Rupununi Essence attracts raving reviews for being a true Guyanese beauty elixir

Aug 23, 2020 Features / Columnists, News

By way of clever marketing tactics, many of today’s skincare products promise beautiful, blemish free, youthful skin. But how many of those claims are actually true and more importantly, how do we know those products are safe?
While these products may be giving us the results we want, they could be subtly harming our bodies. And there’s nothing beautiful about that! This is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with products which have sources you are familiar with, ingredients that are simple and processes that can be trusted. Let’s go back to times long ago (about 7000 years to be exact), when only nature’s purest and finest ingredients were used for skincare and their effectiveness and safety were guaranteed.
Some of nature’s finest beauty ingredients can be found in Guyana’s diverse Rupununi savannahs. Envision mother nature’s most superb potion for supple smooth skin, growing from seed to a tall straight tree, encased in a beautiful wooden shell and referred to as the treasure of the forest. What is this wonder seed you ask? It’s none other than the crabwood tree seed!
This very special tree is known by many names, such as Andiroba-Saruba, Brazilian Mahogany and Carapa and the oil from its seeds is highly valued for its multi-beneficial nature. It is also found in countries like Brazil and Peru, and they flourish in Africa.

The tree’s leaves, bark, and seeds have been used extensively by the indigenous people to cure a number of ailments. Director of Resource Management for Iwokrama Dr. Raquel Thomas notes that crabwood oil has known antifungal properties and a study at Iwokrama showed over 40 different uses for it, including for trush, skin moisturizer, insect repellant, hair, wood oil repair, joint pains, swellings, and rheumatism and sunburn treatment to name a few.
Crab wood oil has also been used as a natural agent to remedy skin injuries and to heal and reduce scars.
There is another oil you may be more familiar with that nature gave us, which has similar properties. It is the ever versatile coconut oil which contains moisturizing saturated fats which replenishes and retains hydration to leave your skin nourished, soft, smooth and glowing.

Now I’ll tell you about one other oil that does wonders not just for your skin, but for your senses too. It is none other than the humble lemongrass (commonly called fever grass). It is usually used in Guyana in tea, particularly when you’re feeling a little under the weather. Lemon grass oil is not just energizing and aromatic, it also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. In skincare, this is essential to reducing that agonizing inflammation and suppresses bacterial growth on your worst acne days.

After learning about three of nature’s best elixirs, I’m sure you’re anxious to know how you can get these benefits right at your fingertips and in one heavenly potion too. Not to worry, through a collaboration between the Medicine from Trees Group and the Makushi Research Unit of Bina Hill, North Rupununi, with the assistance of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), the Rupununi Essence Luxury Facial Cleanser and Skin Nutrient was created four years ago. This product combines the benefits of the crabwood seed oil, lemongrass and coconut oil using modern methods and state of the art science to give you 100% quality controlled natural skincare.
But Rupununi Essence is much more than a luxury facial cleanser. It will directly benefit hinterland communities, from the crabwood oil producers across the country to the soapmakers, making the environmentally sustainable extraction of the oil more economically viable and providing the potential for further research and development of ancient medicinal knowledge into modern natural skincare.
Over the four years since its introduction, Rupununi Essence has amassed quite a following, testament to its efficacy, consistency and value. Below holds just a few of the testimonials about this one of a kind Guyanese beauty elixir.

For many years I have used multiple products on my skin from different well-known and expensive brands, which unfortunately have never provided the results that the makers claim.
But one day my husband brought home a wonderful gift for me from his first visit to Guyana called RUPUNUNI ESSENCE (Facial Cleanser and Skin Nutrient). I was absolutely delighted with the excellent results. After very little time my face felt very clean, soft and well hydrated and protected through the day. It almost seems magical in its effect and the way it makes my skin feel. Furthermore, the product is made with natural ingredients and helps protect my skin from the impacts of leading a busy and active life.
Alejandra (Bogota, Colombia)

If you haven’t tried Rupununi essence yet, then I think you should definitely give this local product a shot.
I felt a difference in one wash and since I have very oily skin, my skin was left smooth and not too dry.
It helps that it smells great and comes in a pump cover bottle, the packaging is beautiful. Most of all the ingredients are all-natural in my view, that’s the best part of it.
One of the best local products I’ve come across so far, I give this a 5 star!

– Susana (Make-up artist, Guyana)

I, like many others, tried various expensive high brand products and while the results were okay, I felt it was not enough. So when I was first introduced to the Rupunini Essence Facial cleanser I have to admit I was a bit skeptical (this was my typical foreign minded mentality at that time-my perception has since changed).
I researched the product and it dawned upon me that the main ingredients were what my grandmother and mother used, and to me, they had perfect, healthy skin. So I took the big plunge and three years later since my introduction, I am still hooked. The mere fact that facial cleansers have to be used on a regular basis can also affect one’s budget, thankfully the manufacturers understand this fully and have made it very affordable.
When my daughter became a teenager recently and the usual fiasco of acne concerns followed, she had a long list of expensive facial products she needed, I asked her if she wanted to try my Rupununi Cleanser and after much ‘no’s, lots of objections, (she felt it was an ‘old people thing’ because her mother was using it), she finally tried it and it has worked wonders for her. Needless to say, Rupununi essence facial Cleanser is now on the top of the shopping list. I fully endorse and recommend this product. – Phoolkumari (Radio and Television personality, Guyana)

FIVE STARS! I have acne sometimes and I decided to try this Cleanser because of the Natural Ingredients of crabwood and lemongrass especially. It works really well in helping me remove my makeup, unclog and clear my pores. There’s a nice refreshing feeling on the skin after use; I really am happy with the results.
– Reneé (BROMELIAD. Rnc, Guyana)

Rupununi Essence is an amazing product with ingredients known to Indigenous women for centuries in particular the Crabwood Oil. I also am a fan of this product because it supports the women of the North Rupununi and this impact in livelihoods shows that partnerships can have far reaching sustainable implications for communities. I personally use this product and love how my face feels after washing. I have given many persons as gifts and they love it and friends with skin problem have testified that it works.
– Raquel (Iwokrama, Guyana)

I happened to buy a bottle of Rupununi Essence at the airport two years ago and since then I have been hooked. My skin has never looked or felt this good. I have since compared the results with many of the leading brands and guess what…this is my choice. I’m so proud of my homeland for producing this excellent product!
– Wendy (London, Ontario)

After trying many different products for my acne, Rupununi Essence was introduced to me by a friend in 2018. I have been using it ever since. Not only has this product gotten rid of my acne, but it has transformed my skin, keeping it clean and smooth!
– Simone (New York)

Rupununi Essence products are available at Pharmacies, Supermarkets and Beauty Supply stores in Guyana as well at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and from the IAST by calling 222-4215 or ordering the products through Instagram or Facebook. Deliveries during COVID-19 restrictions are available from the IAST.