The Native Snowflower is recognised for its white flowers that look like snowflakes, native to Eastern Australia and belonging to the myrtle family. Long used by First nation communities for its remarkable healing properties, it is one of Australia's most potent skincare botanicals and one of its least known outside of the natural beauty space.
Snowflower has an incredible antioxidant profile, containing 100 times the antioxidant action of Vitamin C and 50 times that of Vitamin E. It is the signature active in our Hydra Glow Facial Oil, responsible for the formula's distinctive lit-from-within luminosity.
Why it's used in Skincare
Snowflower contains a wide range of active phytonutrients that deliver a vast array of skincare benefits — brightening the skin, reducing inflammation, and contributing to an even, radiant complexion. Snowflower contains gallic acid, an antioxidant with potent anti-ageing properties that contributes to the reduction of redness and pigmentation in the skin. Outback Botanics Rather than sitting on the skin surface, it integrates into the feel of the barrier layer, contributing to a healthy-looking, glowing appearance while helping the other actives in the formula feel effective.
Key Skin benefits
- Remarkable anti-ageing, brightening, and pigmentation-fighting properties, coupled with soothing and nourishing abilities
- Contributes to a naturally luminous, lit-from-within skin appearance
- Rich in quercetin - a flavonol antioxidant known to decrease inflammation and provide protection for the skin
- Catechins and kaempferol glycosides inhibit skin photoageing caused by UV radiation
- Lightweight and non-greasy, skin feels comfortable after application
- Suitable for all skin types, particularly beneficial for dull, uneven or reactive skin
The research
Study 1 - Melaleuca alternifolia for photoaged skin - clinical trial (PubMed, 2022)
A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study published on PubMed evaluated the penetration depth, antioxidant capacity, and clinical efficacy of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil in preventing skin photoageing. Forty male participants aged 18-28 were enrolled across three groups over 90 days. All groups using Melaleuca alternifolia formulations showed an increase in papillary depth, improvement in dermis echogenicity, and improvement in collagen fibres.
→ Read the study on PubMed: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35668682
Study 2 - Quercetin as a therapeutic agent for skin: systematic review and meta-analysis (PubMed, 2024)
Quercetin is one of Snowflower's primary active compounds. A systematic review and meta-analysis published on PubMed analysed 65 studies on quercetin and skin health. The meta-analysis found that quercetin had powerful antioxidant properties, protecting against oxidative stress, and acted as an anti-inflammatory by suppressing multiple inflammatory pathways. Quercetin also significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity, resulting in a significantly reduced melanin content, supporting its role in brighter looking, more even-toned skin.
→ Read the study on PubMed: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39738831
SUITABLE FOR: All skin types. Particularly beneficial for dull, uneven, or sun affected skin.
FOUND IN: Hydra Glow Facial Oil
HOW TO USE: Apply a small amount of Hydra Glow Facial Oil after moisturiser. Snowflower Oil contributes the signature glow effect of this formula.
Frequently asked questions
What is Australian Snowflower and what is it used for in skincare?
Australian Snowflower (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a native plant from eastern Australia, belonging to the myrtle family and recognised by its delicate white flowers that resemble frost or snow. In skincare, it is used for its exceptional antioxidant properties, ability to brighten and even the complexion, reduce inflammation and redness, support collagen production, and protect skin from environmental stressors. It is the signature active in Hub for Belle's Hydra Glow Facial Oil.
How powerful is Snowflower as an antioxidant?
Snowflower is one of Australia's most potent native botanicals. It contains 100 times the antioxidant action of Vitamin C and 50 times that of Vitamin E, making it significantly more powerful than most well-known antioxidant ingredients used in skincare. This exceptional antioxidant profile is what gives the Hydra Glow Facial Oil its skin-brightening and protective performance.
Does Snowflower brighten skin?
Snowflower is rich in Vitamin C and quercetin, a flavonol antioxidant known to decrease inflammation and provide skin-brightening effects. Quercetin reduces histamine production, which results in reduced redness and increased overall skin brightness.
Does Snowflower help with anti-ageing?
Snowflower contains gallic acid, catechins and kaempferol glycosides antioxidants associated with collagen production, skin repair and protection against UV-induced photoageing. Catechins, the same antioxidants that make green tea beneficial, fight free radicals and assist in skin repair, while gallic acid has been studied for its role in reducing the appearance of pigmentation and supporting skin firmness.
Does Snowflower protect skin from UV damage?
Snowflower's catechins and kaempferol glycosides have been associated with inhibiting skin photoageing caused by UV radiation. Additionally, quercetin, present in Snowflower, is a potent antioxidant that neutralises free radicals associated with UV-induced damage. Snowflower is not a sunscreen and does not replace SPF, but it contributes antioxidant protection as part of a complete skincare routine.
