Larch bark (Larix decidua) is at the heart of a research and development project led by Phytosphere Swiss Lab as part of a project to valorize co-products, supported by The Ark Foundation. “Through efficacy tests, we were able to demonstrate that larch bark possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase properties, enabling it to help even out and brighten the complexion. This natural ingredient is therefore particularly well-suited for combating skin discoloration,” explains Geneviève Marie-Sainte, Operations Manager at Phytosphere Swiss Lab.
In Valais, as elsewhere, forest sorting yards are overflowing with this bark, which often goes to waste. Thanks to PhytoArk’s extraction platform and a collaboration with Mediplant, Phytosphere Swiss Lab has been able to extract the beneficial components from this bark, add them to its library of active ingredients, and offer them to its customers in appealing formulations. “As part of this project, significant work on extraction and formulation was carried out,” explains Geneviève Marie-Sainte. Phytosphere Swiss Lab is now able to incorporate larch bark extracts, produced by Mediplant, into cosmetic formulations.
“This extract is primarily used on skin with age spots or uneven skin tone, as well as on mature skin. It works well with a variety of product textures, including serums, cleansers, masks, face creams, and hand creams,” concludes Geneviève Marie-Sainte.
Discover this product line developed by Phytosphere Swiss Lab by clicking this link.