The beta-carotene-based ingredients will include lycopene, astaxanthin and lutein, primarily used by formutlators for their strong anti-oxidant qualities.
Likewise, the company’s Beta-One ingredient is a betacarotene derived from the fermentation of the naturally occurring blakeslea trispora, and is also high in anti-oxidant properties.
Lycopene as a singlet oxygen quencher
Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment and phytochemical that is primarily found in tomatoes, and is a quencher of singlet oxygen that are produced during exposure to UV light and which causes the skin to age.
Astaxanthin is another caretonoid pigment and phytochemical which the company sources from haernatocuccus pulvialis microalgae. It protects from the oxidative process in human tissue and is said to be 550 times more powerful than vitamin E, with properties that protect from the skin ageing process.
The lutein carotenoid is found in green leafy vegetables and has been shown to be an anti-aging powerhouse. Although it has been mainly used as a supplement, it is increasingly being incorporated into beauty products.
Building on the cosmetics line
Back in September the company announced that it was expanding into cosmetics with the launch of cosmetic grade HyaMax sodium hyaluronate, having established a US branch in California and a European site in Norway last year.
Although many of the company's food-based products have already been used to manufacture cosmetic products – including its G-Tea green tea extract and Grapfruit grape seed extract – this is the first time it has launched an ingredient dedicated to the personal care arena.
The cosmetic grade HyaMax can be used for a spectrum of cosmetics, including creams, lotion, cosmetic water, facial washes and bathing products, as well as an agent for shampoos, protection mousse and lipstick.