Locako: beauty from the inside out

Want to get your glow on? Australian keto collagen company Locako has collaborated with Indigenous model Samantha Harris on a new beauty range that features native ingredients.

Known for creating Australia’s first collagen snack bar, Locako was founded by Sydneysider Ally Mellor in 2017. The brand has built a reputation for great flavours and innovative products that challenge the status quo. From gut-friendly cookie dough and collagen mousse to DIY chocolate gummies, all products are created with the healthiest and cleanest ingredients. These include collagen from pasture-raised cows, MCT oil powder extracted via distillation without chemicals or solvents and native monk fruit extract.

Healthy body, healthy skin

Locako’s new range features a beauty bar and powders made with Kakadu plum, Davidson plum and finger lime sourced from Indigenous communities. There’s also an added beauty boost from collagen, hyaluronic acid, bamboo silica and schisandra (AKA five flavour fruit).

Mellor says Indigenous model Samantha Harris was the perfect ambassador for the range.

“Sam is beautiful on the inside and out, but knows that true beauty comes from within,” Mellor says. “She has a no-fuss approach to beauty, putting more of an emphasis on what goes inside her body to create a healthy glow. That’s exactly what we’re about at Locako.”

In addition to their unique flavours, native Australian ingredients pack a powerful beauty punch. For instance, Kakadu plum is high in vitamin C, which supports collagen production. Finger lime is high in potassium, folate and vitamin E – all key nutrients for healthy skin.

Get your glow on with Locako

Harris was a fan of Locako long before becoming the face of the beauty range. And she says she loves everything the Australian brand stands for.

“Locako uses natural Australian plant extracts,” she says. “These taste great, are great for overall health and have been wild-harvested in remote communities. This creates jobs and opportunities for Indigenous people, like the women of Wadeye in the Northern Territory.

“I add a spoonful of Kakadu plum powder to my morning smoothie. I also make a blueberry and finger lime tonic for an afternoon pick-me-up. Collagen and vitamin C are integral to my health and beauty routine. I haven’t found anyone who does it as well as Locako.”

Samantha Harris on inner beauty

“I believe that beauty comes from within,” Harris says. “So I have a low-key approach to what I put on my skin. That’s usually sunscreen twice a day and some serum in the morning and at night. I put more of an emphasis on what goes in my body to create a healthy glow from the inside out. Being fit and well is what makes me feel strong and beautiful. So the main focus of my beauty regime is maintaining my mental and physical wellbeing.”

Collagen is a must

“Ever since I started consuming collagen, my health and wellbeing has definitely improved,” Harris says. “It helps with my skin, hair and gut health. I incorporate Locako collagen snacks and powders into my daily routine. It starts with a spoonful of Vanilla and Kakadu Plum Beauty Collagen in my morning smoothie. I also have a stack of collagen bites and bars in the pantry for healthy snacks. They taste so good, I sometimes eat them for dessert.”

Fruit and vegies galore

Harris is not a big meat eater, so a big portion of her diet is fresh fruit and vegies. “I steam or stir-fry my vegetables and serve them up with some form of protein,” she says. “And I make sure I get my daily intake of vitamins, minerals and nutrients by adding fresh fruit and powerful native ingredients like Kakadu plum to my homemade juices and smoothies.”

Moderation is key

Refreshingly for a model, Harris says she tries not to think about food too much. “Because that’s when I get a little obsessed,” she admits. “So I try to keep my diet simple and have a straightforward plan. I don’t like to limit anything from my diet, but I do prefer almond milk over cow’s milk. And I love carbs! But I’ll cut down on them if I’m not as physically active.”

Vitamin C for health and beauty

“I do everything I can to ensure I have good immunity,” Harris says. “Australian natives like Kakadu plum are high in vitamin C, so I include these in my diet through Locako powders. Vitamin C is also a big part of collagen production. I’m not trying to look 20 years younger, but I try and consume as much as I can to naturally boost my collagen.”

Products in the Locako Beauty Collagen range

Beauty Collagen Brownie Bite in Berry White Chocolate

With 4g collagen, vitamin C and only 2g of carbs, this bar also contains prebiotics and probiotics. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly and has no added sugar. Beautifying ingredients include hyaluronic acid, bamboo silica, schisandra and healthy fats.

Beauty Collagen Powder in Blueberry & Finger Lime

This contains 80 percent collagen, which supports healthy hair, skin, nails, joints and gut. Blueberry and finger lime provide folate, antioxidants, potassium and vitamins E and C. It also contains hyaluronic acid and bamboo silica, as well as prebiotics and probiotics.

Beauty Collagen Powder in Vanilla & Kakadu Plum

Also containing 80 percent collagen, this is packed with vitamin C from Kakadu plum, which contains more vitamin C than any other fruit. Beautifying ingredients include hyaluronic acid, schisandra, anti-ageing herbs and bamboo silica, a beauty-enhancing mineral.

Native Vitamin C

This potent immune-boosting powder contains rich natural sources of vitamin C. It includes wild-harvested Davidson and Kakadu plum, acerola cherry and camu camu. The unique formula supports immunity, providing more than 200 percent of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C per serve. Prebiotics and probiotics help with healthy gut function.

Want to find out more? Head to Locako’s website to check out the full range.