The never-ending search for the next big thing in the health and beauty market has found new focus as two South-East Asian fruits, amla and gac, have achieved ‘superfood’ status.

Commonly known as the Indian Gooseberry, Phyllanthus emblica (Amla in Hindi) extract, has witnessed rapidly rising demand in recent years and growth is expected to remain healthy over the next five years, according to a new report by Future Market Insights. Used primarily in hair care products, Amla is rich in iron, phosphorous, calcium and amino acids and is said to prevent hair loss and enhance texture.

Meanwhile the commercial viability of Gac, or Momordica cochinchinensis to give it its Latin name, is being explored by researchers at Sami Labs in Bangalore. Rich in anti-oxidants lycopene and beta-carotene and already prized for its medicinal properties, ingredients suppliers are increasingly exploring the cosmetic application of this Vietnamese fruit. With the vine responding well to initial tests in Bangalore, it looks like gac could become a skin care staple in the not too distant future.