Acaí: An Antiaging Superfood

Acaí is harvested from an Amazonian palm tree found in the rainforests of Brazil and has earned its reputation as a superfood due to its high concentration of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Today, acaí is elbowing its way into the cosmetics aisle and is being heralded as having antiaging properties due to its antioxidant level being 10 times greater than that of red grapes.

Nicholas Perricone, MD, has been instrumental in raising acaí’s profile in the United States. He ranked acaí as the #1 superfood in his book, The Perricone Promise, because of its multiple health benefits and ability to combat premature aging. In addition to speaking about acaí, he was also one of the first to market an acaí product as antiaging. The product, Super Berry Powder with Acaí, is a dietary supplement available from N.V. Perricone, M.D. Cosmeceuticals. It is a berry powder drink made with blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries and acaí and is said to help combat the signs of premature aging.

Mintel’s Global New Products Database also reveals that acaí has been used in a number of other functional beverages from around the world. Sambazon PowerScoop Pure Acaí Powder was launched in Canada and is said to result in healthy skin, while the Acaí with Strawberry beverage from Green & Kerley claims to slow the aging process.

When looking at acaí in the cosmetics arena, BORBA, best known for their functional drink Skin Balance Water, has launched BORBA Fiber-Knit Emulsion SPF 15 Age Defying Acaí Infused Daily Moisturizer. The moisturizer is specifically formulated for use in conjunction with BORBA Skin Balance Water Age Defying and the anthocyanins in acaí are said to result in healthier, younger-looking skin when following BORBA’s skin regimen.

Other forward-thinking companies are realizing acaí’s potential in the cosmetic world. These are a few notable examples. Coty introduced The Healing Garden Energy Therapy Apple & Acaí Antioxidant Body Lotion containing Acaí Super-Antioxidant Complex. The complex includes acaí, apple, wheat proteins, shea butter, grapeseed oil, and vitamins A, C and E. Acaí was included especially for its antiaging properties and ability to fight against free radicals.

Pangea Organics has introduced Facial Mask Japanese Matcha Tea with Acaí & Goji Berry. This product, which is a good example and marrying acaí and goji berry, is a fresh idea. California Tan Dirty Secret Step 1 Base Tan Builder with a firming formula has an “antiaging aphrodisiac blend of acaí, green tea, fig and pomegranate.”

Tarte, powered by BORBA, introduced Inside Out with vitamin C, grape seed extract, vitamin E, acaí juice extract, green tea extract, vitamin K, chamomile extract, and lychee extract.

—Rachael McFarland, Mintel

The Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) tracks new product launches, trends and innovations internationally. The Mintel Cosmetic Research Database tracks mass market and luxury cosmetic innovations in France and the United States. For additional information regarding either Mintel GNPD or Mintel Cosmetic Research, visit www.gnpd.com or call Mintel International at 1-312-932-0600.