Vantage Specialty Chemicals Acquires Desert Whale Jojoba

• Vantage Specialty Chemicals has acquired Desert Whale Jojoba Company, a US grower, producer and processor of jojoba and jojoba-based derivatives, oils and specialty ingredients. The purchase includes Desert Whale’s farms where the company grows and harvests jojoba.

The acquisition complements Vantage Specialty Chemical’s global personal care business under the Lipo brand, strengthening its offering of natural, Ecocert and organic solutions to marketers of formulated skin and hair care products, the company said.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Tucson, Desert Whale is the first manufacturer controlling every aspect of production and is a leading grower and producer of jojoba-derived ingredients for personal care and color cosmetic applications.

Co-founder and president of Desert Whale Soraya Rohde will join the Vantage Personal Care team to manage the jojoba and natural derivatives business.

Jojoba oil is an emollient for skin care, color cosmetics, cleansers, hair care and sun care. Desert Whale‘s unique branded products have broad functionality, and are used for gloss enhancing, moisturizing, conditioning, exfoliating and gentle deep cleansing with a wide range of applications.

Many are also available in certified organic and Ecocert approved grades.

“Vantage and Desert Whale Jojoba share a joint vision to provide the market with functional, natural products with proven efficacy,” commented Chris Humberstone, executive vice president, personal care. “Adding Desert Whale to our personal care group exemplifies our commitment to providing a broad product portfolio and new technology with applications expertise to offer real benefits to our customers formulating with innovative, green and natural ingredients.”

“This agreement opens new and exciting doors for Desert Whale Jojoba to grow our business globally drawing upon the extensive international network and formulating expertise of the Lipo Personal Care Division.

The companies have complementary product lines, allowing us to elevate our combined technologies, providing innovative solutions for our global customers,” said Rohde.