A step toward regeneration: In 2024, Natura Ekos introduced the world's first moisturizing body concentrate
The product is the result of three years of research conducted by Natura's R&D team. It contains 81% less plastic than conventional refills, comes in a refillable bottle, and is made entirely from plastic recovered from Amazonian rivers.
In June 2024, the cosmetics company Natura announced a groundbreaking milestone in its history with the launch in Chile of the world’s first moisturizing body concentrate, part of the Ekos Castaña line. This product was designed to combine science and nature in order to repair and strengthen even the deepest layers of the skin.
According to the company, this global innovation in the cosmetics market reinforced its commitment to sustainability. Of particular note is the use of refillable packaging made from 100% plastic recovered from the Amazon’s rivers, which has contributed to a significant reduction in waste and the establishment of sustainable post-consumer supply chains in riverside communities and recycling cooperatives.
"The moisturizing concentrate not only represents a global breakthrough in body care but also a tangible commitment to making a positive impact and preserving the Amazon. Every ingredient in this product contributes to healthier skin and a more sustainable planet, serving as an invitation to adopt a more mindful approach to consumption," said Ezequiel Monis, Marketing and Sustainability Manager at Natura Chile, during the launch.
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Biocosmetic Technology and Formulation
The concentrate, developed by Natura’s Research and Development (R&D) team, has an innovative feature: when mixed with water, it transforms into a body cream. This technology was the result of three years of research, ingredient screening, and rigorous chemical and sensory evaluations. The precise combination of ingredients allows a stable emulsion to form quickly.
To prepare the product, the user must fill the final container (empty) with drinking water up to the marked line. Next, shake the concentrate refill to mix it thoroughly and pour it into the container with water. Finally, after screwing on the cap, shake the container vigorously for at least one minute to obtain the final cream. The bottle can be reused up to five times, provided it is washed thoroughly before each refill.
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The Power of Chestnut Oil
The product stands out for containing 95% naturally derived ingredients, with raw chestnut oil playing a key role. This bioactive ingredient, rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, stimulates the skin’s restructuring proteins and combats dryness through a fast-absorbing formula that immediately improves skin texture without leaving a sticky feeling.
Monis added at the time that the company was working toward global certification from the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), which aimed to elevate the chestnut to the status of Natura’s first regenerative bioactive ingredient by 2024.
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Social and Environmental Impact
Under a regenerative production model, local communities harvest and process chestnut seeds responsibly, ensuring the conservation of the forest and biodiversity. After drying and shelling, the seeds are steamed and cold-pressed to extract the oil, preserving their natural properties and ensuring the effectiveness of the final product.
As part of this process, Natura supports 10 riverside communities (comprising 580 families) and 3 active groups in Belém, Manaus, and the Middle Juruá region, all of which play a key role in the collection process. The company also collaborates with various recycling organizations, benefiting 195 families and cooperative members from groups such as Nova Recicla, Recicla Manaus, Eco Cooperativa, and Coopamare, among others.
Finally, the Ekos concentrate succeeded in significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Its bottles are made of recycled PET, and its packaging is made of recyclable paper. Thanks to the high concentration of the refill, the product generates 55% less waste compared to conventional packaging, emits 20% fewer greenhouse gases, and requires 75% fewer trucks for logistics, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to the circular economy.
Learn about all the features of this great product on its website.
