'A one-up on the competition’: Crystal Tomato inks global exclusive with Lucas Meyer Cosmetics for enhanced colourless carotenoids

PhytoflORAL is a natural dietary supplement comprising colourless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, and a key ingredient in Crystal Tomato’s Whitening Supplement. It is derived from specially cultivated non-GMO Tomatoes.

CosmeticsDesign-Asia can reveal that the Singaporean company is currently working with the Canadian ingredients maker to develop a new version of PhytoflORAL and will have exclusive rights to the ingredient.

“Crystal Tomato has been in the market for 14 years. We felt it was time to improve the formula. What we have already is such a good formula that there we didn’t really want to change it. But at the same time, we wanted something more efficient,” said Catherine Tan, founder of Crystal Tomato.

Crystal Tomato was one of the first supplements to leverage colourless carotenoids from these unique tomatoes to offer a novel approach to skin protection and brightening from within.

Today, the brand is available in 12 markets and ships internationally. According to the company, it is the top pharmaceutical-grade whitening supplement in Japan.

The popularity of Crystal Tomato has inspired similar products on the market.

By securing an exclusive ingredient, the company aims to “one-up the competition”, said Tan.

Furthermore, with the launch of the upgraded products, Tan is aiming to expand the brand to new markets.

The company will also explore the potential of collaborating with Lucas Meyer Cosmetics on topical products.

Coming soon: Crystal Tomato 2.0

The new and improved Crystal Tomato Whitening Supplement with the new ingredient is set to hit the market.

The final product is currently in the midst of development. The firm was not able to share too much detail about the new ingredient or the final product.

However, it disclosed that one of the ways the supplement has been improved was the size of the tablet.

“For instance, we are also working to optimise the size of the tablet for better absorption and distribution," said Dr Shlomo Krispin, PhytoflORAL scientist.

Once ready, it will be clinically tested at the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS). Simultaneously, the product will undergo a clinical trial in China, the company’s number one market.

The development comes at a significant time in the cosmetics market as consumers increasingly demand safety, efficacy and transparency.

“The move towards clinical and advanced testing is one of the things that Crystal Tomato is leaning towards is reflecting the customer need for science-based, transparency, efficacy, and so forth,” Krispin.

He added that beauty supplements are rising in demand as consumers prioritise simplicity.

“Instead of a complex routine, you take a pill or two a day, and it takes care of your skin care – from head to toe.”

The company also has a major opportunity as more consumers seek out aesthetic procedures to enhance or maintain their appearance.

“Our supplements help with maintenance after procedures and can even give you better results. It can help keep pigmentation at bay. In fact, in China, we work with quite a lot of doctors that combine procedures with our products. This trend is very complimentary to us,” said Tan.