Rooibos, or African red bush, is a leguminous shrub that grows only in South Africa's Cedarberg Mountains. A caffeine-free and low-tannin tea made from the red-colored leaves has reportedly been drunk by the locals for centuries and is used to relieve constipation, for various types of inflammatory dermatitis and for milk allergies in babies. Studies carried out in South Africa suggest that it may help protect against free radical damage that can lead to varying types of cancer and heart problems.

More recently a number of cosmetics and personal care companies have been picking up on Rooibos as a new efficient ingredient that satisfies the growing demands for natural and organically grown plant materials. Furthermore, the ingredient is even more appealing to the industry because of its high levels of antioxidants, properties that are becoming particularly sought after for anti-aging formulations.

In 2006, Symrise Research carried out antioxidant efficacy tests on Neo-Extrapone Organic Rooibos and determined that it is just as effective as green tea, a finding which it said could lead to more widespread use in cosmetics to satisfy the growing demand for effective, naturally-derived ingredients.