Author: Josh White

Vitamins A, C, and E are well known and well used within the global personal care market. Due to reasons of stability, it is often a derivative of the vitamin that is used within the formulation that is then converted to the active form once on the skin. Retinoids found in Vitamin A are known to boost elastin and collagen production in the dermis and are therefore used in many anti-ageing skincare products. Vitamin C derivatives are truly multifunctional, as well as being an excellent anti-oxidant, Vitamin C also helps to brighten the complexion. Last but not least, Vitamin E is also a powerful anti-oxidant and is known to help prevent inflammatory damage after UV exposure. What is less well known is that many oils contain high levels of one or a combination of these vitamins, some examples of which can be found below.

• Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip Seed Oil contains high concentrations of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and K. It is known for its exceptional regenerative and healing properties. It locks in moisture and is easily absorbed by the skin. Rich in Vitamin E and anthocyanin—two ingredients that can calm and soothe irritation—Rosehip Seed Oil can be hugely beneficial for those with rosacea, eczema, and other inflammatory skin issues. For acne-prone skin, Rosehip Seed Oil can be helpful because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and low comedogenicity. Rosehip Seed Oil is rich in Vitamin C, which helps brighten the skin, decreases the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and fights free radicals, which will help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

• Carrot Oil

Carrot Oil contains high concentrations of Vitamin A, E, and Vitamin A precursor beta-carotene, essential nutrients for skin and hair care. Carrot Oil has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and anti-ageing properties. It is also very well known in the aromatherapy industry to help relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, weakness and fatigue. The antioxidants found in Carrot Oil are a perfect rejuvenator for anti-ageing issues and are a great protector against harmful sun exposure, whilst the anti-inflammatory property helps soothe damaged, irritated and dry skin and scalp. 

• Buriti Oil

Buriti Oil is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 and is the richest source of natural beta-carotene. Due to its powerful hydrating properties, it is the perfect and natural ingredient for various moisturising skin care products and is effective in taming dry, frizzy and damaged hair. Buriti Oil has strong antioxidant properties, which offers some protection against harmful UVA sun exposure. Vitamin A is essential for healthy hair and skin and can enhance circulation and give skin a healthy glow. 

• Seabuckthorn Fruit Pulp Oil

Seabuckthorn Fruit Pulp Oil is commonly used within the personal care, food & beverage and nutraceuticals industries due to its high levels of Vitamin C, containing up to 10 times more Vitamin C than an orange. Seabuckthorn Fruit Pulp Oil also has the highest natural content of Vitamin E of any other plant-based oil. The oil has many benefits to the skin, promoting skin hydration, elasticity, cell regeneration, and even helps treat and prevent acne. Seabuckthorn Fruit Pulp Oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness associated with many skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

• Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Prickly Pear Seed Oil has a high concentration of natural antioxidant vitamins, essential polyunsaturated fatty acid omega-6, linoleic acid (C18:2) and sterols. Prickly Pear Seed Oil contains high levels of Vitamin E. It can heal the skin from certain skin conditions, protect from the first signs of ageing and has various medicinal benefits.

• Wheatgerm Oil

Wheatgerm Oil contains Vitamins A, B, D and E, alongside antioxidants and a varied fatty acid profile. These nutrients moisturise and heal damaged, dry and cracked skin but also help improve and prevent scarring to the skin. A particularly rich source of Vitamin E, Wheatgerm Oil helps nourish, rejuvenate and soften dry, sensitive and mature skin. 

To view our full range of oils, please visit our website or download our product list below.

Rosehip Seed Oil is obtained from the Rosehip shrub Rosa Canina (S), an arching deciduous plant with delicate, rigged green leaves and solitary or clustered pale pink to white coloured flowers. Originating in Chile, the plant can typically reach up to 4 metres tall and 2.5 metres wide, with ingredients produced from the plant’s seeds. The plant thrives in a sunny or partially shaded environment with moist but well-drained soil. In Chile, the harvest season begins typically in March and continues into April.

Rosehip Seed Oil can vary in appearance from light yellow or orange to a deep red depending on whether the oil is refined or cold-pressed. Cold pressed Rosehip Seed Oil contains a peculiar pecan-like aroma, whereas the refined version has practically no aroma. Depending on the extraction method, the oil yield can vary from 3% to 6%.

Properties, benefits & uses of Rosehip Oil:

Containing high concentrations of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and K, Rosehip Seed Oil is known for its exceptional regenerative and healing properties. It is also rich in vitamin C which helps brighten the skin, decreases the appearance of hyperpigmentation and fights free radicals which in turn will help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Including linoleic acid, as well as various other essential fatty acids, Rosehip Seed Oil is the go-to for hydrating the skin. It also locks in moisture and is easily absorbed by the skin.

Rich in vitamin E and anthocyanin—two ingredients that can calm and soothe irritation— Rosehip Seed Oil can be hugely beneficial for those with rosacea, eczema, and other inflammatory skin issues. For acne-prone skin, Rosehip Seed Oil can be helpful because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and it has low comedogenicity.

INCI: Rosa Canina Fruit Oil

How we make our Rosehip Seed Oil:

Rosehip Seed Oil is obtained by cold mechanical pressing of the fruit before filtration and packing. A refining process is used to produce a refined oil. Rosehip Seed Oil is 100% pure and natural, a quality of which ProTec Botanica is very proud of bringing to the market.

Oil grades available:
Certified organic and conventional

• floviva Rosehip Seed Oil Cold Pressed
• floviva Rosehip Seed Oil Refined

Click below for a PDF version of this product

If you would like to start a conversation with us, have any questions regarding our product portfolio or would like to request pricing and a sample, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.

Tamanu Oil is obtained from the plant Calophyllum inophyllum, a large, low-branching, slow-growing evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall. The tree is prevalent along the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, and the islands of Madagascar and Vanuatu. The tree thrives alongside tropical shores, where brackish water is present. It takes approximately 1 – 2 months after germination before the seedling can be moved into full sunlight, where the plant can begin its lifecycle journey. The tree will typically produce fruit after 4 – 5 years of growth, flowering all year round thereafter.

Tamanu Oil ranges in colour from pale yellow to a very dark green with a powerful, aromatic, nutty and pecan-like aroma.

The nuts of the tree are collected and harvested between the months of October and February and left to naturally dry in full sun. Each fruit yields approximately 8 – 10% of oil.

Properties, benefits & uses of Tamanu Oil:

Tamanu seeds produce a rich green emollient oil (often referred to as “Green Gold”) composed of essential fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-9) and unique bioactive resins such as calophyllolides, inophyllums, calanolides, and tamanolides, attributing therapeutic properties to the oil. Tamanu Oil is found to have antioxidant properties, sun protection factors, antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal infections.

In hair care, Tamanu Oil’s nourishing and conditioning qualities are known to encourage stronger, longer, and healthier hair growth, address hair loss, hydrate the strands, bring out hair’s natural sheen, and help with easier manageability. Furthermore, it works to soothe inflammation and eliminate fungal infections on the scalp. Tamanu Oil can be included in many different formulations as an active ingredient for skin regeneration, after sun protection, soothing and irritation, anti-wrinkle / stretch marks.

How we make our Tamanu Oil

The fruits are gathered by groups of collectors formed from members of the local community, Tamanu Oil is obtained by cold mechanical extraction of the seeds. Tamanu Oil is 100% pure and natural, a quality of which ProTec Botanica is very proud of bringing to the market.

During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to continue taking care of ourselves by ensuring we all get a good night’s sleep. 

It is estimated that around 30% of the population have complained about sleep disruption by experiencing one or more symptoms of insomnia. These symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking too early, and in some cases, poor sleep quality.

Furthermore, studies have also indicated that sleep disorders and disturbances can lead to long-term health-related complications such as anxiety, increased heart rate and cardiovascular diseases. 

It’s no secret that essential oils and aromatherapy have various health benefits for the mind and body, but it can also be a cost-effective and natural solution to getting a good night’s sleep every night.

Here are our recommended essential oils to help you get the perfect night’s sleep:

• Lavender Oil 

Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most popular essential oils used within aromatherapy due to its linalool and linalyl acetate content. Commonly used to help reduce anxiety and enhance mood, Lavender Oil also has various healing properties alongside its floral, green and spicy notes to help treat insomnia and depression.

• Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita) is a popular essential oil used within aromatherapy to help improve an individual’s sleep, not only because of its excellent and refreshing fragrance, but it also can slow down heart and respiratory rate, reduce blood pressure, and ease fatigue and anxiety. 

• Chamomile Roman Oil  

Chamomile Oil (Anthemis nobilis) has many favourable properties that help improve the body’s overall well-being. Chamomile Oil has been used to treat sleep-related issues for centuries due to its various healing properties and warm, herbaceous aroma. Studies have indicated that Chamomile Oil effectively relieves anxiety, calms nerves, and helps relieve aches and pains to ensure a perfect night’s sleep. 

• Lemongrass Oil 

Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon citratus / flexuosus) is a highly beneficial essential oil with many benefits to the body. Known to help reduce stress and anxiety, Lemongrass Oil can relieve headaches and migraines through its pain-relieving properties and relaxing, fresh, citrus fragrance. 

• Geranium Oil  

Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens) has various healing properties, making it a relaxing and calming ingredient commonly used in aromatherapy. Its sweet, soothing floral aroma can help reduce stress and treat anxiety whilst also enhancing the mood and balancing the mind.

• Valerian Oil 

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a herb native to Asia that has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. Valerian Oil is extracted from the Valerian root, which contains numerous beneficial properties such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, which has been proven to help promote sleep and reduce anxiety by regulating the nerve signals to the brain and nervous system. 

Others include Ylang Oil, Frankincense Oil, Cedarwood Oil and Neroli Oil.

To view our full range of essential oils, please visit the essential oils page on our website.

Consumer buying trends and the Oral Care market have seen a dramatic increase in the interest in products showcasing natural, sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. While fluoride is seen within numerous Oral Care products since the late 1890s, the increase of natural, organic and fluoride-free products has created a new market for eco-conscious consumers. 

With the Oral Care market expecting to increase by US $8.8 billion from the year 2019 and reaching just over US $53 billion by 2025, leading innovative brands are at the frontline of this expanding market, and you could be too.

Below we have put together our recommended oils, the perfect addition to any Oral Care formulation:

floviva Peppermint Oil

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the most sought-after essentials oils in the Oral Care industry due to its wide range of antibacterial, anti-fungal and antibiofilm properties and excellent, refreshing flavour and fragrance. In addition to its therapeutic properties, the compound menthol, which is found in Peppermint Oil, helps stimulate the nervous system, providing a cooling and refreshing sensation often associated with ‘minty freshness’.

floviva Spearmint Oil

Like Peppermint Oil, Spearmint Oil is also popular within the Oral Care industry due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and its uniquely sweet flavour and fragrance. Furthermore, Spearmint Oil can stimulate saliva production, which is essential in ensuring overall oral health and well-being. 

floviva Myrrh Oil

Myrrh Oil is often used within the Oral Health industry due to its various suggested healing and medicinal properties and warm, sweet, spicy notes. In addition, the proposed benefits include antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making the oil more popular within mouthwash products to help treat oral infections and freshen breath. Myrrh Oil has a bitter yet sweet flavour, a unique addition to any Oral Health product. 

floviva Frankincense Oil

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii / serrata) is also popular within the Oral Health industry due to its aromatic, pine, mint-like fragrance and its anti-inflammatory properties (due to the presence of Boswellic acid). It is often used to help treat various inflammatory diseases such as gingivitis, a periodontal tissue inflammatory disease. 

floviva Eucalyptus Oil 

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the major component present in the leaf (Eucalyptol/1,8-cineol).Eucalyptus Oil has antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and also helps to fight various germs that cause bad breath and oral discomfort. 

floviva Clove Bud Oil

Clove Oil is another sought-after essential oil due to its antifungal, antioxidant and antibacterial properties and robust, warm and spicy flavour, making it the perfect addition to various dental products. Previous studies have shown that Clove Oil (which contains Eugenol, a natural anaesthetic), can be used to treat dry socket, tooth pain and Staphylococcus infection, which is known to have antibiotic resistance. 

floviva Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon Oil is an excellent addition to any Oral Care application due to its various antimicrobial and antibacterial properties (due to the high level of Eugenol contained in the leaf and the high level of Cinnamaldehyde contained in the bark) and sweet, spicy flavour and fragrance. The pure compounds within the oil show significant activities against oral pathogens, which could be beneficial in oral disease prevention, endodontics, and candidiasis treatment.

Citrus Essential Oils

Citrus essential oils such as lemon, lime and orange are often used within the Oral Care industry due to their sweet and refreshing flavour and fragrance. The high content of d-limonene contributes to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them a popular choice of ingredient.

To find out more, please visit our website or download our ProTec Botanic Product List below to view our full range of essential oils. 

Baobab oil is the natural choice for healthy skin. Baobab oil has been found to be significantly hydrating, moisturising and having occlusive properties when topically applied to the skin whilst clinically found to be non-irritating. Baobab oil has a unique fatty acid profile with a functional balance of palmitic, linoleic (omega 6) and oleic (omega 9) acids.

Find out below how we’ve been supporting the local Baobab community through funding a new school project. 

Dambale Village: 

Dambale village is a picturesque village located in rural Venda with around 4500 residents. With 95% of these residents being unemployed, many rely solely on agriculture, remittance and government assistance to survive. Approximately 50 – 70 young children aged between 1 – 6 do not have a pre-school to go to, and the lucky few who do, are only equipped with a small two-room building with no toilet, kitchen or basic learning equipment.

Now, the new pre-school consists of three classrooms, a store-room, kitchen complex, children’s toilets and adult toilets. All that’s left is for the school to be fitted with the necessary equipment and the first children to start attending. 

We look forward to updating you all soon about the completion of Dambale Pre-School. 

This further cements our commitment to support our farmers and their communities around the world, wherever we can.

ProTec Ingredia and ProTec Botanica, both market leaders in the supply of cosmetic ingredients to the Personal Care Industry, are announcing management changes to their respective businesses.

ProTec Ingredia was founded in 2011 and has been headed up by Managing Director Alan Eastwood since its inception. Effective June 1st 2021, Alan Eastwood will relinquish his duties as Managing Director and will move into a new ProTec Group Chairman role.

Alan was also instrumental in setting up ProTec Botanica, where he has served as Managing Director since 2014.

We are therefore pleased to announce the following changes to the ProTec Group Management:

• Kevin Cousins will become Managing Director of ProTec Ingredia UK
• Dean Lockton will become Managing Director of ProTec Botanica
• Tomasz Piotrowski will become Managing Director of ProTec Ingredia Poland

Kevin, Dean and Tomasz will take over the day-to-day management of their respective businesses and will be fully responsible for all operational matters. We wish them all the success in their new roles.

ProTec Group Chairman, Alan Eastwood comments: “This is a fantastic group of people and I want to thank everyone for the help and support they have given me, many for a long period of time. The ProTec Group is growing rapidly, and the businesses are strong and moving fast towards an exciting future. I am confident that our new leadership team will be successful in taking them there.”

For further information, please contact:

Sales Enquiries	Marketing Enquiries
Dean Lockton	Josh White
Director	Marketing & Communications Manager
dean.lockton@protecbotanica.com	joshwhite@protecgrp.com

Geranium Oil is obtained from the multi-branched shrub Pelargonium graveolens (L.) Geraniaceae that is considered native to South Africa. This particular shrub grows best in a warm and dry climate and can reach two to three feet in height. It is now found commonly across many continents, and our material has Egyptian origin.

With aromatic grey and green leaves, the Geranium flowers have a fresh, light and sweet rose scent and can vary from a pale pink to almost white, flowering ready for the first cut and distillation in June. Geranium Oil offers fresh, rose, floral and green notes, a perfect formulation component for various industries, including the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and fragrance market.

Today, many view Egypt as the world’s most important Geranium Oil producer, producing around 150 tons of oil each year.

Properties, benefits & uses of Geranium Oil:

Geranium Oil is a widely used ingredient most commonly seen in perfumes, moisturising creams, household items and lotion formulas.

Geranium Oil is one of the most popular essential oils due to the various suggested therapeutic and healing properties, making it a relaxing and calming ingredient commonly used in aromatherapy. Historically known to help fight infection, neurodegenerative disease and allergies, Geranium Oil could help lift depression, treat anxiety and reduce stress whilst enhancing the mood and balancing the mind. 

INCI: Pelargonium graveolens Flower Oil

How we make our Geranium Oil:

Geranium Oil is produced by steam distillation of the aerial part with the harvest commencing in June. The harvested ingredients are often left to wilt for 1-2 days before distillation. Geranium Oil is 100% pure and natural, a quality of which ProTec Botanica is very proud of bringing to the market.

Oil grades available:

Certified organic and conventional • floviva Geranium Oil

We are excited to update you all about Dambale Pre-School located in Dambale Village, South Africa. Last year we donated $1,000 USD to the Baobab Foundation to help with the construction of Dambale Pre-School.

Dambale Village: where small children have nowhere to go

Dambale village is a picturesque village located in rural Venda with around 4500 residents. With 95% of these residents being unemployed, many rely solely on agriculture, remittance and government assistance to survive. Approximately 50 – 70 young children aged between 1 – 6 do not have a pre-school to go to, and the lucky few who do, are only equipped with a small two-room building with no toilet, kitchen or basic learning equipment.

The objective

The overall objective is to create a three classroom building that will be fully equipped with tables, chairs, blankets etc. and a baby room where young children will sleep. There will be a covered open-plan area for children to play and eat their lunch to accompany the building. Furthermore, there will be child-safe toilets and a fully equipped kitchen.

Dambale Pre-School: rising from the dust

Since early February, various building supplies such as cement, bricks, windows frames, doors and roofing material has been delivered, and construction is well underway. The building’s foundation and walls have been continuously developing, and now it is time to put on the roof that will be commencing within the next coming week.

By the end of April, the plastering and painting of the building will be complete, then that is where the school will start to become equipped with school tables, chairs, cooking and eating utensils, and everything possibly needed to make the school a happy, safe and enjoyable place for all pupils. The pre-school is expected to be complete by the end of the school holidays in June.

To find out more about the Baobab Foundation and more about what they do, click here!

With consumers becoming more educated on environmental, ethical and sustainable factors when purchasing their organic beauty and wellbeing products, the growth of certified organic and natural products has risen a significant 23% over the past year, the first most extensive percentage growth since 2010. Brands must be aware of and adapt to this market trend. 

Wellbeing

The wellness market is shifting from becoming a “trend” to becoming an essential part of daily life. The wellness industry is estimated to be worth $4.5 trillion in 2019, and this is expected to progress in the coming years. Many different factors come into consideration when addressing wellbeing, with the most common being mental health, anxiety and sleep.

It is estimated that 3 out of 4 individuals feel overwhelmed or unable to cope due to stress, and individuals are looking for alternative ways to overcome these issues. With holistic wellbeing expected to grow over the coming years, the connection between mind and body has become a popular form of wellbeing worldwide. 

Efficacy

The organic industry is rapidly increasing, with brands showing that organic products are just as effective as non-organic products. It is estimated that 83% of people felt it was better for their health if a beauty or wellbeing product was organic, and 83% of brands said efficacy was a key driver in their customer’s loyalty. 

Mindful ingredients

One of the main drives for increasing the organic beauty and wellbeing market is that brands use more naturally occurring ingredients in their products, with traditional and herbal medicinal practices remaining popular. 

Holistic home

The organic market has not only seen an increase in the beauty and wellbeing market, but there is also an increase in the organic cleaning products and organic candle market, with 33% of individuals have increased their purchases of eco-friendly household care products, and 45% of people using an eco-friendly household product within the last six months. However, the market of “eco-friendly” products can be confusing to some consumers, with 43% of people unsure of what brands mean by eco-friendly. 

Air pollution

Is it well understood that global pollution is increasing with society’s development, with 9 out of 10 individuals worldwide breathing in polluted air. Pollution is the biggest aggressor for the skin and has been linked to the rise in people with skin sensitivity, premature ageing (due to oxidative stress) damaging free radicals, which reduces the skin’s ability to repair itself properly.

Waterless beauty

Brands are looking to get rid of water within their products by removing the needs for preservatives altogether. Doing so will reduce the carbon impact of shipping water and improve efficacy. The World Wildlife fund states that by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortage; however, consumers are becoming more educated and aware of these environmental issues, with 27% of consumers now trying to reuse or use less water.

Sleep and anti-anxiety

In 2013, it was estimated that 8.2 million people in the UK suffer from anxiety, with a quarter of people experiencing some form of mental health issue in their lifetime. It is a common understanding that mental health issues can impact the overall wellbeing of the body, and sleep deprivation is a common symptom. The market for essential oils is increasing as a natural and traditional alternative to relieving sleep-related issues. The market has seen an increase in lavender and bergamot essential oil sales as these products have been proven to help with sleep and stress-related issues. 

Environmental concerns 

2019 has seen an explosion of the environmental movement, and consumers are demanding more from brands. With the Organic beauty and wellbeing market expected to be a $12 trillion industry by 2030, sustainability is now a key focus for consumers, businesses, brands and politicians alike. 79% of people are more likely to buy a beauty product if it’s organic, and 87% of people feel passionate about supporting environmental initiatives.

Ethics

With the increase of consumers becoming more educated on the environmental issues surrounding the beauty and wellbeing market, more consumers are looking for the COSMOS and the leaping bunny logo when buying their beauty products. It gives them peace of mind that the product has passed rigorous independent testing. 56% of people said they looked for logos because it allowed them to support the causes they care about, while 47% said they chose organic because it involves no animal testing, and 81% said they would feel they were doing the right thing for the environment.

Transparency

65% of consumers want to buy from purpose-driven brands that advocate sustainability, but in reality, only 26% currently do.

Plastic

Education about where our plastic goes once we are done with it has drastically impacted consumers purchasing habits. Over 80 billion plastic bottles are disposed of a year from just shampoo and conditioner alone, and 40% of our total plastic use is from the packaging. 64% of consumers asked said they look for products with recyclable packaging.

The challenge/opportunity

For the first time, Kantar has measured the ‘organic beauty sales’, reporting a vast sales increased from £343k to £2.5m in 2019. Retailers will be choosing to stock more certified brands, improving accessibility (both with availability and price point variety) – although consumers will still need to look for the logo to be confident of the impact of their purchase. 

Get in touch with us today, and with our certified organic ingredient portfolio we can help with your upcoming mindful product launches.