Kanapa™ blend is an essential component of the Xtend-Life skincare range. It is a highly effective and uniquely formulated blend of ‘super ingredients’ that you won’t find anywhere else. We are seriously passionate about Kanapa™ – and we think you should be too. Here’s why. 

What is Kanapa™ blend?

Kanapa™ blend is made up of high quality plant-based ingredients, sourced from around the world and including several key New Zealand native botanicals. Each ingredient has been carefully selected for its independent efficacy, and the blend ratio has been scientifically optimised to deliver synergistic results.

The outcome is a breakthrough formula with a proven ability to maintain and repair your skin health, for radiant, more youthful looking skin.

Kanapa is the Maori word for "bright " – a perfect namesake for this potent blend.

What does Kanapa™ blend do?

Kanapa™ blend works synergistically alongside other specialised ingredients to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 34%. It also helps to even out skin tone and texture, and can help to visibly reduce the effects of Rosacea. The effects are impressive – and proven in an independent clinical trial, which is described in detail below.

What makes Kanapa™ blend so effective?

Kanapa’s™ blend efficacy is related to the independent benefits of each raw ingredient. Each one has been hand-picked for one of two reasons: its extremely effective antioxidant properties (to reduce the effects of aging on your skin) or its nourishing properties (to soothe your skin and give you better protection against daily environmental impact).

The powerhouse ingredients in this blend include:

• Astaxanthin - Astaxanthin has been discovered to be one of the most powerful antioxidants on earth. It’s even more active than Vitamin C and is considered one of the greatest allies against oxidative stress. Astaxanthin actively protects all layers of your skin, shielding it from environmental stress, managing inflammation and supporting melanin and collagen production. That all adds up to real results you can see and feel: firmer, more supple skin with a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and redness.
• Moringa oil - Lightweight and nutrient dense, Moringa Oil is another powerful antioxidant. First used by the ancient Egyptians, it penetrates deeply to encourage the regeneration of skin proteins such as collagen and elastin.
• Harakeke Oil - Harakeke is the Maori name for New Zealand native flax. Its valuable natural properties encourage skin hydration, and help to maintain healthy turnover of skin cells.
• BioVera™ Oil - This unique plant extract is from the multi-purpose aloe vera plant and is used to assist in hydrating after exposure to sun and other harsh elements. It is also a skin conditioning agent that supports skin health and relieves skin irritation.
• Mamaku extract - Mamaku is a native New Zealand tree fern, used by Maori for centuries to replenish tired skin. It’s impressive healing properties offer deep hydration to sooth and restore your skin.

What does the science say?

So much passion went into the production of Kanapa™ blend that we were naturally excited to show what it could do. So, in 2015, Comvita Innovation conducted a clinical trial through the University of Auckland, testing a range of our exclusive products containing the unique Kanapa blend.

About the study

The restorative, age defying effects of our Kanapa™ Soothing Eye Contour Cream, Ultra-Light Sheer Day and Night Cream and Hydrating Facial Fluid For Men were investigated. The study focused on the anti-wrinkle effects that resulted from the daily application of these products, used continuously over a six week period.

How it worked 

Twenty healthy volunteers (eight men and 12 women) aged 35 years and upwards participated in the trial. The age defying effects of the Kanapa™ formulations were evaluated with the 3D PRIMOS system, which provides accurate and objective skin measurements with a resolution of up to 2.4 micrometres. 

The results 

Both the male and female participants had their wrinkle parameters measured on their final day of treatment, comparing the results to their initial baseline.

The following changes were noted after just a six week period:

For women:

• 11% reduction in wrinkle length
• 14% maximum reduction in wrinkle depth
• 20% reduction in wrinkle volume
• 34% decrease in wrinkle count

For men:

• 15% decrease in wrinkle length
• 18% maximum reduction in wrinkle depth
• 21% reduction in wrinkle volume
• 26% decrease in roughness
• 33% decrease in wrinkle count

The feedback:

After six weeks, the independent consumer testing panel felt that by continuously using our products containing Kanapa™, they had seen and felt significant results.

They believed the product:

• Provided sufficient hydration without oiling up throughout the day
• Was easily applied and absorbed
• Left skin feeling softer and smoother
• Caused a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
• Improved skin hydration, firmness and elasticity over six weeks