NEW YORK—Earlier this year, GFL Skin Care, a European hospitality amenities company, expanded its business to this side of the pond with a new location here. Now, it’s created and unleashed two new lines: The Rerum Natura and Osmè Baby & Kids.
“The Rerum Natura and Osmè Baby & Kids are the next step in our commitment to innovation and dedication to the environment,” said Guido Bonadonna, CEO, GFL. According to Bonadonna, these products will be popular in the amenities market because of the public’s desire for natural and organic ingredients. “Consumer demand for organic products grew 11% in the U.S. in 2015, and the launch of these collections allows our hospitality partners to offer their guests the highest caliber of certified-organic products,” he said.
GFL currently provides amenities to independent hotels and resorts, including Villa Barbarich in Venice, Italy, and Aqua Grand Resort in Rhodes, Greece. Additionally, the company works with brands such as Accor, Best Western, IGH and Hilton.
The Rerum Natura
The Rerum Natura product line was named after a first-century poem by Titus Lucretius Caras, translated as “The Nature of Things,” about the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epicurus. Emanuela Rossi, creative director, GFL, said the line pays homage to traditional apothecary practices and ingredients, which is evident in the essential oils used by GFL for their sensory and health benefits. Additionally, according to Rossi, synthetic fragrance can irritate the skin, which is why it was not used. “The scent of The Rerum Natura products is deeply alive and complex. Since we have not used any synthetic fragrances, only 100% pure essential oils, each product opens throughout use with a warm embrace. Uplifting lemon verbena, lemongrass and orange are given depth through comforting sage and vetiver,” said Rossi.
Products include body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body cream, intimate wash, bar soap, hand cream, face cream and foot and leg relief gel. Accessories include a shower cap, hygienic set and primary set case. “There are 30-ml tubes and 40-ml bottles, as well as two dispenser styles: a refillable pump dispenser and a tamper-proof cartridge dispenser,” said Rossi.
Marked by rich yet lightweight products, the collection is comprised of wearable amenities that include key ingredients such as aloe vera and shea butter. These ingredients are sourced from organic farms and blended with extracts and organic vegetable oils, according to Rossi.
Natural ingredients are a selling point for this collection, among others in GFL’s portfolio. This product line is especially meant for hotels that want to showcase their organically savvy side. “The Rerum Natura is perfect for properties that are looking to cultivate organic and genuine experiences for their guests,” Rossi said. “Maybe these properties have a deep and genuine commitment to bettering the environment around them, and for those that seek to offer truly unique and memorable touchpoints.”
Bonadonna agreed with Rossi’s comments about the natural roots of this product line and added, “The Rerum Natura signifies a property’s commitment to the environment, product quality and aesthetic experience. As the first bath amenity collection certified organic by COSMOS (an internaional standard for organic and natural cometics), The Rerum Natura is in a class of its own for purity of ingredients and minimal impact on the earth.”
The products were also tested for efficacy, where it was shown that the “body cream increases hydration by 41.1% after two hours, and that skin remains 17.3% more moisturized 24 hours after application,” Bonadonna emphasized. “This is due to a high concentration of intensely moisturizing organic shea butter and aloe vera, while omitting silicones, which give the impression of moisture, but are dehydrating to the skin over time.”
Osmè Baby & Kids, by GFL Skin Care is a child-friendly line that features soaps, shampoos and lotions, all approved by pediatricians and ophthalmologists.
Osmè Baby & Kids
This collection of children’s, organic amenities was enriched with shea butter, cold-pressed sweet almond oil and aloe vera, and can be used by children as young as one month old, according to Rossi.
Products include hair and body gel for sensitive skin, nourishing cream, intense moisturer, extra gentle soap for sensitive skin, sensitive baby wet wipes, a house-shaped bath sponge and a washable teddy bear, as well as a a coloring book and colored pencils. There are two kits: a baby bubble bag with hair and body gel, nourishing cream, extra gentle soap and a decorative drawstring bag; and a house-shaped box with hair and body gel, nourishing cream, extra gentle soap and a house-shaped bath sponge (the black-and-white box can be colored).
According to Rossi, GFL developed the line to be gentle and minimize skin allergies, without the use of paraben, mineral oils, silicone, chemicals, animal derivatives or allergic fragrances. Additionally, the products were designed pH neutral for hair and skin and are pediatrician- and ophthalmologist-approved.
“Since baby’s skin is less dense than that of an adult’s, the entire formulation of every product must be specifically designed to be exceedingly gentle, pure and deeply hydrating. This is why we worked with a certifying board of pediatricians and ophthalmologists for three years to ensure that every product is clinically guaranteed to not irritate the skin or eyes. We have formulated every product to be free of silicones, formaldehyde, petroleum, sulfates, parabens, colorants and genetically modified organisms, and instead have used shea butter, aloe, sweet almond oil, rosemary and sunflower from organic farming.”
Bath time is meant to be a fun experience with the line’s imagination-provoking whimsical style, featuring sketches of hot air balloons and animals. Rossi said the line was inspired by “the vast dreamscapes created by children and unbridled imagination.”
With this product, GFL is targeting family-friendly hotels looking for an added amenity for children. “Osmè Baby & Kids is designed for any property that wishes to enhance the guest experience for people traveling with children. The entire collection is conceived as an upgrade amenity, compete with toys to make bath time safe and fun,” said Rossi. HB
