There is something rather special about kawakawa.
With its beautiful heart-shaped leaves and distinctive peppery scent, kawakawa is one of the most recognisable native plants here in Aotearoa. It grows abundantly throughout Te Tai Tokerau and much of the North Island, often flourishing beneath the shelter of the forest canopy.
For generations, kawakawa has been valued within rongoā Māori, the traditional Māori system of healing. Its leaves have historically been prepared and used in many ways, including externally to care for the skin. This long relationship deserves to be spoken about with respect: kawakawa is much more than a fashionable skincare ingredient — it is a taonga with deep cultural significance.
Those Holey Leaves
If you have ever looked closely at kawakawa, you may have noticed that many of its leaves are dotted with holes. These are usually created by the kawakawa looper caterpillar, which feeds on the leaves.
Rather than making the plant less beautiful, I think the holes are part of its character. They are a lovely little reminder that the kawakawa is part of a living ecosystem, providing food and shelter for our native insects. It is also a sign that the plant is healthy and nourishing, good enough for the caterpillar to munch on!
Why Use Kawakawa in Bodycare?
Kawakawa has become a much-loved ingredient in natural bodycare because of its reputation as a gentle, comforting plant for the skin.
When infused into a carrier oil and incorporated into a thoughtfully formulated product, kawakawa can help:
- Nourish and soften dry skin
- Soothe skin that feels tight, uncomfortable or weather-exposed
- Support the skin’s natural moisture barrier
- Care for rough areas such as hands, elbows, knees and heels
- Provide gentle, everyday comfort for hardworking skin
Its versatility is one of the things I love most about it. Kawakawa can be used in balms, body oils, soaps and shampoo bars for your hair and body bars, either as the star ingredient or alongside other nourishing plant oils and butters.
A Particularly Lovely Ingredient for Dry Skin
Our skin is exposed to a great deal throughout the day: sun, wind, cold weather, frequent washing and the general wear and tear of everyday life.
Products made with kawakawa-infused oil can help replenish some of the moisture that dry skin is missing. In a balm, the oils and butters form a protective layer that helps reduce moisture loss, leaving the skin feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable.
Kawakawa products can be especially useful during winter, after gardening or outdoor work, or whenever your skin needs a little extra care.
Kawakawa at Dirty Hippie
At Dirty Hippie, I love working with ingredients that are simple, purposeful and connected to the natural world around us, and Kawakawa is a perfect fit with that philosophy.
You will find it throughout our Kawakawa Collection, including our balms, oils and Hemp ’n’ Kawakawa Hair & Body Bar. Each product combines kawakawa with carefully chosen natural ingredients to create uncomplicated, hardworking bodycare for the whole whānau.
Our Hemp ’n’ Kawakawa Bar, for example, contains kawakawa-infused organic hemp seed oil along with organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil and organic castor oil. It is designed as a practical all-in-one bar that can be used on both the hair and body — perfect for home, the gym, camping or travelling.
Simple, Natural Care
Kawakawa is not a new discovery. It is a plant with a long history, a strong connection to Aotearoa and a well-earned place in natural bodycare.
For me, using kawakawa is about creating products that feel grounded, honest and genuinely useful. There are no complicated routines required — just nourishing ingredients, carefully combined to give your skin the everyday care it deserves.
If your skin is feeling dry, rough or in need of a little extra aroha, explore the Dirty Hippie Kawakawa Collection and discover this beautiful native ingredient for yourself.
