Evonik Goldschmidt release range of natural extracts

The company has added this collection of natural extracts to its already existing biotechnology and chemistry ingredients to be used in personal care products. The first four ingredients in the collection TEGO Galanga, TEGO Policosanol, TEGO Arjuna and TEGO Turmerone, have been designed for use in skin and hair care products. TEGO Galanga is sourced from the root of the Kaempferia galanga, a member of the ginger family. Evonik Goldschmidt claim that the extract absorbs UV rays and therefore could be used to protect hair fibres and hair colour against UV radiation. TEGO Policosanol is extracted from sugar cane wax and the company claim it provides sebum control benefits and inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Therefore the company recommend that the ingredients be used in formulations designed for oily skin. TEGO Arjuna comes from the wood of the Terminalia Arjuna tree, found naturally growing in much of India, and is said to be perfect for anti-ageing formulations,. The extract reportedly decreases the depth and number of wrinkles, moisturises the skin and reinforces its barrier function. The fourth extract released is TEGO Turmerone - the distilled fraction of turmeric oil extracted from the root of Curcuma longa. According to the company the extract improves skin radiance and tone because of its anti-oxidant activity. The release comes as part of the ingredients company's attempt to break into the growing market for natural active ingredients for use in natural cosmetics and personal care products. The natural sector is becoming increasingly popular and mainstream, however with the trend come concerns for the environmental impact of increased sourcing from natural resources. A Euromonitor report released earlier this year highlighted these concerns as something that might harm sales of natural products in the short term. Euromonitor analyst Diana Dodson said sustainability issues are exacerbated by the popularity of scarce and exotic ingredients from the Amazon rainforest and the ocean. Furthermore manufacturers of natural products are likely to be particularly affected by any environmental concerns as their consumer base is more likely to be concerned about such issues. The recent launch of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) attempts to address this problem, requiring their members to attest to the environmentally friendly sourcing of natural extracts. In addition the UEBT push for ethical trade in the ingredients in an attempt to ensure the source country and community benefit from the trade.