Article by the experts: Emerald et al
The natural personal care industry is significantly influenced by companies that incorporate various natural and organic ingredients in their products. These companies often market their brands as ‘natural’, even though they may not exclusively use natural and organic ingredients. Brands such as Eminence, L’Occitane en Provence, Aveda, Burt’s Bee, Organicare, Aubrey organics, and many others fall into this category.
The quality of these marketed organic and natural personal care products relies heavily on the quality of the natural plant-derived ingredients they use. Many of these ingredients are certified by organic certification bodies like USDA, Sanoflore, NOP, QAI, and others. The percentage of natural and organic content in the product formula also plays a crucial role in determining the overall quality of the product.
Countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Belgium have consolidated their regulations under one regulatory body, COSMOS. In Japan, cosmeceuticals are regulated as quasi-drugs. The Organic and Sustainable Industry Standards (OASIS) stipulate that ‘made with organic’ products must contain a minimum of 70% organic content. This requirement increased to 95% in 2012, reflecting the growing demand for organic products.
Despite the availability of high-quality natural plant-derived ingredients, manufacturers of organic personal care products still face significant challenges. Issues such as microbial contamination can lead to product instability, causing separation, discoloration, and the formation of gases and odors. The lack of suitable natural preservatives that can effectively combat a wide spectrum of microorganisms, fungi, and viruses is a major challenge. This is why many consumers prefer products that are freshly ‘made to order’.
Nutricosmetic companies like Perricone, Borba, Glowelle, and others combine dietary supplements and nutritional support routines with skincare products. These products contain vitamins, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, alpha-lipoic acid, and bioactive botanicals, aiming to promote better health and beauty, and combat premature aging. The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) reported in 2007 that the personal natural products segment is growing exponentially for men, and includes a cosmeceutical range. Brands like RSVP’s and Bulldog are examples of natural skincare brands for men that contain high-quality plant-derived ingredients.
Furthermore, the industry is seeing a strong trend towards regulation and proper testing of natural and organic personal care products. This is expected to ensure the quality, properties, and corresponding shelf life of these products. With the increasing consumer awareness and demand for natural and organic products, it is crucial for the industry to address these challenges and meet the high standards set by regulatory bodies. This will not only ensure the safety and effectiveness of the products but also build consumer trust in the ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ labels.
Comments