Blue lotus extract: Balancing the body and mind

Nymphaea caerulea, better known as the blue lotus flower, was first found on the banks of the River Nile. Sacred to ancient Egyptian culture, this beautiful blue flower was a symbol of the god Nefertem. IT was also thought to have healing, balancing, and relaxing qualities. Today, scientists have discovered these properties are much more than superstition. Blue lotus extract has several cosmetic and medicinal properties, including anti-diabetic and anti-depressant applications.

Considering the increased emphasis on overall wellbeing in the BPC space, the blue lotus flower presents several intriguing possibilities. In light of its cultural connections, the extract evokes positive associations that respond directly to key consumer concerns. With scientifically proven health benefits, blue lotus extract is an ancient treatment for the modern world. Here, we explore its powerful properties and the market context.

Blue lotus extract and the rise of botanicals in beauty and personal care

The natural/organic beauty market has exploded over the past 5 year with 46% of all BPC products launched in the UK carrying ethical and environmental claims in 2019, up from 27% in 2015. Consumers have responded enthusiastically to this offering, with 54% purchasing eco-friendly BPC products(Mintel, 2020), while 70% of conscious consumers claiming they would pay 35% more for brands that are sustainable, according to an IBM study. This is set to become even more pronounced in the wake of the pandemic, as consumers seek safety, simplicity, and mood-enhancing claims. For instance, 35% of Brazilian consumers aged 16-34 are interested in hair care products with fragrances that help them relax (Mintel, 2020). 

Arguably, this has led to the rising popularity of botanicals in beauty and cosmetics. In the search for green formulas and stress-relieving scents, consumers are looking to nature. ‘Herbal’ and ‘botanical’ were the headline claims in the natural/organic beauty space in 2019, and this is set to continue. This is especially the case for luxury and premium brands, which accounted for 58% of natural/organic NPD at the beginning of this year (Mintel, 2020).

Moreover, health-consciousness and ethics are not a passing trend. They are here to stay and are forcing brands to rethink their operations. Coming all the way from the supply chain processes to corporate responsibility approaches.

Blue lotus extract effects: what does blue lotus extract do?

Considering its delicate scent and mood-enhancing properties, the blue lotus flower has exceptional potential to meet this growing demand. With solid natural credentials and proven effectiveness, blue lotus extract has a number of potential applications across the BPC market. Perhaps the most relevant is its relaxing properties, which have been widely acknowledged in aromatherapy for centuries.

Furthermore, blue lotus extract balances moisturization with oil control. A moisturizer containing blue lotus is non-comedogenic, which means that it won’t clog the pores. Meanwhile, the ingredient gently removes excess oil, preventing the appearance of blemishes. As a result, blue lotus is ideal for balancing mind and body – gently cleaning and hydrating the skin while the comforting scent de-stresses and soothes, proving how cosmetics and emotions are more in tune everyday as our ‘Meet the Expert’ interview with Dr. Sonja Hansen proved

How to make blue lotus extract

Inspired by the ancients, Provital used lotus flowers to develop Neplupure™. This innovative active ingredient contains a blend of two types of lotus flower: the blue lotus extract (Nymphaea caerulea) and the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), whose synergic action transmits purity and luminosity. 

This is achieved by suppressing leptin cellular receptors in sebocytes, the cells that produce sebum, to prevent them from producing excess sebum. In turn, the ingredient soothes the inflammatory processes that cause blemishes. This mechanism is a groundbreaking development in cosmetics, balancing technology and the power of nature.