From Tomato to Cosmetics

The recent In-cosmetics Global fair in Amsterdam recently showcased an exciting trend in the beauty industry: the innovative use of tomato byproducts in cosmetic formulations.

Representing this movement were two distinct companies highlighting the potential of this sustainable resource.

Kagome Australia partnered with Lisa Carroll and Native Extracts Pty Ltd to develop Red Velvet Oil™, harnessing the goodness of Australian-grown tomatoes and transforming it into something powerful, purposeful, and sustainable. Made from upcycled tomato seeds, this luxe oil addresses food waste while delivering rich, plant-derived benefits for skincare and cosmetic formulations. Over 5000 tonnes of surplus tomato seeds and biomass from Kagome Australia’s manufacturing plant in Echuca, Victoria, were upcycled into a luxurious active oil – rich in Lycopene, Phytosterols, and Essential Fatty Acids. According to Lisa Carroll, the founder and managing director of Native Extracts, "Lycopene, as a carotenoid, has twice the antioxidant capacity to beta-carotene." Research has also suggested lycopene's potential in UV protection and acne care, as it can manage sebum and aid in scarring and wound repair.

In a separate initiative, in France, Phenix en Provence, a joint-venture between Naturals SAS and CAPL (Coopérative Agricole de Provence Languedoc) is producing Intelligene® Oil, an organic tomato seed oil. The tomatoes are harvested and processed into juice in Tarascon in the south of France, after which their by-products are brought to the site to be transformed into an upcycled, 100% natural, COSMOS-certified cosmetic ingredient. This cosmetic ingredient boasts a low carbon footprint of only 20 kg of CO2 equivalent, according to their recent balance sheet, emphasizing local and reasoned production. Intelligene® Oil is described as a moisturizing and protective emollient that provides a “healthy glow” effect and ideally prepares the skin for the arrival of summer.

The initiatives highlighted by Kagome Australia and Phenix en Provence demonstrate a clear and promising direction for the cosmetics industry: embracing sustainable innovation through the resourceful use of the often-overlooked power of the tomato seed.

Sources: LinkedIn, Phenix en Provence, Native Extracts, Cosmetics Design