs It
Think of CoQ10 as the battery charger for your skin cells. It provides the energy cells need to repair themselves and maintain their structure. When levels drop, the skin’s ability to bounce back from damage diminishes, leading to a loss of firmness and radiance.
By applying CoQ10 topically, we help to replenish this vital antioxidant defense. It works to neutralise the free radicals caused by NZ’s high UV levels, helping to protect the skin from further environmental damage while supporting a firmer, more energised appearance.
Ingredient 4: New Zealand Native Botanicals (Kānuka)
We cannot talk about high-performance skincare without looking at our own backyard. New Zealand native plants have evolved to survive our harsh UV environment by producing potent protective compounds. When we use these extracts in skincare, we pass that protection on to your skin.
NZ Kānuka Oil
Often overshadowed by its cousin Mānuka, Kānuka is a powerhouse for maturing and sensitive skin. It has powerful soothing and calming properties. As skin ages, it often becomes more reactive and prone to redness. Kānuka helps to calm the complexion, creating a more even, radiant tone.
Ingredient 5: Olive Squalane (The “bio-identical” Hydrator)
As we age, our skin produces less of its natural oils (sebum). This is why skin gets drier and duller over time. Squalane is a lipid derived from olives that mimics the molecular structure of human sebum almost perfectly.
Why it Works
Because it is “bio-identical,” the skin recognizes Squalane instantly and absorbs it deep into the dermis without leaving a greasy residue. It restores the suppleness and flexibility that dry, maturing skin often lacks. It leaves the skin feeling velvet-soft and acts as a carrier, helping to pull other active ingredients (like Bakuchiol and CoQ10) deeper into the skin where they can do the most work.
The “One-Step” Solution: Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum
You could go out and buy five different products to get these ingredients. Or, you could use the one serum where I have expertly blended them into a single, synergistic formula.
Our Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum is not just an oil blend. It is a high-performance, multi-award-winning treatment designed specifically to target the signs of ageing in the New Zealand climate.
We call it “Liquid Gold” because it combines the top 10 nutrient-rich oils into one potent bottle.
Why It’s an Award-Winner
We are incredibly proud that this serum has been recognised internationally, winning ‘Editor’s Choice Awards’ at the International Beauty Shortlist Awards for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025).
This isn’t just marketing hype; it’s validation from independent beauty experts that our plant-derived, plastic-free formula delivers world-class results.
The Formulation Philosophy
When I created this serum, I wanted to ensure it was:
Effective: Containing a functional 1% concentration of Bakuchiol.
Gentle: Safe for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate synthetic Retinol.
Sustainable: Packaged in glass with aluminium refill options, free from palm oil and harsh synthetics.
What Our Customers Say:
“I’ve been using this bakuchiol serum every morning for six weeks, and my skin has never looked better. It’s brighter, my skin tone is more even, and it has this healthy glow… It just sinks in and makes your skin feel like velvet. 10/10.” — Katrina C.
“My skin looks firmer and more youthful. I’m 58 and this is one of the best products I’ve ever used. Worth every cent!” — Kerrie T.
How to Build a Routine for Maturing Skin
Using the right ingredients is step one. Using them in the right order is step two. Here is my recommended daily ritual to maximise the benefits of Bakuchiol and natural oils.
Step 1: Cleanse Gently
Never strip maturing skin. Use a creamy, nourishing cleanser like our Natural Creamy Cleanser (Winner: Best Cream Cleanser 2024) that removes impurities while depositing moisture.
Step 2: Hydrate & Prep
Spritz with our Replenishing Natural Toner (containing Hyaluronic Acid). Applying your serum to damp skin helps it absorb better and locks in extra water.
Step 3: The Power Step (The Serum)
Dispense 4-5 drops of Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum onto your fingertips. Press it gently into your face, neck, and décolletage.
Pro Tip: Don’t rub aggressively. Pressing helps absorption.
Massage: Use upward, sweeping motions to encourage blood flow and lymph drainage, which helps with puffiness and radiance.
Step 4: Lock it In
Follow with a moisturiser like our Nourishing Natural Day Cream or Ultra-Rich Natural Night Cream. This creates an occlusive layer that seals the serum in, ensuring it works for you all day or night.
Conclusion: Beauty Without Compromise
At Scenturie, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between high-performance results and ethical values. You can have a skincare routine that smooths the look of fine lines, restores radiance, and supports your skin’s health, while also being vegan, cruelty-free, and plastic-free.
If you are ready to experience the difference of expert-formulated, NZ-made skincare, I invite you to try our Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum. It’s a small change to your routine that can make a visible difference to your skin’s vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I use Bakuchiol if I have very sensitive skin?
A: Absolutely. This is one of the main reasons I chose Bakuchiol over synthetic Retinol for the Scenturie range. Bakuchiol provides similar skin-smoothing and radiance-boosting benefits but is generally very well tolerated by sensitive skin types. It does not cause the peeling, redness, or “retinol uglies” often associated with Vitamin A derivatives.
Q2. Is this serum safe to use during the day in the NZ sun?
A: Yes. Unlike synthetic Retinol, which breaks down in sunlight and can make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, Bakuchiol is photostable. This means you can use our Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum both morning and night. However, living in New Zealand, we always recommend following your morning routine with a high-protection, broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen.
Q3. Can I use Bakuchiol alongside Vitamin C or AHAs?
A: Yes, Bakuchiol is a very “friendly” ingredient. It plays well with others. You can safely use it in a routine that also includes Vitamin C (for brightening) or gentle exfoliants. In fact, the soothing properties of the oils in our serum can help counteract any dryness caused by other active ingredients.
Q4. How long does it take to see results from natural skincare?
Natural skincare works with your skin’s natural cycles, not against them. While many customers report an immediate “glow” and softer feeling skin after the first use, visible changes to skin texture and the appearance of fine lines typically occur over a full skin cycle (roughly 28–40 days). Consistency is key.
Q5. Why do you use glass packaging?
We are committed to a “Planet-First” philosophy. Plastic waste is a major issue in the beauty industry. We package our serums in amber glass because it is infinitely recyclable and protects the potent botanical oils from light damage. We also offer plastic-free aluminium refill lids so you can reuse your glass dropper or pump, reducing waste even further.
Q6. Is this serum suitable for oily or combination skin?
Yes. There is a myth that oils cause breakouts, but the right oils actually help balance the skin. Our serum uses non-comedogenic oils (like Jojoba and Squalane) that mimic the skin’s natural sebum. This signals your skin to stop over-producing oil, often leading to a more balanced, less shiny complexion over time.
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