Totarol
An antioxidant from the heartwood of New Zealand's tōtara tree, used in soothing creams and serums to help defend skin against free radicals.
totarol, totara extract, tōtara, Podocarpus totara
Ageing skin · Sensitive skin
What it does
Totarol is an antioxidant extracted from the heartwood of the tōtara (Podocarpus totara), a native New Zealand conifer from an ancient family of trees, prized for its decay-resistant timber. In skincare it is used in soothing moisturisers and multi-antioxidant serums.
How it works
A natural phenolic compound, totarol helps neutralise the free radicals that damage skin cells. Ingredient suppliers describe it as several times more potent than vitamin E, but independent evidence in skin is limited, so it is best seen as a supporting antioxidant. It is also valued for a purifying quality that suits congested skin, and it is generally well tolerated.
MG says
You'll find totarol in Augustinus Bader's The Ultimate Soothing Cream, alongside TFC8, shea butter and black cumin oil, for dry, irritated or sensitive skin. It also features in Augustinus Bader's The Retinol Serum, which pairs pure retinol with TFC8 and other conditioning actives for better tolerance.
Cautions
Totarol is generally well tolerated, but patch test first if your skin is reactive. The Retinol Serum contains retinol, so avoid it during pregnancy and introduce it slowly.
