Symrise, a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings, cosmetic active ingredients, and raw materials and functional ingredients, has decided to stop harvesting natural bisabobol from the Brazilian rainforest. The company will replace natural alpha-bisabolol with Dragosantol, a nature-identical synthetic alpha-bisabolol in its product portfolio.

Alpha-bisabolol is used as a soothing ingredient in many personal care products and is particularly suitable for sensitive skin and hair and for baby care. The natural active substance is derived from the oil of the candeia tree (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa), which grows in the south-east and mid-west of Brazil. A study by the University of Lavras estimates that around 20,000 m3 of candeia wood are needed every year to cover global demand for candeia oil. As its natural environment is constantly shrinking, the tree is under threat in Brazil and Symrise deems sustainable harvest is no longer possible.

As the largest supplier of alpha-bisabolol, we are well aware of our responsibility and clearly commit ourselves to safeguarding the Brazilian rainforest,” explains Véronique Maurin, Global Product Director Cosmetic Ingredients at Symrise.

Symrise offers two grades of synthetic alpha-bisabolol, Dragosantol and Dragosantol 100.