Desert King Advances Clean Beauty Through Quillaja-Based Cosmetic Ingredients
As the cosmetic and personal care industry continues to raise standards for ingredient origin, transparency, and performance, Desert King® reinforces its position as a global leader in botanical ingredients through the development and promotion of Quillaja saponaria-based solutions for clean beauty applications.
With decades of experience in plant extraction and biotechnology, Desert King® supplies quillaja saponins as a natural resource that supports the formulation of eco-friendly, high-performance cosmetic products aligned with the global Clean Label trend.
Quillaja Saponins: A Plant-Based Resource for Modern Cosmetics
Quillaja saponaria is valued for its naturally occurring saponins, which provide surface-active and functional properties suitable for a wide range of cosmetic and personal care applications. Desert King® develops and standardizes quillaja extracts for industrial use, ensuring consistent quality and performance across markets.
As the world’s largest producer of quillaja, Desert King® manages the complete value chain from raw material sourcing to extraction and purification, supporting the reliable supply of botanical ingredients for the cosmetics industry.
Responsible Management and Sustainable Supply
Sustainability is a core pillar of Desert King®’s quillaja operations. The company has implemented a responsible management model for Quillaja saponaria, supported by agroforestry practices designed to ensure long-term availability of raw materials while maintaining high quality standards.
These practices align with the growing demand for responsibly sourced ingredients and support cosmetic brands seeking traceable, plant-based solutions that meet environmental and regulatory expectations.
Andean™ Q Ultra NP: A Quillaja-Based Cosmetic Active
Desert King®’s commitment to innovation in personal care is reflected in Andean™ Q Ultra NP, a purified quillaja extract developed specifically for cosmetic applications. According to official product information, Andean™ Q Ultra NP is vegan-friendly and has been evaluated in clinical studies as a cosmetic active ingredient. The organic version is also available.
Documented results from these studies show that Andean™ Q Ultra NP contributes to:
- A reduction of excess sebum by more than 80%
- A visible decrease in skin blemishes, supporting formulations for oily and acne-prone skin
- A reduction in UV-induced skin redness
- Support for skin barrier repair, positioning it for use in sun care formulations
These properties make Andean™ Q Ultra NP a versatile ingredient for modern skincare applications focused on performance and natural origin.
Expanding Global Reach Through Strategic Partnerships
To bring quillaja-based innovations to global markets, Desert King® works closely with strategic distribution partners. In 2025, the company strengthened its presence in Oceania through an alliance with IMCD Group in Australia and New Zealand, expanding access to nature-based cosmetic solutions in the region.
This collaboration supports Desert King®’s strategy of making botanical ingredients available to formulators worldwide through established, specialized partners.
A Long-Term Commitment to Clean Beauty
Through its leadership in quillaja extraction, responsible sourcing, and product development, Desert King® continues to support the evolution of the cosmetic industry toward formulations that combine performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
By advancing clean beauty through plant-based biotechnology, Desert King® reaffirms its role as a trusted partner for cosmetic brands seeking natural ingredients backed by expertise, scale, and sustainability.

