Essential oils in powder form: Robertet’s technology targets immunity and digestion

23 Sep 2019 --- French flavors and fragrances giant Robertet has developed a new patented technology that formulates essential oils in powder form, expanding their applications into nutraceuticals and functional food and drinks. Robertet’s new range of essential oils, manufactured using the Natur-Cell technology, allows nutraceutical companies to address a large variety of health indications, including digestion, immunity and relaxation. Natural health products are perceived by consumers as milder and therefore as safer options in comparison to conventional medicine, the company notes.

The move comes as after in December 2018, a new regulatory framework that recognizes the use of essential oils in oral form came into effect. The Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control 3(DGCCRF3) in France has published a list of 77 botanicals from which essential oils are considered traditional, which can be administered orally in food supplements and placed on the market more easily than before.

Natur-Cell is marketed as a 100 percent natural technology that uses inulin as a matrix to protect the entire essential oil profile and turn it into powder. Inulin is a soluble prebiotic fiber, which acts as an active carrier that offers digestive benefits. In this way, the health halo of certain essential oils is expanded and their applications are boosted.

According to the company, there is growing trust in the effectiveness of essential oils for numerous health indications. “Topical application by massage is privileged in Anglo-Saxon countries, whereas oral administration is more often recommended in France,” according to Pascale Gélis-Imbert, Pharm D. (Doctor of Pharmacy), specializing in phytotherapy and aromatherapy. 

Natur-Cell is marketed as a 100 percent natural technology that uses inulin as a matrix to protect the entire essential oil profile and turn it into powder.Gélis Imbert was enlisted by the company to leverage her expertise in nutraceuticals and uncover the expanded health benefits that certain essential oils may hold. “Robertet has been sourcing and producing natural extracts and essential oils for over 160 years. It’s Seed-to-Care program vertically integrates each step of the sourcing and production process,” she notes commenting on the company’s transparent supply chain efforts.

New regulations on ingesting essential oils
Concerning the adapted regulatory framework on essential oils, the company notes that some of these essential oils benefit from European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) pending claims giving them more added value for their use not only on the European market but also in all countries where scientific proof is mandatory. 

To both consumers and companies, massive, and growing, amounts of information are available on aromatherapy and essential oils used for specific effects. These essential oils are often well-known by consumers. This will create new opportunities for nutraceuticals companies to diversify their offer and benefit from the advantages of nature in a new fashion, Robertet says.

Application of the new formulations
Robertet’s Health and Beauty division offers natural and effective active ingredients to its clients, such as Lipowheat, Keranat and SOD B. The Health and Beauty division explores the health and beauty benefits of natural raw materials with its clinically proven ingredients.

The company has developed two new concepts that combine essential oils with its clinically proven active ingredients to demonstrate the applicability of the new range. Ingestion or topical application of plant extracts combined with essential oils have proven very effective on health and well-being, Robertet notes. The synergy of the various active ingredients has a significant impact on the cause and the inconveniences of an illness as well as a deeper physiological action. The new concepts come in easy-to-use formats.    

A smart cap with Dimpless that acts against cellulite blended with a Dill essential oil and a Lemon essential oil. This blend synergistically acts on elimination, circulation and cellulite. 

A natural beauty gel including Lipowheat, the most studied natural phytoceramide for skin hydration and visible wrinkle reduction combined with a unique citrus essential oil from Sicily.

Essential oils have been traditionally used in a range of applications and offer relaxation and certain health benefits. The space is brimming with potential as new regulatory framework clears the path to improved applications. 

By Kristiana Lalou