Fytokem launches preservative-free herbal extract range

The company said that the combination of customer feedback and the prevailing trends in the industry for more natural products encouraged it to get its researchers working towards a preservative-free formula. Although consumers are keen to use products that contain natural ingredients, they are also much more knowledgeable about formulations, and in turn want to ensure that such personal care ingredients are pure and free from harsh chemicals. Fytokem CEO Art Hesje told CosmeticsDesign that the new preservative-free ingredient has been produced by using approximately a 50/50 mix of water and glycerin with a low level of ascorbic acid. This means that, in keeping with the plant's anti-microbial activities, the system passes the USP testing for preservative efficacy. The first samples of the new product line were produced back in 2005, and since then have been subject to an extensive number of tests to confirm the shelf-life, safety and efficacy of the new format. Those initial tests showed that the formula managed to maintain its efficacy for up to three months. However, the company says that the most current tests, conducted independently by ATS Labs, show that formula samples that are one year old still retain their efficacy according to agreed industry standards. Hesje said he was pleased that the company had been able to develop the new product line as a direct response to customer feedback, adding that there were plans to develop other preservative-free product lines in the future. The company's Canadian Willowherb range is derived from the juices of the Willowherb plant, which grows in the forests of the country. For generations the extract has been used by natives as a skin cleanser, freshener and soother - particularly for cases that involve irritated skin or rashes, and certain cases of acne. The extract has proved particularly effective in treating acne because of the presence of Oenothein-B, a molecule that is anti-viral, anti-hyperandrogenic and demonstrates free radical scavenging function. As well as the new preservative-free Canadian Willowherb ingredient, the company currently markets the line as a whole extract, a clear extract and a glycerin extract, making it compatible in a wide range of formulations. The Willowherb is a plant that is indigenous to the Canadian forests. It grows quickly in areas that have been burnt by forest fires, giving it the name of 'forest soother'.