The new wild in African botanical science
Geneva / Cape Town – Velden™, a new entrant to the cosmetic ingredients market, has launched a portfolio of science-standardised African botanical actives designed to address a persistent industry challenge: inconsistent quality and limited documentation of botanical ingredients.
June 17, 2026
Combining science, traceability and co-creation to support global cosmetic formulators.
Developed over 15 months, the portfolio comprises 6 formulation-ready actives across 3 innovation platforms, combining African botanicals expertise with biotechnology to deliver high-performance actives with improved reliability and traceability to formulators.
The launch responds to growing pressure on brands to substantiate ingredient claims with robust scientific data and traceable sourcing. Velden provides formulation-ready systems with verified composition, stability, and comprehensive technical documentation – all areas where African botanical supply chains have often fallen short.
The company operates through a dual-market structure: a Geneva, Switzerland base aligned with European regulatory requirements, and Cape Town, South Africa operations focused on sourcing and manufacturing. This structure combines proximity to raw materials with rigorous quality standards, scientific validation, traceability and supply chain transparency, and enables collaborative development with client R&D teams.
Built to solve African botanicals’ supply chain problem
“The African continent is home to some of the most powerful botanical resources used in cosmetics and personal care. But the industry doesn’t need more botanical ingredients; it needs better ones,” says Mary-Ann Venter, Managing Director of Velden and a long-standing executive in global ingredient markets.
Drawing on her 17 years’ experience at Givaudan and Nestlé, she set out to address a long-standing weakness in the commercialisation of African botanicals, many of which are still supplied in unrefined or insufficiently standardised forms. “Global formulators need ingredients they can trust, which requires consistent quality, scientific validation and robust documentation, with a stronger focus on usability. That’s the gap we’re solving,” Venter says.
Supply chains are often fragmented, with extraction, refinement, and testing taking place across multiple locations. This creates challenges such as batch variability, limited transparency, and regulatory complexity. Velden was founded to address these constraints by developing scientifically validated botanical actives closer to source, combining botanical expertise with plant science and biotechnology, supported by responsible sourcing and full traceability.
Next-generation African botanical actives
Velden’s initial portfolio spans several innovation platforms including AxRose™ for barrier repair and protection, RubyM™ for pro-aging, NatSol™ for sun protection, and TriAct™ for targeted skincare, each targeting specific botanical profiles and formulation outcomes. The company’s current focus is on African biodiversity, with plans to expand into additional regions as new botanical pipelines are developed.
The launch centres on the AxRose™ platform, featuring three formulation-ready ingredients: AxRose™ Trielle, a multi-oil blend of Sclerocarya birrea (Marula), Rosa canina (Rosehip), and Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, designed to repair skin barrier function and lipid replenishment; AxRose™ Maruline, a Sclerocarya birrea (Marula)-based ingredient developed for stability, skin feel and ease of formulation; and AxRose™ Rosaline, a Rosa canina (Rosehip)-based ingredient that improves skin damage from environmental stress.
These are complemented by a broader range of leaf, stem, and flower extracts including Kigelia africana, Myrothamnus flabellifolia (Resurrection Plant), Acmella oleracea (Paracress), Citrullus lanatus (Kalahari Melon), Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe), Pelargonium graveolens (Rose Geranium), and Vachellia karroo (Acacia).
Velden applies proprietary functional ingredients and formulation technologies to develop formulation-ready systems that enhance stability, sensory performance, traceability, and batch-to-batch consistency.
Velden also supports co-creation with customers, working closely with formulation teams to develop tailored actives aligned to specific performance targets.
Beyond product development, Velden prioritises responsible sourcing, ingredient safety and supply chain integrity, with a focus on sustainable harvesting and ecosystem protection.
Unlocking the future potential of African botanicals
Looking ahead, Velden plans to expand its portfolio, building new botanical pipelines while deepening its scientific and manufacturing capabilities. The objective is to establish emerging botanicals from Africa and beyond as trusted ingredients in mainstream cosmetic formulation.
“Many African plants have been used for generations, but are only now being explored through modern scientific research. Bringing them to a global audience demands a higher level of consistency and validation,” says Venter. “Our role is to bridge heritage and science to deliver reliable, high-performance actives and position African botanicals as trusted ingredients in global cosmetic formulation.”
For more information, visit: www.veldenbotanicals.com
About the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa
The Organic & Natural Products Expo is back in Johannesburg, continuing the growth of South Africa’s leading platform for health, sustainability and conscious living.
Johannesburg: 7–9 August 2026 | Sandton Convention Centre (SCC)
Contact Organic & Natural Products Expo:
Warren Hickinbotham
Want to stay inspired and keep up with the future of sustainability?
Follow our journey and join a thriving community of green businesses and conscious consumers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. We share exclusive event updates, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes stories celebrating the hard work that goes into creating truly natural products. Click follow and grow with us today!