Givaudan creates spray on yoghurt skin care product

The Swiss flavours and fragrance manufacturer is launching a new spray dried yoghurt powder, Yogurtene Balance Powder, that is claimed to rebalance the body's natural PH balance. Targeting the growing trend for food-based cosmetics, the company has used a chicory extract to create the powder - a formulation that is said to benefit from the moisturising qualities that yogurt has for the skin. With the spoonable probiotic yoghurt market alone estimated by Euromonitor International to be worth US$1.6bn (€1.25bn) at retail in 2005, Givaudan is set to capitalise on a booming market and also make further footholds into the skin care market. Yoghurt has long been considered a beneficial ingredient for skincare applications, promoted as relieving and hydrating dry skin, but tends to be used in a dehydrated powder form. Givaudan is targeting the booming anti-wrinkle market with the topical formula, as it is said to retain the skin's moisture whilst also protecting the collagen lattice in the skin. This is said to help keep the skin firm, in turn protecting against wrinkles. According to the company the Yogurtene formula not only has nutritional benefits for the skin, but also acts as a successful hair conditioner. Givaudan used Inulin prebiotic within the formula, as it is said to encourage the growth of protective and neutral bacteria therefore allowing for effective antibacterial care for the skin and scalp without the negative side effects that are often associated with agents. The French food group Danone started the trend for functional yogurts late last year with the announcement that they were to branch out into 'beauty foods', launching an edible yogurt that is said to benefit skin health from the inside out. The detoxifying qualities of the yogurt helped Danone branch out into a market sector that is quickly growing in size, and is more commonly dominated by niche brands and products - such as a bronzing water introduced in France last year by Microfluid Biotechnolog. However, the crossover between cosmetic companies and the use of ingredients normally taken orally is increasing, with Kline and Company estimating that the 'cosmeceuticals' market now stands at $1bn on a global basis.