Topical Chocolate: Beat Back Time with Natpure Xtra Eternity

Consumers have long sought anti-aging products to feel young, good-looking and age-defying. In 2018, the global anti-aging services market was valued at over $50 billion. With an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR)...

Consumers have long sought anti-aging products to feel young, good-looking and age-defying. In 2018, the global anti-aging services market was valued at over $50 billion. With an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% in the coming years, the demand could exceed $66 billion by 2023.

Stress, worry and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic are making many people feel like they are aging faster and less gracefully than ever. Therefore, Sensient is addressing one aspect of aging by introducing our latest Botanical Active, Natpure Xtra Eternity for anti-aging skin care products.

Prized Plant

Theobroma cacao, aka the cocoa tree, is known not only as the source of chocolate, but also for skin care. Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations used cocoa in food, ceremonies, medicine and even as currency. We don’t need to trace history to explain why cocoa eventually became a global delicacy, just ask the Belgiums. Meanwhile, cocoa bean extract has shown firming, smoothing and moisturizing effects on skin. Beauty Heroes writes:

“Possibly one of the greatest gifts of nature is that chocolate is anti-aging. With one of the highest measured antioxidant (ORAC) capacities, cacao helps protect your cells from oxidation and aging…

…The high levels of antioxidants protect and repair the skin from damage and premature aging. And as a potent anti-inflammatory, it soothes redness and blemishes, improving the skin’s complexion. The natural oil derived from the cacao seed, also known as cacao butter, contains healthy omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy dose of skin soothing rejuvenation. While an increase in circulation stimulates new blood flow to the surface of the skin, keeping it healthy and glowing.”

Sustainable Sourcing

Often lauded as the highest quality cacao, Criollo is extremely aromatic and smooth. It’s the stuff luxury chocolate is made of—but usually requires other types of cacao mixed into a recipe due to scarcity. Less than 2-3% of global cacao production comes from Criollo.

While Criollo trees are native to Central and South America, the plant is also grown in Africa, which is now the world’s leading cocoa producer and also home to the Fair for Life farm in central Uganda from which Sensient sources Criollo beans to be extracted for beauty products. The Fair for Life certification safeguards human rights, workers have access to safe working conditions and smallholder farmers receive a fair share for their products. The farm Sensient chose is one of the oldest in Uganda, operating since 1930. Employees here have medical plans, paid leave, livable wages and safe working conditions.

Clean Extraction

With high-quality, sustainably and ethically sourced Criollo in hand, Sensient employs its solvent-free, water-based extraction technology to gently remove the botanical active from the beans with pressurized, temperature-controlled water. Learn more about our PhytoClean™ process here.

Powerful Formulas

Theobroma cacao extract, named Natpure Xtra Eternity by Sensient, is the active ingredient in several unique formulas, including:

Chocolate Body Wrap
Combine pleasure and performance by wrapping yourself in this delicious body cream, directly inspired by spa rituals. Apply a thick layer and take the time to enjoy the efficacy of Natpure Xtra Eternity. The unique texture comes from Thickagent LC, Sensient’s natural thickener, and Natpure Feel M-Eco, our natural and non-volatile silicone replacement.

Rejuvenating Chocolate Mousse
This aerated foam has a silky finish and lubricates the skin. The texture again comes from Thickagent LC, but this time alongside Covathick 2009 and Natpure Sol to achieve the lightweight texture­­. In addition, Covarine Black WN 9798 and Covarine red WN 3798, gives it a rich chocolate mousse color­. Natpure Sol is both an emulsifier and an emollient.

Proven Benefits

Sensient’s in-vivo study performed by a contract research organization highlights the anti-aging skin care benefits of Natpure Xtra Eternity. Using a formulation with 2% Natpure Xtra Eternity twice a day for three months yields showed the following:

  • 77% of participants observed skin firmness.
  • 81% of participants observed an increase of skin elasticity.
  • 73% of participants observed a decrease in the visibility of wrinkles.

Natpure Xtra Eternity strengthens natural defenses against skin aging by targeting the dermis and epidermis. In the dermis, it decreases extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation enzymes to smooth and firm skin. In the epidermis, it reinforces cornification to limit water evaporation and prevent flaky skin.

To see the full study and learn more about Natpure Xtra Eternity, contact us

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