Goji Berry and Wolfberry—Living a Double Life in Innovation?

Posted: April 11, 2007

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The following products have all launched in the United States this year. The use of the goji berry is one of the newest trends in cosmetics debuting from Lavanila, Smashbox and Pangea Organics--all known for pushing the envelope of innovation in the beauty industry.

Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit has a unique fragrance that claims it is “good for you.” It is free from harsh ingredients, containing 30 vitamins and minerals, 19 amino acids, and the goji berry. The founders of Lavanila wanted to formulate a fragrance that would “nurture and condition the body with each spray.” Out of personal concern for skin care and the environment, Lavanila Laboratories was born. The company wanted to use only healthy ingredients and chose the goji berry for its antioxidant power. This product is especially innovative because it is one of the first fragrances to make a claim that it is good for the skin.

Smashbox O-Glow Microcirculating Cheek Color with Goji Berry-C Complex is a color cosmetic that claims to have skin benefits. It is said to be the first “intuitive blush” as the clear gel “reacts with your personal skin chemistry to turn cheeks the exact color you blush.” Apparently, the skin’s moisture activates the Goji Berry-C Complex, creating a microcirculatory effect that produces a rosy flush lasting all day. The Goji Berry-C Complex contains vitamin C, pomegranate seed oil, and marine plankton for added healthy-skin benefits. This product is especially innovative because it starts out clear and reacts to give a true “blushing” effect, all while delivering a product high in antioxidants.

The Pangea Organics Facial Mask Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry uses super ingredients to cleanse, detoxify, exfoliate, tone, hydrate, stimulate collagen and regenerate skin cells. It also claims to prevent wrinkles, nourish, protect and balance. The product is antiaging and full of antioxidants. However, it is not the product itself that makes this product especially innovative. The box contains Genovese Italian sweet basil seeds that allow the consumer to plant the box directly into the garden.

The Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) tracks new product launches, trends and innovations internationally. The Mintel Cosmetic Research Database tracks mass market and luxury cosmetic innovations in France and the United States. For additional information regarding either Mintel GNPD or Mintel Cosmetic Research, visit www.gnpd.com or call Mintel at 1-312-932-0600.