Top 6 botanical extracts to elevate your toiletries formulations
Botanical extracts are a compelling choice in the world of toiletries for formulators seeking to create innovative and marketable products. In this article, we delve into six standout botanical extracts from Croda Beauty’s range, each offering its unique blend of heritage, appeal, and versatility: the natural choice for modern toiletries.
Plants have been used in cosmetics over centuries, accruing a reputation for benefits for various hair and skin concerns and a wealth of values and associations such as rose’s association with love and romance or lavender’s with relaxation and sleep. Botanical ingredients also add depth to formulations with their enhancing sensory appeal and the storytelling potential they hold thanks to their associations to nature, tradition, and wellbeing.
When they come from responsibly sourced plants and extracted through eco-designed methods, botanicals also align with today’s demand for sustainable beauty. By choosing botanicals, brands can tap into a consumer preference for natural, environmentally friendly options without compromising on quality or appeal.
Croda Beauty offers a selection of botanical extracts to formulators who are looking for high-quality, reliable ingredients that are readily available, as well as affordable solutions that deliver more than just functionality—ingredients that tell a story, evoke emotion, and resonate with modern beauty trends.
1. French Lavender Extract: A universal icon of serenity
Lavender is a timeless symbol of tranquillity and natural beauty. French Lavender Extract captures the essence of Provence’s lavender fields, conjuring picturesque imagery and a sensory journey to the heart of rural France. Its gentle, floral aroma has a universal appeal, making it a versatile ingredient across a range of toiletries, from calming shower gels to indulgent body creams.
Beyond its sensory attributes, lavender has long been celebrated for its role in traditional cosmetics, particularly for soothing and balancing skincare. This association with relaxation and wellbeing ensures an undeniable appealing to consumers' nostalgia and desire for tranquillity and makes it an ideal choice for formulations aimed at stress relief or sleep enhancement.
2. A burst of energy for skin and hair with Fruitliquid™ Kumquat
The kumquat, a tiny citrus fruit bursting with vitality, is the source for Fruitliquid Kumquat. This extract embodies energy, radiance, and a fresh zest for life, making it ideal for energising toiletries. The vibrant orange hue and invigorating aroma evoke sunshine and positivity, adding an uplifting touch to formulations targeting revitalisation and rejuvenation.
Fruitliquid Kumquat’s quantified carbohydrate content further enhances its appeal. Carbohydrates are known to hydrate and improve the texture of both skin and hair, making this extract an excellent choice for moisturising shampoos, brightening facial cleansers, and revitalising body lotions. With its responsible supply chain in Southern France and extracted with our Eco-Sound™ technology, Fruitliquid Kumquat stands out as a sustainable botanical for toiletries that opens many opportunities for captivating marketing concepts.
3. Nourishing heritage in a bottle with Phytomilk Sweet Almond
Sweet almond milk has been cherished for generations, both as a nutritious food and as a nurturing ingredient for the skin. Obtained with our microwave-assisted extraction technology, Phytomilk Sweet Almond brings this legacy into modern toiletries, offering a creamy and indulgent touch to formulations. Its connection to cosmetofood trends highlights the crossover between food and beauty, appealing to consumers who value heritage and simplicity and celebrate natural ingredients.
The softening and moisturising reputation of almond milk makes it an ideal vegan ingredient for soothing lotions, hydrating body washes, and enriching hair conditioners. Its creamy texture can enhance product feel while promoting a sense of indulgence in self-care routines. Phytomilk Sweet Almond is a natural choice for products designed to nurture and pamper, evoking a sense of warmth and tradition.
4. Rosewater EC: A timeless symbol of love and freshness
The rose is an eternal emblem of beauty, love, and passion. Produced from organic Rosa damascena flowers, Rosewater EC distils this iconic flower’s elegance into a versatile COSMOS-certified extract that’s perfect for toiletries designed to refresh, tone, and boost moods. Its traditional associations with romance and luxury make it a compelling addition to premium product lines.
Rich in phenols and essential oils, rosewater is renowned for its tonifying and refreshing qualities. These qualities make it an ideal choice for soft cleansing lotions, firming serums, and gentle formulations for femcare products that tap into the romantic associations of the rose.
5. A tropical escape in every drop with Coconut Milk Extract
Coconut milk is synonymous with tropical luxury and natural nourishment. Our Coconut Milk Extract brings together these qualities, making it a standout ingredient for toiletries with a coastal or exotic theme. Its creamy texture and subtle scent transport consumers to sunny beaches and serene landscapes, offering a sensory escape in their daily routines.
Traditionally, coconut milk has been valued for its ability to nourish the hair, restore skin elasticity, purify the scalp, and soothe sunburnt skin. These associations make it a versatile ingredient for after-sun care, hydrating shampoos, and restorative body creams. For brands looking to tell a story of tropical indulgence, Coconut Milk Extract is the perfect choice.
6. A superfruit for youthful appeal with Cosme-Phytami™ Organic Raspberry
Raspberries are vibrant, juicy, and bursting with youthful energy, making them an exciting addition to toiletries targeting younger audiences. Preservative free and obtained using our Zeodration technology, Cosme-Phytami Organic Raspberry combines the appeal of this superfruit with a certified organic label, ensuring it meets the demands of eco-conscious consumers.
The raspberry’s rich colour and delightful aroma bring an engaging sensory element to the image of products, while its quantified total polyphenol content links it to antioxidant-rich narratives. From playful bath products for children to invigorating facial mists for teens, Cosme-Phytami Organic Raspberry adds a touch of fun and freshness to any formulation.
Sustainable innovation with Croda Beauty Botanicals
The versatility, sensory richness, and sustainability of botanical ingredients make them invaluable tools for beauty formulators. Croda Beauty’s range of high-quality botanicals, including those highlighted above, combines heritage with innovation, enabling brands to create standout toiletries that resonate with today’s consumers.
Whether you’re looking to craft a creative product that evokes tradition, inspires escapism, or aligns with eco-conscious trends in the personal care industry, our botanical extracts are the ideal addition to formulations that tell a story. To further explore the full range and find the perfect ingredients for your next formulation, visit our Product Finder or contact your local Croda Beauty sales representative today for personalised guidance.