To better address market trends, Naturex offers a range of 13 botanical oils with various properties and meeting strict specifications, both in terms of quality and in terms of sustainability.

The range includes well-known oils such as argan oil (Morocco) as well as other more innovative oils, such as Sacha Inchi oil (Peru), Marula oil (South Africa) or the Ungurahi oil (Peru). Already an expert in apricot or cranberry, Naturex has secured a global sourcing focusing on quality and durability for all the other products in the range.

Creating positive value chains

In order to select the oils featured in the range and set up the supply chains, Naturex relied on the expertise of ethnobotanist Chris Khilham, which has been appointed as Naturex’s “sustainability ambassador”. "To be included in the range, the oils had to meet three criteria: availability, efficiency and a manageable environmental and social impact," he said.

Naturex’s global network of buyers and agricultural experts has also largely contributed to the project, in particular in selecting producers supplying the highest qualities.

“Our agronomic experts worked closely with local growers, implementing strict control processes and careful documentation to ensure high traceability of crops. We have developed strong partnerships in order to preserve and encourage biodiversity and guarantee fair wages to local populations through their own organizations,” said Personal Care business unit director Stéphanie Puel.

To formalize its commitment, Naturex will be donating 1% of the sales generated by its NAT oleis range back to the planet and communities where the botanical oils are sourced. The funds collected could, for instance, help to buy new presses in isolated villages in Africa or replant trees in the Amazon rainforest.

Naturally preserved

Naturex said that all oils in the NAT oleis range have undergone a strict and rigorous cold-press process for extracting the oil from the kernel or the fruit. This eco-friendly method does not involve the use of organic solvents and preserves the actives. The group is also able to offer several organic references thanks to the COSMOS certification of its Avignon site in France.

In order to preserve the properties of these oils and improve the stability and shelf life of the most sensitive ones, Naturex has also developed a set of natural antioxidant solutions.

“For instance, this proprietary process shows exceptional results for Tsubaki oil, whose resistance to oxidation is multiplied by 29,” the company stated.

Beauty benefits

As far as the oils’ cosmetic efficacy is concerned, Naturex has compiled all the scientific references available. The company also conducted several clinical studies for some them.

The oils’ sensorial characteristics were also mapped according to three criteria: wetness, absorbency, and greasiness.

Naturex has also conducted clinical trials for some of them, especially to test their smoothing capacity and their effectiveness in reducing wrinkles.

“Each botanical oil has a unique composition in fatty acids (monounsaturated and essential) and unsaponifiable compounds and offers different benefits for hair and skin care. For example, the richness in oleic acid of Ungurahui oil makes it the perfect ingredient for repairing dry skin and hair,” explained the company.

The NAT oleis range will be showcsed at the next Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Paris (21-23 October 2013) and at In Cosmetics Asia in Bangkok (29-31 October 2013).