New skin care range harness benefits of the Rooibos plant

The health benefits of the South African Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) plant are now being harnessed and used in a new skin care line being launched in the booming natural and organic US cosmetics market this month.

The herbal Annique Rooibos skin care range is being carried by a natural wellness and beauty distributor, Whole Youth, and will be sold throughout the US.

Rooibos is more commonly known for its anti-oxidant properties in tea, treating a number of ailments including infant colic and insomnia, as well as numerous other allergies across a wide age spectrum.

However, research has shown that the powerful properties the plant holds could be beneficial for cosmetics, with the asphalatin flavonoid content said to fight aging signs whilst soothing qualities.

The range is targeting two major trends that are extremely prevalent within the market at present, with the botanical ingredient tapping into the growing demand for natural and organic alternatives to harsher chemicals that consumers are increasingly trying to avoid – whilst also targeting the desire for younger looking skin.

The ever-growing trend of products containing organic and natural ingredients is predicted to continue, according to a report by Packaged Facts, with more and more companies, such as Whole Youth, creating new product lines to profit from the growing niche.

Anti-aging products are predicted to continue leading the market, with an annual growth rate of 11.3 per cent expected by 2010 - one of the highest growth rates for the whole cosmetics industry.

Manufactured in South Africa, the Annique anti-aging and beauty products will comprise of anti-aging body and eye creams, cleansers, moisturizers and make up products such as lipsticks and mascaras.

In order to cater for every consumer the company will also showcase products for men and babies for the first time in the US this month.