Category: News

Welcome to the third part of our fortnightly emails, a campaign that will run over the next few weeks and where we will be highlighting the industry sectors in which we work. Today we will focus on the Aromatherapy industry, for which we have an exciting product portfolio that could help you develop your next product. 

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Aromatherapy is commonly identified as the use of essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds to promote health to one’s physical or psychological wellbeing. 

The history of essential oils dates back to ancient civilisation, used primarily for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and fragrance purposes. However, nowadays, the essential oils market has seen a dramatic increase in the interest in Aromatherapy due to the numerous health benefits associated with them.

There are many ways consumers can enrich themselves with the benefits of pure and natural essential oils. Obtained either through distillation or mechanical methods such as cold pressing, once these aromatic compounds are extracted, they are used through inhalation, vapourisation via a diffuser or as a topical application via massage when homogenised with a carrier oil.  

Below are our recommended essential oils to use for Aromatherapy:

Relaxation, sleep-aid and unsettled minds:

• Chamomile Roman Oil – Anthemis Nobilis
• Lavender Oil – Lavandula angustifolia
• Frankincense Oil – Boswellia carterii

Chamomile Roman Oil, Lavender Oil, and Frankincense Oil are frequently used in the Aromatherapy industry. They are perfect for individuals who might struggle to get to sleep, stay asleep, or feel worried, anxious or stressed. These essential oils have the ability to make individuals feel restful, tranquil and can help relax the mind and body. 

Uplift the mood, energise and motivate:

• Rosemary Oil Moroccan – Rosmarinus officinalis
• Sandalwood Oil – Santalum album
• Geranium Oil – Pelargonium graveolens (L.)
• Citrus Oils

Rosemary Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Geranium Oil and Citrus Oils as a group are the most popular essential oils in Aromatherapy due to their various suggested therapeutic and healing properties. These oils’ distinct, sweet, and characteristic aroma can help individuals improve and uplift their mood whilst increasing alertness and reducing anxiety.

If you would like to find out more about our product portfolio or have any questions regarding anything you have seen, please get in contact or download the brochure below. 

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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.

Welcome to the second part of our fortnightly emails, a campaign that will run over the next few weeks and where we will be highlighting the industry sectors in which we work. Today we will be focusing on the Personal Care industry, for which we have an exciting product portfolio that could help you formulate and develop your next personal care product. 

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The Personal Care market is highly diverse, but we have seen particular interest in the health and fragrance benefits of essential oils used in cosmetics and total body care. Historically, personal care products were purchased through impulsiveness or determined by cost. Today’s active consumers’ purchasing habits are based on serving a particular purpose. The motives of purchase can be broad, but consumers gain satisfaction and trust when they can build a relationship with a brand that is passionate about sustainable sourcing and the environment whilst also creating products they love. 

The global essential oils market was estimated to be valued at USD 18.6 billion in 2020 and this is expected to increase to USD 35.5 billion by 2028. There are various reasons why the global essential oils market is growing rapidly, and one significant factor is that consumers are consciously aware, seeking pure, natural and authentic ingredients as alternatives to synthetics or adulterated ones. 

Why should you use floviva essential oils in your personal care products?

• floviva essential oils are 100% pure and natural according to ISO 9235:2013
• floviva essential oils are available with Organic status.
• floviva essential oils exist in a short supply chain, grower to consumer. 
• floviva essential oil projects are produced ethically, sustainably and with social responsibility and environmental respect.

If you would like to find out more about our product portfolio or have any questions regarding anything you have seen, please get in contact or download the brochures below. 

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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.

Motherhood and baby care trends have been an ongoing topic of conversation for many years. Essential Oils have been used reliably and extensively within the pharmaceutical and health industry for many years due to their various suggested properties and benefits, used to promote both physical and emotional wellbeing in both adults and babies. Most commonly, essential oils can be diffused effectively into the air, dry evaporated, rubbed onto the skin with a carrier oil and as an alternative to traditional medicine. 

On babies aged over six months, some recommended essential oils can safely be used to help encourage sleep, calm anxiety and relieve any bloating or gas.

Some essential oils we recommend for baby care include:

• Chamomile Roman Oil

Chamomile Roman Oil (Anthemis nobilis) has various suggested properties that can be beneficial for babies or adults who might have trouble sleeping or suffer from digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting and intestinal gas. Chamomile Roman Oil also has a sweet, fruity and herbaceous aroma alongside its anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe irritated skin such as nappy rash, relax muscles and treat pain. 

• Eucalyptus Oil 

Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic properties making it the perfect oil for the cold winter months. With the ability to help relieve respiratory congestion, cleanse the epidermis and rid pores of harmful impurities, Eucalyptus Oil can also contribute to the skin becoming more moisturised and healthier. 

• Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that have been proven to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi. With its fresh and warm aroma, Tea Tree Oil is the perfect natural ingredient to help relieve skin irritations such as eczema, nappy rash and cradle cap.

• Bergamot Oil

Citrus Oils such as Bergamot Oil (Citrus bergamia) have antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, that when used topically, can help aid skin-related problems like blemishes and pigmentation. With its balance of citrus and green notes with a light floral aroma, Bergamot Oil can help reduce restlessness in both babies and adults.

If you have any questions or would like to find out any more information on any products discussed. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

This September, the Soil Association has again collaborated with the Organic Trade Board and various organic brands across the industry to join together with one central message: “Nature has the answer… and the answer is organic.”

Organic September is a campaign dedicated to growing the organic market. Its mission is to help everyone understand and explore the vital relationship between the health of soil, plants, animals and people. Doing so by advocating, educating and helping everyone grow better together. 

To find out more about what the Soil Association symbol really means, click to watch the view below. 

Environmental and trading responsibilities are central to the values of ProTec Botanica, sustainable and ethical production and sourcing ensure environmental protection and social equity, key elements that make up our Sustainability Pledge:

Respect for the environment
It is vital that we respect the environment when growing and harvesting crop for product development. The farmers we work with use farming techniques that not only provide the best chance of crop success but also benefit the environment through sustainable growing programmes and careful consideration of the local flora and fauna.

Socially responsible sourcing
We are committed to supporting farmers through collaboration and the building of partnerships that bring benefits to their local communities to ultimately create social businesses. This ensures sustainability is not only in terms of the landscape and crop but also in terms of the commercial benefits to the local community.   

Commitment to quality and purity
Quality is our number one priority, and through our extensive experience, we are able to input and advise on quality considerations, ensuring the processes are fully managed from end to end. The result is products of the highest quality and purity.

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.