The blueberry extract has been formulated into a range of foot, hand and body creams, lotions and exfoliants that will be marketed towards the association consumers have with the heightened health benefits of the berry.
Ariel Laboratories' CEO Peter Bohm told CosmeticsDesign.com USA that the crucial element in maintaining the effectiveness of the blueberry compound used in the formulation lies in the extraction process.
Cold process extraction
“The blueberry ingredient used in the formula has been derived from cold process extraction, which helps to preserve the properties of the berry, including the color, the fragrance, as well as the enzymes and the enzyme effect,” said Bohm.
This means that the ingredient lends a strong natural color to the product formulation, as well as retaining its active properties, specifically its high anti-oxidant content.
Blueberries have long been heralded as one of the richest sources of anti-oxidants, which can help to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals – unstable molecules that can cause damage at a cellular level that can be attributed to signs of aging.
Seeds used for exfoliants
Furthermore, Bohm explained that the seeds from the blueberries are safeguarded during the extraction process and then further processed for use in the exfoliant product included in the range.
The complete range includes a body wash, foot soak, pumice scrub and foot, body and hand lotions, that will be distributed throughout the United States.
Bohm stated that the product line was likely to be promoted through media channels such as QVC, while it would also be made available on a private label basis.
Blueberry set to become more popular in cosmetics
In 2009 Pierce Mattie PR outlined blueberry as likely to be one of the top 10 beauty ingredients set to hit the big time.
The public relations firm said that the popularity of the ingredient would be part of the general trend for natural cosmetics containing ingredients that offer targeted benefits.
The company predicted that blueberry will find its way into more and more skin care products on account of the vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and fatty acids that it contains.