09.04.07
Healing the Skin Naturally
Plantogen taps into the healing power of honey for its latest skin care offering.
By Joanna Cosgrove
Online Editor
Inspired by the belief that plants are “effective ingredients in the improvement and maintenance of healthier, younger looking skin,” the plant-derived spa products from Plantogen embody the Newburyport, MA-based company’s philosophy that consumers want proven solutions to their skin care needs, preferably with an emphasis on natural ingredients.
Plant power. Plantogen relies on plant-based technology. |
Products in the 30 SKU line combine some of Mother Nature’s most well known healers such as chamomile, jojoba, aloe vera, fruit oils, herbs, vitamin A-derived Retinol and the antioxidants green tea, vitamin C and E. “Many provide visible and tangible improvements in skin tone and appearance, while others provide a soothing aroma that can assist in a feeling of relaxation and mental well being,” said Ms. Argenti. “All Plantogen products are made in New Zealand where we believe the pace is a little slower; the air is a little cleaner and the water a little purer.”
Plant-derived ingredients have been a mainstay in cosmetic and beauty formulation for centuries due to their unique benefits they impart. More than 400 years ago, some Indian tribes of South America used the bark of the Cinchona tree to reduce fever. The bark is still used today to make Quinine, a drug used to treat malaria and other diseases. In the beauty arena we know the potential and the effectiveness of green tea, vitamins C and E as antioxidants that neutralize the effects of skin damaging free radicals, the anti-aging benefits of Retinol and other propriety combinations of plants and herbs,” she said.
The six newest products to joint the Plantogen lineup feature an unusual cornerstone ingredient - Manuka Honey – which is sourced from New Zealand apiaries and serves as a natural antioxidant. According to the company, Manuka Honey also imparts healing benefits to the skin, supplying cells with a range of vitamins, amino acids and minerals to improve skin tone and texture, while “providing white blood cells with the necessary glucose to destroy bacteria.”
“Healing Manuka Honey improves cellular regeneration thereby improving skin texture and skin smoothness. It also promotes collagen production,” Ms. Argenti said. “Active Healing Manuka Honey has the ability to destroy a large number of bacteria especially, Staphylococcus aureus and Propiobacterium acnes, common causes of acne. Regular facials will help reduce blemishes without over-drying or aggravating the skin.”
The line takes a distinctively holistic approach to beauty and skin health. “Our research indicates that consumers want effective but affordable solutions to their skin care needs,” asserted Ms. Argenti. “We believe consumers, estheticians and salon management don’t need the constant proliferation of product variants that confuse and complicate effective skin care. We are therefore committed to providing compact, streamlined but effective skin care solutions.” In addition, products are not tested on animals, rather, they are “people tested.”
Plantogen products are sold in spas and salons across the US, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Asia. Prices range from $21.50 to $51.