Thailand To Introduce Skincare Products From Rubber Late Extracts

By Minggu Simon Lhasa BANGKOK, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Many anti-ageing skincare products containing rubber latex extracts based on the research studies conducted by Prince of Songkhla University and Naresuan University are expected to be launched next year. "These products come in the form of facial wash gel, skincare serum, whitening cream and haircare products," said Dr Nares Damrongchai, chief executive officer of Thailand Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) Friday. Dr Nares said the skincare products were unlike other products in the same category, thanks to the country’s capability of producing a large volume of natural rubber latex each year. "They are unique, so we think that they will receive a good response from the users," he said. TCELS is in the process of assessing the economic value of products with rubber latex extract, he said. He said these products would generate revenue for the country in the long run, and also help solve the problem of declining rubber prices. TCELS, which is under the Thailand's Ministry of Science and Technology, on Friday signed a memoranda of understanding with Prince of Songkhla university and Naresuan University today to develop natural skincare products and haircare products containing rubber latex. The move is to serve the increasing demand of consumers for natural beauty and personal care products, and help in solving the problem of declining rubber prices. Dr Nares said the Asia-Pacific market for whitening products was worth approximately three billion baht. "We are certain that the products that we have developed will receive good response from the users and have a large market share," he said. Research studies on latex extract were conducted by Prof Dr Rapeepun Wititsuwannakul of Prince of Songkhla University and her teammates. The products have received positive response from users when a company conducted a pre-launch marketing campaign. -- BERNAMA