9 Dec 2009

L'Oreal interested in manuka honey formulations

3:02 pm on 9 December 2009

The therapeutic and medical uses of New Zealand manuka honey are being extended to include new skin care applications as well.

French cosmetic company L'Oreal is exploring these in a collaboration with the country's largest manuka honey producer, Watson & Son, and Professor Peter Molan of Waikato University.

Watson & Son chief executive Denis Watson says research has shown the honey's potential as an anti-aging treatment for skin, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

He says his company has signed a heads of agreement with L'Oreal, which is now working on formulations.

Mr Watson is expecting a joint venture arrangement with L'Oreal after it completes its trials.

He says as well as skin care, the French company is also interested in wound care products.