Scottish mineral water company targets cosmetic industry

“Deeside Mineral Water has unusual properties. It has been clinically proven to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with benefits for skin condition and wrinkle reduction also identified,”​ said Martin Simpson, managing director of Deeside Water Company.

Although Simpson believes the mineral would be a good fit in the beauty from within category, he is also exploring the prospect of including the water as a principle ingredient for product formulation.

“We have an innovative ingredient with significant applications that could have a major impact on the performance of cosmetic products,”​ said Simpson.

Looking for industry partner​

However, as the company is a relatively small player and has never been directly involved in the cosmetics arena, the company is looking for a cosmetics industry partner, probably in the ingredients arena, with whom it could share resources and receive guidance.

“A company with research and development capabilities would be helpful to allow us to undertake further research to build on the evidence we have to date. Evidence is important in this area and whilst we have a lot complete so far, further research would be beneficial,”​ said Simpson.

“There may be opportunities in beauty from within, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and cosmetics, but we are seeking a company that knows the market and has the ability to take it forward.”​

Active benefits for living cells​

Situated in the village of Ballater, near Aberdeen, Deeside Mineral Water has been documented for its curative properties since 1750, and is claimed to be ‘fundamentally’ different to other mineral waters because of its active benefits for living cells.

The company has commissioned independent research that has highlighted the benefits to skin, prompting belief that the water could be formulated in products such as anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle and moisturiser creams, together with medicinal topical products targeting conditions such as acne, psoriasis and acne.

One particular study commissioned by the company was carried out at the Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, to highlight the free radical scavenging effects of the water.

Study highlights free radical scavenging properties​

Completed at the end of 2008, the study showed that the mineral water carried vastly superior free radical scavenging effects when compared to other leading brands of mineral water.

“The water could be applied to products across a wide spectrum, as it will help performance, although there is an obvious appeal for the luxury market,”​ said Simpson.

Testimony to the potential pull for the luxury cosmetics market is the fact that LVMH brand Dior has recently launched a skin care range containing Icelandic Glacial water, the inclusion of which is said to heighten the efficacy of the product.