The plant extraction [1] subsidiary of the Berkem Group aims to address the growing demand for natural ingredients and botanical extracts in the cosmetics industry.
Steady demand
“As part of what some see as a valuable marketing approach, more and more professionals in the cosmetic industry are introducing floral water into the composition of their products, sometimes even replacing pure water with floral water,” explains Berken SAS in a statement.
Used for their fragrant properties and active ingredients, floral waters (also called herbal distillates or hydrolates) are recognised for their purifying, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, antiseptic, antioxidant and sebum control virtues. Extracted by distillation and comprising aromatic molecules, they constitute real “active waters” for formulas.
Four new floral waters
Berkem SAS therefore added four new products to its floral water line: bamboo, peppermint, linden and everlast flower. They add up to the other floral waters already marketed by the company: Damask rose, orange blossom, cornflower, witch hazel, jasmine, lavender, grapefruit, grape, green tea, lemon balm, lemon and roman chamomile.
The range is now composed of 16 floral waters. “Plants, exotic or traditional, have been carefully selected for their properties and their ancient uses, and bring essential natural benefits for face, body and hair care. The extraction processes developed limit their impact on the environment and preserve the integrity of the active molecules naturally found in plants,” highlights Jean-Louis Peron, General Director of the Plant Extraction division at Berkem SAS.
In activity since 1964 in Gardonne, in the Southwest of France, with 55 employees, it increases its floral water production every year for its customers in France and abroad (Canada, China, United States, Korea and other countries). In 2020, Berkem teams produced 100 tons of floral waters.
