What's In My Jar
African Botanics Terre Noire Elixir Supreme
African Botanics

African Botanics Terre Noire Elixir Supreme

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil + 6 more
Works
What the product description says
“A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL, DEEPLY RESTORATIVE AND REPLENISHING FACE AND BODY ELIXIR THAT HELPS FIRM, RENEW, RECHARGE AND REGENERATE WHILE DELIVERING IMMEDIATE NOURISHMENT, VITALITY AND SKIN RADIANCE.”
Source: Bluemercury

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: adansonia digitata oil, cannabis sativa seed oil.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Sclerocarya birrea seed oilKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.~25–38%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~8.4–12.6%
Cannabis sativa seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer~3.2–4.8%
Adansonia digitata oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighBaobab oil. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.3–3.5%
Rosa canina fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~1.9–2.8%
UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.35%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.05–0.3%
Moringa oleifera seed oil· EmollientEffect: LowA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid~1.3–1.9%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Ubiquinone, Camellia sinensis extract + 8 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (ubiquinone) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.35%
Camellia sinensis extractKey activeEffect: MediumTea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin~0.05–0.25%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.~25–38%
Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~8.4–12.6%
Rosa canina fruit oilEffect: LowA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~1.9–2.8%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: LowA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~1.3–2%
Calendula officinalis flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating~0.55–1.3%
CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.35–0.85%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.45–1.05%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.01–0.05%
Exfoliation
Side benefit · Salicylic acid
Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.6–1.35%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit · Salicylic acid, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.6–1.35%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.01–0.05%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl palmitate
May help

This product contains ubiquinone. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

UbiquinoneEffect: LowCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.35%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.45–1.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Boswellia serrata resin extract + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.6–1.35%est.
Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.55–1.3%est.
Boswellia serrata resin extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.3–0.75%est.
Citrus aurantifolia fruit extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Pelargonium graveolens oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.Medium~25–38%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~8.4–12.6%est.
Cannabis sativa seed oilA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layerMedium~3.2–4.8%est.
Rosa canina fruit oilA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritatingMedium~1.9–2.8%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~1.3–2%est.
Moringa oleifera seed oilA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acidMedium~1.3–1.9%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.45–1.05%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.05–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.05–0.3%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Nova Illuminating Moisturiser
Oodee Nova Illuminating Moisturiser
Higher efficacy · 100/10077% match
Antioxidant Enriched Natural Moisturizer
Paula's choice Antioxidant Enriched Natural Moisturizer
Cheaper76% match
$31.00
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Sclerocarya birrea seed oil~25–38%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.

More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oil
Vitis vinifera seed oil~8.4–12.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Citrullus lanatus seed oil~4.7–7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Citrullus lanatus seed oil
Cannabis sativa seed oil~3.2–4.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer

More about Cannabis sativa seed oil
Adansonia digitata oil~2.3–3.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Baobab oil. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Adansonia digitata oil
Rosa canina fruit oil~1.9–2.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating

More about Rosa canina fruit oil
Tocopheryl acetate~1.3–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Moringa oleifera seed oil~1.3–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid

More about Moringa oleifera seed oil
Salicylic acid~0.6–1.35%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.55–1.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Caffeine~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Boswellia frereana (somalian frankincense)* resin extract
Not recognized
Boswellia serrata resin extract~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Boswellia serrata resin extract
Jasmine grandiflorum (jasmine) flower oil
Not recognized
Piper nigrum fruit extract~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Piper nigrum fruit extract
Citrus aurantifolia fruit extract~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Citrus aurantifolia fruit extract
Cupressus sempervirens leaf extract~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cupressus sempervirens leaf extract
Pelargonium graveolens oil~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Pelargonium graveolens oil
Ubiquinone~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-aging

Coenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen

More about Ubiquinone
Camellia sinensis extract~0.05–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Tea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Camellia sinensis extract
Glycine soja oil~0.05–0.3%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.01–0.05%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-oxidation

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Ingredient list view

Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Citrullus lanatus seed oil, Cannabis sativa seed oil, Adansonia digitata oil, Rosa canina fruit oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Salicylic acid, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Ascorbyl palmitate, Caffeine, Unknown, Boswellia serrata resin extract, Unknown, Piper nigrum fruit extract, Citrus aurantifolia fruit extract, Cupressus sempervirens leaf extract, Pelargonium graveolens oil, Ubiquinone, Camellia sinensis extract, Glycine soja oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon US
Price unavailable Out of stock
Check

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
African BotanicsTerre Noire Elixir SupremeYOUR PRODUCTOodeeNova Illuminating MoisturiserBlumeWhirl MoisturizerPaula's choiceAntioxidant Enriched Natural Moisturizer
Match—77%76%76%
Price———$31.00
Shared key ingredients—2 of 92 of 92 of 9
Key difference—NiacinamidePrickly Pear Seed OilAlanine
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper

More alternatives: Om Organics Coconut Dew Hyaluronic Moisture CreamMara Beauty Mara Clear Skin Mineral Milk

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Anti-aging potential of extracts from Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst and its chemical profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF-MSncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Physico-chemical composition and characterisation of the seed and seed oil of Sclerocarya birreapubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Assessment of the potential irritancy of oleic acid on human skin: Evaluation in vitro and in vivosciencedirect.com
  4. 4
    Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil: Analytical and phytochemical characterization of unsaponifiable fractionpubs.acs.org
  5. 5
    Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as a Resource for Green Cosmeticstandfonline.com
  6. 6
    Fatty acid composition and metal content of Adansonia digitata seeds and seed oilsci.ui.edu.ng
African Botanics Terre Noire Elixir Supreme
African BotanicsTerre Noire Elixir Supreme
Find on Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.