Lessonia launches cranberry range

Cranberry is growing in popularity as a cosmetics ingredient - largely on the back of its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-microbic properties, but also due to its strong colouration in formulas. France-based Lessonia recently became one of the first ingredients companies in Europe to offer micronized cranberry, and off the back of its success the company has now decided to launch its own range of products.

The line consists of four new products: a cream mask, a heating mask a peel-off mask and a powdery mask. All are formulated using micronized cranberry. This capitalizes ont the company's existing range of cranberry extracts, which includes Microzest, Exfoliator and Glycolic extract - all of which are said to be easy to formulate in a range of cosmetic products.

Lessonia actually started up its business some three years ago, by specializing in the micronization of seaweed. Following on from the success of that ingredient, the company has now gone on to include a range of other natural micronized ingredients, including spices and fruits such as ginger, cocoa, grape and citrus.

The cranberry cream mask is being launched for retail and professional use in a gel form with a rich texture that is easily rinsed off to provide a rejuvenating. Likewise the heating mask is also being launched on both the retail and professional markets, with the cranberry exfoliant said to provide a purifying effect on the skin.

Both the peel-off mask and the powder mask are being launched in conjunction with Technature for the professional market. Likely to be used in spas, these products form part of more technical treatments, with the peel-off mask providing a more glowing complexion and the powder mask having a firming action for the neck and bust areas.

Recently US ingredients company DBS​ launched what it claims is the first 100 per cent organic cranberry powder. The company said that the ingredient is likely to have a number of application, including sports drinks and fortified nutrient bars. But for cosmetics application the company believes it will be a good choice as a colourant for blushers and lipsticks, or else as an anti-ageing ingredient.

Both Lessonia and DBS are taking advantage of a market that is increasing in scope for the possibility of natural ingredients with active properties. A report by TNS Media Intelligence/CMR, entitled the US Market for Natural Personal Care Products, found that the natural/organic skincare, haircare and cosmetics market is expanding significantly and is expected to reach $5.8 billion by 2008, from about $3.9 billion in 2003. That means that the average annual growth for the period will be at least nine per cent.

Lessonia​ has also announced the upgrading of its website. The company says that the site has been updated to make it more user-friendly for formulators. This means that technical sheets about all products can now be downloaded, allowing companies instant access to crucial information about formulating the ingredients.