Smart science to improve lives™
Open search Basket 0 View basket

Cosme-Phytami: Our inspiring range of botanicals for modern responsible beauty

Natural, effective, sustainable and innovative - these are four qualities that cosmetic formulators are looking for when sourcing ingredients. To meet this need we have created the Cosme-Phytami range, the next step in botanical extracts. Here we outline what makes the Cosme-Phytami range unique, and why it could offer the perfect solution for brands looking to tell compelling stories that connect with consumers.

5 test tubes filled with water and various leaves

6 reasons to love our Cosme-Phytami range

1. Welcome to a world of beauty where heritage meets cutting-edge science

The Cosme-Phytami range combines traditional plant knowledge with modern extraction expertise, to maximise the benefits of age-old practices. 

The heritage part of this range comes from careful selection of traditional plants that are traditionally recognised for their benefits. The ancient practices they are associated with are enhanced by applying very recent advances in science and technology. For example, we use a plant-based ethanol extraction process coupled with the energy-efficient Zeodration™ technology, flash pasteurisation, active molecule quantification and titration. This process happens in our factory, situated in the heart of France's Cosmetic Valley.

This is particularly appealing to Gen Z, who are driving the reinvention of ancestral beauty secrets into formats suited to today’s routines, blending authenticity and trust with innovation and trends.

2. Zeodration, an innovative, sustainable technology at the core of the process

Zeodration is a uniquely gentle extraction process that preserves the full spectrum of plant activity while reducing environmental impact. Zeodration uses zeolites, microporous minerals with exceptional moisture-absorbing properties, under vacuum, to selectively remove water from a product while preserving its flavors, nutrients, and quality. The process has numerous advantages over traditional extraction methods such as lyophilisation or spray drying. Compared to both lyophilisation and spray drying it is much gentler (with no freezing or destructive step) which helps to preserve volatile aromas. It also uses very low energy, and the heat it produces is recovered for other needs in our factory.  According to our own testing, it consumes 72% less kWh than lyophilisation to evaporate water, and 43% less than spray-drying, which also has a direct impact on the CO2 Eq./kg of plant concentrate processed. This testing is consistent with other research around zeodration that demonstrates it requires less energy than other methods.

The solvent used in the process is also recycled, while the process water is channeled into the water garden of our production site, where the rich biodiversity of plants and animals can flourish.

Cornstalks at sunset

3. The proof that natural can be standardised 

Many formulators demand natural, gentle ingredients that offer the quality and consistency expected from an industrial partner. That’s often where “standard botanical extracts” fall short, but not Cosme-Phytami.

Zeodration allows us to obtain a solid, highly stable plant concentrate. A quantification of active molecule is then done for every batch, linking the plants’ natural benefits to tangible cosmetic claims - see below for our list of ingredients arranged by properties. 

A clear advantage of quantifying the active compounds of the solid concentrate obtained by zeodration is that it allows standardisation of the botanical ingredient at the formulation stage, in glycerin. This final part of our process guarantees constant and reproducible concentrations in quantified active molecules for each ingredient. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, organic acids, carbohydrates, and many other quantified molecules will support the claims that formulators seek, bringing a unique combination of trust, efficacy and naturalness to the product.

4. The full essence of the plant for a holistic sensory experience

Whether you are trend-driven or want to rely on the plant's long-standing reputation, the Cosme-Phytami range offers a strong, recognisable plant identity (think fruits, flowers, roots) that resonates with consumers. A perfect opportunity to develop emotionally engaging formulations, perfect for brands seeking strong narratives.

Just consider all the storytelling possibilities offered by linking your product to ancient cultures such as Mediterranean beauty, Ayurvedic practices, or traditional Chinese medicine. Cosme-Phytami Ginseng, Cosme-Phytami Rosemary or Cosme-Phytami Mate are just a few of the many products that are ideal for capitalising on the renewed interest in beauty and wellness practices rooted in ancient cultures.

A selection of products in the Cosme-Phytami also extends the narrative to circular beauty, sustainability and traceability: 

5. One plant, one ingredient. It’s as simple as that

While this simplicity can help brands build a strong, clear story, it is also an excellent asset for formulators, who can make easy choices based on the active compounds and opt for short INCI names in minimalist formulas where ‘less is more’.

Thanks to its manufacturing process, the Cosme-Phytami range is preservative free and 100% natural origin (according to ISO 16128 standards). While this supports the growing demand for clean beauty solutions, it also allows greater formulation freedom for brands, giving formulators the opportunity to have better control on the choices when developing high-natural content products, and avoid compatibility issues.

What’s more, because each Cosme-Phytami ingredient is straightforward, formulators can combine them strategically to build customised multifunctional formulations, or personalised care formulations that meet the specific needs of each skin or hair type.

For such a project, a product we love is Cosme-Phytami Beautyberry, which was designed to preserve the renowned soothing, veinotonic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of this fruit. While the Beautyberry bears a name perfectly suited for playful cosmetic products, these multiple properties offered by just one natural raw material make our ingredient an ideal choice for an anti-redness agent and soother to awaken the complexion’s radiance and combat skin imperfections.

6. Can’t find the ideal plant extract for your new project? We can provide the support you need

With 25+ years expertise in extraction and ingredient development, we are passionate about plants and the possibilities they provide for the beauty industry. To help brands succeed and be unique, we develop customised botanicals in collaboration with our customers. Such ingredients fit their technical specifications and the storytelling they wish to deliver.

Whether it‘s about a plant or a part of the plant, a specific property, a traceable sourcing or a levelled-up quality (COSMOS certification), we offer many opportunities for new product development.

5 test tubes filled with water and various leaves

 

The beauty industry is changing rapidly, and formulators are looking for botanical extracts that offer effective molecules, while meeting rising consumer expectations for natural ingredients, produced responsibly with energy-efficient technologies. The Cosme-Phytami range by Croda Beauty Botanicals has been designed with these aspirations in mind, offering clean, sustainable, and trend-driven solutions that fit seamlessly into modern formulations.

This range is exactly where traditions meet cutting-edge science, and what makes it stand out is its unique combination of authenticity and trust, of innovation and responsibility. It creates meaningful, relevant beauty experiences inspired by long-standing practices and designed for today’s routines.

To discover the full portfolio, check out all our ingredients, organised below by the main properties linked to their quantification.