At the major industry show, Vitafoods, Lycored is showcasing Lycoderm, which it describes as its unique supplement-ready blend which fosters skin wellness from the inside out.
Lycoderm includes precise ratios of lycopene from tomatoes, as well as the carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene which can absorb UVA and UVB light, the company states.
“Research providing evidence for some of the health benefits of Lycoderm is in the running for a prestigious award at the event,” the company says.
“The study, commissioned by Lycored and carried out by researchers at the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, shows that oral supplementation with lutein or lycopene-rich tomato nutrient complex may help protect the skin against UV radiation. It is one of three finalists in the University Research of the Year Category of the NutraIngredients awards.”
Buzzing for beauty
The new emphasis on skin care supplements from Lycored comes following the launch earlier this year of a full product line of beauty-from-within products from Burt’s Bees.
The personal care and cosmetics brand, known for its wholesome, naturals identity, moved decisively into the functional food category in the US in January with three protein-shake product lines: Daily Protein, Protein +Gut Health with Probiotics, and Protein +Healthy Radiance with Antioxidant Vitamins A, C & E.
“We've created formulas that not only enhance your daily nutrition, but also support specific areas,” explains Jim Geikie, the brand’s general manager, in a company press release about the new products.
Claims for the product benefits are vague and centre on an idea general wellbeing. The Burt’s Bee product page explains that the shakes are “rich with nutrients for a healthy glow.” And the short product description on that page, urges consumers to “Feed your inner glow.”
“Burt's Bees Protein +Gut Health supports digestive health as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, and Protein +Healthy Radiance gives skin a healthy glow. Both are new benefit offerings in the category that we believe strengthen holistic beauty,” adds Geikie.
It remains to be seen if this rising and renewed investment in supplements and beauty-from-within will encourage a wider, dominant consumer trend.