Saga’s Cosmetics Islands: revitalizing 8 organic islands for beauty

Sustainability-minded nonprofit Retocos set a target to turn eight islands in Saga prefecture into “organic islands,” growing herbs and plants for cosmetic use. To the north of Karatsu-city, there are eight small beautiful islands all with fewer than 500 residents, respectively. Each island is blessed with vast farmland and fishery resources. The organization is working closely with the locals and growing organic crops, including camellia and Roselle. All of these resources will be harvested and processed into cosmetic ingredients.

The initiator of this project is a local businesswoman, Kaori Mita, the founder of Retocos. Having a background in the development and commercialization of raw materials, on her first visit to the islands, she was astounded by the rich nature and vegetation there. However, she couldn’t avert her eyes from the serious issues facing the archipelago — a monoculture centered on fishing with a declining population resulting from fewer employment opportunities.

Dying economy but lush resources

To diversify these islands’ economy sustainably, Mita came up with an idea to turn the vast available farmland into organic crop fields growing raw materials to use in cosmetics. In addition to farming, her organization acts as a matchmaker between farmers and cosmetic manufacturers.

Some of the produced crops in the archipelago include Roselle, a species of Hibiscus known for its ruby-red petals, that is grown on Takashima island. Using its petals, locals make jam and tea, or even facial lotions. Currently, Retocos is building a factory for primary processing on the island.

Camellia Japonica, another crop, grows in the forests of Kakarashima island. The oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the plant and often used in hair products. Camellia oil adds a touch of softness and moisture to the cuticles. Retocos is currently planning to expand camellia production to the other six islands.

Environmentally balanced and local-friendly solution

Protecting the natural resources in the archipelago is part of Retocos’ mission. For example, beekeeping was started on Takashima island to solve the growing problem of wild boars eating the crops. Bees pollinate and help acorn trees to grow, which in turn feed the boars. Beeswax is also an important ingredient in cosmetic products, so the island is working on product development of that too.

Furthermore, Retocos thinks that engagement with the local communities is also crucial. Local children participate in cosmetic-product-making workshops, learning about the richness of local natural resources. Moreover, the organization works together with a local vocational rehabilitation center and deals with raw material processing. By combining community engagement with the strategic use of the islands’ natural abundance, Retocos is on its way to creating a well-balanced ecosystem that thrives in a sustainable manner.