Sustainable Spotlight: Terres d’Afrique

Terres d’Afrique is a scientifically formulated organic skin and body collection made in Africa. Madagascan-born Dr. Stephan Helary, founder of the brand, has spent his life studying the indigenous plants and animals of Africa. He earned his PhD in Nutritional Ecology, researching the diet of the Black Rhinoceroses, as well as a master’s degree in Environmental and Wildlife Management from the University of Liege in Belgium, where he graduated as a veterinary doctor.

Dr. Helary’s interests in plants and ethnobotany led him to found Terres d’Afrique, a brand that uses potent formulations of uniquely African skincare ingredients. We caught up with Dr. Helary to learn more about his journey and the sustainable collection.

What inspired you to start the brand?

The richness of the African plant kingdom, of the cultural diversity of the continent, and the incredible knowledge that indigenous people have of the plants that grow in the ecosystems in which they live. 

I have always been fascinated about ethnobotany and wanted to contribute to preserving this incredible ancestral knowledge, while making sure it benefits local communities and future generations. 

There were also very few African skincare brands 10 years ago. Bringing these unique and potent wild harvested plants into the market was an exciting challenge. 

Is there a signature ingredient or product that you are known for?

We use many African indigenous plants from all over Africa, but one of my favorites is Kigelia Africana. Traditionally used by Tsonga and Shangaan people from Mozambique and South Africa, the ultra-versatile Kigelia africana helps clarify the skin, reduce or prevent blemishes, reduce congestion and inflammation, and tighten and firm. It helps reduce premature signs of aging, acne, sensitivity, eczema, and psoriasis due to potent antioxidants, anti-inflammatory molecules, and natural steroids. Scientific studies have shown the effect of this plant on preventing skin cancer.

Baobab is another superfood ingredient we use in many formulations. The tree, called “Tree of Life” in African, is an icon of the African landscape. 

Our most sought-after products are our Omumbiri Body Butter, Uplifting Serum and Facial Glow.

Do you have a favorite product from the collection?

The Uplifting Serum would be the favorite product from our face range for its soothing, hydrating, and firming properties. 

From our body range, our Omumbiri Body Butter is one of our best sellers. Its rich, luxurious consistency and exotic omumbiri scent, also called Namibian myrrh, are a real pleasure to the senses. It is a non-greasy formulation that absorbs really quickly despite its richness, and leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft, supple, and smooth. 

How has your collection been used in spas and where can we find it?

We have been offered in spas in 5-star hotels and resorts for almost 10 years. Our spa offerings range from classic to very holistic face and body rituals, drawing from the best holistic techniques from around the world. We also create bespoke journeys and spa menus for our clients, often incorporating customized treatments for the specific needs of each client. These range from creating your own scrub to a blind scent tasting experience to creating your personalized aromatherapy blend, and creating your own journey by choosing the rituals that inspire you. 

We have been working with Four Seasons in Mauritius, Seychelles, Johannesburg, and in the Serengeti. We also collaborate with Six Senses, One and Only resorts, Anantara, Westin, and more exclusive high-end safari companies such as Singita, Wilderness Safari, and Time and Tide (Miavana). 

Can you tell us a little about your sustainability practices and how you source your ingredients? 

We feel a deep-seated moral obligation to create with respect for the Earth and the people who help us along the way. We operate as sustainably as possible to preserve the biodiversity of the ecosystems where we harvest and we develop long-term, equitable partnerships with local producers in our supply chain. 

We practice sustainable hand-harvesting from wild grown plants to preserve biodiversity in the ecosystems where our ingredients natively grow.

As much as possible, we work with certified organic producers, but prioritize sustainable harvesting with the safety and benefits for our customers above all. Our ingredients come from all over Africa—from Namibia, South Africa, Madagascar to Morocco, Zambia, and many more.  

Can you tell us about your relationship with the community where the products come from and what you do to give back?

These communities have discovered the benefits of these powerful plants and used them for generations, some for thousands of years. Their resulting expertise—where to find the best trees, the most effective techniques for harvest—is unparalleled. And all of their work is done with the utmost respect for the land, which is also their home.

We honor this indigenous intellectual property and do not pressure these producers into exclusive agreements. We also guarantee access to transparent and equitable benefits sharing in accordance with the Nagoya protocol. 

Terres d’Afrique donates 1% of its sales to the Baobab Foundation, which supports projects in Baobab harvesting communities. They are building a pre-school in the Dambale Village, which provides Terres d’Afrique with Baobab for our products.

[Images courtesy of Terres d’Afrique]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy