Bulbine frutescens is indigenous to southern Africa and has a long history of traditional topical use. Modern researchers have begun investigating the science behind that history.
Studies published in 2011 and 2012 examined Bulbine frutescens leaf gel in animal wound models. Researchers reported changes involving wound strength, collagen deposition and other processes associated with skin repair. A more recent study published in 2025 again examined several indigenous South African Bulbine species and found notable regenerative activity in the experimental models studied.
This distinction matters enormously: these were wound-healing research models, not clinical trials of Zanna Foaming Wash.
We therefore do not claim that our cleanser heals wounds. Instead, the research provides an interesting scientific background to a botanical that has been used traditionally in southern Africa for generations.
Why we use it at Zanna
Bulbine is one of the selected botanicals in Zanna Foaming Wash, part of a formulation created to cleanse breakout-prone skin without making aggressive stripping the goal. Good cleansing should leave skin feeling clean - not punished.
Scientific references
- Pather N, Viljoen AM, Kramer B. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2011;133(2):364-370. PMID: 20937372.
- Pather N, Kramer B. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2012;144(3):523-532. PMID: 23078885.
- Segone RT et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2025;337(Pt 3):118901. PMID: 39369917.
