Using seaweed in hair products

Cargill has been quick to get involved in the growing interest in the natural personal care market.

Studies show that the natural personal care market grew by nearly 15 percent annually between 2005 and 2010, compared to 4 percent for the overall market. Growth is strong in all regions, with Brazil leading the charge. In Europe, the largest region, Germany is the most developed market for natural beauty products. 

Cargill has developed an ingredient from seaweed which can be used in hair products to add texture. Beatural is can be used to develop beauty products made with natural polymers. This technology was originally used in food texturisers to the personal care category.

Marie-Laure Roumiguière, Pharma & Personal Care Category Manager at Cargill, discusses the shape of the market and how it is changing.

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English: Hair gel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cosmetics from IMTA kelp

A new cosmetic product made from IMTA seaweeds is causing a stir. Exsymol S.A.M., Monaco, has been working with Dr Theirry Chopin, an IMTA expert based in Canada to develop a multi-use product from the kelp, Alaria esculenta. The kelp is grown at the IMTA sites of Cooke Aquaculture Inc. in the Bay of Fundy. Exsymtal® has a variety of applications based on its anti-aging, anti-pollution/anti-stress, dermis filler and dermis renewal properties.
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Kelp (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chance discovery leads to salmon-based skin cream

If you thought salmon was just for eating, think again...
A chance discovery by salmon hatchery farmers has led to a line of skin care products which help skin look younger and relieves eczema.

Salmon hatchery workers reported that their hands became soft after sorting salmon eggs despite the prolonged exposure to cold water. This piqued the interest of scientists at the University of Bergen who found that unique proteases and proteins are released in surrounding water when salmon eggs hatch.

Aqua Bio Technology, Norway has put this discovery to use in its flagship product Aquabeautine XL, a cream which the makers claim perfects the complexion with an improved, refined texture and a healthy glow.

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Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Photo credit: Wikipedia)