DBS says its cranberry powder, which is marketed by its Decas Cranberry Products division, is made from the whole cranberry without carriers or excipients and has been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP), which means cosmetics companies can confidently list the ingredient as being organically derived on all labeling.
The ingredient's market applications also include nutritional supplements, cranberry-enriched sports drinks, fortified nutrition bars, dental hygiene products and weight management products, although the company says that numerous other applications also exist.
"Although there are now a number of cranberry powder ingredients on the international market, we are the first to offer it in a 100 per cent organic form," said Dan Souza, DBS sales and marketing manager. "As well as the US organic certification, we have also been granted organic status by the European Union, giving us inroads to two of the world's largest markets."
For cosmetics applications Souza says that the ingredient is likely to prove an excellent colorant for a variety of cosmetics products, including blushers, eye shadow and lipstick.
"The powder provides a rich red colour and importantly it is naturally derived, which is a key driving force behind marketing it for these kind of applications," Souza added.
The ingredient is also likely to become a good option for formulators of anti-aging products. It falls in line with the drive to increase the percentage of natural or organically derived ingredients in cosmetics ingredients as well as the growing demand for ingredients with expectional antioxidants properties.
Antioxidants have been scientifically proven to help reduce physical signs of aging and as a consequence ingredients boasting strong antioxidant properties have become much sort after for antiaging treatments.
A study conducted by the Clemson University in Southern California back in 2003 concluded that the antioxidant properties of berry fruits make them ideal for use in anti-aging treatments.
Recently Sabinsa launched a naturally derived coffee extract with high antioxidant properties. Amongst a number of cosmetic applications, Sabinsa also claims that this ingredient should prove popular with formulators of antiaging products.
DBS says that other beneficial health attributes of NutriCran Organic include support of urinary tract health, rich in flavonoids, low in calories, high in fiber and phytonutrients, and an excellent source of organic acids.
"The line extension of NutriCran Organic was in response to growing interest for organic cranberry ingredients and allows Decas to further exploit its unique position as a fully-integrated cranberry company", said Jeffrey Carlson, chief operating officer, Decas Cranberry Products.