The ingredient, Seveov, joins the company’s NATbeauty range comprising of a number of purified extracts of specific composition for which beauty-related claims can be made.
According to Naturex, which launched the ingredient at this year’s in-cosmetics show in Paris, Seveov stimulates hair growth by protecting the hair bulb and promoting keratinocyte mitosis.
Naturex’s group marketing director Antione Dauby explained that the extract was a preventative measure against hair loss by promoting hair growth and strength.
“It can be formulated into every day formulas such as shampoos and can be used daily as a preventative measure,” he told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com at the show.
The extract of the native Peruvian plant has a specific composition of macaenes and macamides, Dauby explained, which is responsible for its activity.
According to the company, Seveov can act on hair growth through a number of different mechanisms. Primarily, it can help develop the epithelial sheath - the protective sleeve around the new hair - by increasing cell proliferation.
In addition, it increases cell proliferation in the hair bulb which the company says enhances hair growth, as well as protecting it from external stress. Furthermore, the extract can increase the collagen density in underlying dermal tissue which the company says can strengthen the hair’s adhesion to the scalp.
Fruit and vegetable extracts in variety of forms
Alongside the Seveov ingredient, the company also launched a range of fruit and vegetable powders for use in personal care and cosmetics products, and some natural colours at the show.
The fruit and vegetable powders are aimed at formulators wanting to increase the natural content of their products, and fit well with predictions that vegetable extracts are the latest ingredients to watch.
Dauby explained that the range offered by Naturex can benefit formulators as they are available in a wide variety of formats, from fine powders to flakes and granules.
Naturex’s naturally derived colours NATselect range has been extended to cover 150 extracts that the company says are formulated specifically to fit the needs of cosmetics formulators.
The ingredients are available in formats suitable for both oil and water soluble phases, the company explained.