New Zealand: Government grant for natural cosmetics firm

A grant of more than NZ $200,000 from the state Foundation for Research, Science and Technology in New Zealand is enabling the natural cosmetics company Antipodes to look into the way plant materials affect the ageing of the skin. The substances to be researched include the New Zealand conifer Podocarpus totara, the tea tree and grape seed.

The founder of Antipodes is convinced that effective anti-ageing treatment should do more than supply moisture to the skin. In her opinion, it’s necessary to stimulate the skin cells. One result of the research programme has already proved very promising: manuka honey and an antioxidant from grape seed stimulated the collagen in the skin up to 92%. More results of the research will be published soon. Antipodes natural cosmetics are available in New Zealand, Britain, South Korea and elsewhere.