According to the company, tomato seed oil is extracted from the ripe seeds of the fruit, Solanumlycopersicum, whereby the seeds are then collected and pressed to obtain the rich oil, before being refined, bleached and deodorised to give a clear, light yellow product.
“This fresh oil is rich in linoleic acid and is not only moisturising, but it also penetrates the skin very easily leaving no residue,” says a company spokesperson.
Why Italian?
The Italian tomato has been chosen specifically, as the company says they are exposed to the intense heat in the summer months, growing to be quite large, ultimately offering more seeds than other tomatoes to be pressed for formulations.
Latest active on the block
The tomato oil is the most recent natural active to be launched by Seatons since its peach kernel oil was developed to target delicate areas such as under the eyes and lips.
The company had developed the peach oil as the kernels were said to be made up of approximately 40 – 50 per cent oil, and had properties similar to that of almond or apricot oil.
"Peach oil extract is an alternative, light in texture, non-greasy and easily absorbed oil that helps to maintain the suppleness and elasticity of any skin areas," said the then, company spokesperson.
Seatons says its research in natural actives has proved it to be particularly effective for delicate skin.
Place in the market...
Seatons, which is a division of Croda, is well placed to tap into two key driving forces in the cosmetics and toiletries market at the moment – anti-ageing and the market for natural based products.
The company has been supplying oils to a host of different markets since 1840 and has now established itself as a key global player.