Pomegranate Abounds in Personal Care Launches

Posted: October 20, 2008

According to Mintel GNPD Beauty Innovation, pomegranates are associated with the onset of winter in the Greek myth of Persephone, goddess of the harvest*. This year’s crop of beauty launches with Punica granata (pomegranate) is already abundant, outpacing those from 2007 by 15%. Pomegranate’s antioxidant power is well-documented in food and drinks. In addition, its use in cosmetics and personal care has grown steadily with consumer acceptance of its health benefits. Skin care launches including pomegranate more than doubled from 2006 to 2007. In 2008, new products incorporating pomegranate have ranged from antiaging face care to cleansing products and body care.

Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repairing Serum contains antioxidant-rich pomegranate as well as borage and evening primrose oils. The polyphenols and anthocyanidins in pomegranate fruit extract are said to protect the hair and skin from environmental stress while the antioxidants fight against free radical damage that is responsible for the break down of collagen and elastin. This product contains no parabens, phthalates, synthetic preservatives or artificial colors, and has not been tested on animals.

Desert Essence Organics Age Reversal Pomegranate Facial Cleansing Gel is said to gently cleanse and remove makeup, environmental pollutants, and dead facial skin cells. It contains pomegranate and cucumber extracts as well as alpha hydroxy acids. This product is claimed to be 100% vegan, gluten- and wheat-free, and to contain no: parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances or colors, silicones, EDTA glycol or petroleum based ingredients.

Esteé Lauder Nutritious Purifying 2-in-1 Foam Cleanser also features pomegranate. This product is suggested for use in two ways: in the morning as a gentle, neutralizing foam cleanser; or at night as a purifying mask.

Borba Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream is formulated to deliver “intensive, form-fitting moisture to deeply nourish and strengthen the epidermis.” It claims to treat advanced signs of aging, including wrinkles on the neck and décolleté. The product contains a blend of guanábana, pomegranate, green tea and soy, and is said to preserve skin-firming memory and elasticity. The product is also formulated with hydrolyzed spandex fiber, diamond powder and vitamins A, C and E.