By Belinda Higgins
Independent.ie
The huge swing towards ethical products is impacting on far more than just the grocery sector. Concerned consumers are also now increasingly choosing organic and natural cosmetics and skincare products. New research from Mintel shows that over 2,260 ethical cosmetics and skincare products* were launched in Europe in 2007 -- a five-fold increase on 2006 figures.
And 2008 looks set to be another bumper year for the market, with more than 420 new ethical beauty products already having hit shelves in Europe in the first few months. "Beauty manufacturers are innovating by making their products more compatible with the emerging lifestyle trends of ethical shopping and eco-consciousness," says Nica Lewis, Head Consultant of Mintel Beauty and Personal Care. "They're clearly looking at ways to cut down the amount of packaging they use and are trying to reduce the negative impact production can have on the environment."
Animal welfare issues, environmental concerns and health are the motivations behind consumers' growing tendency to think before they buy skincare and beauty products. The Irish market for personal care and cosmetics products is estimated to be worth €112.2m per annum. COLIPA (the European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association) recently tipped Ireland as one of the countries with the most potential for future growth.
Cruelty-free products that have not been tested on animals make up the largest group of new ethical beauty products on the European market. Around half of women in France (49pc) and the UK (51pc) say that they look out for this label when buying beauty products. The EU is implementing a ban on animal testing for cosmetics, and a near-total ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, from 2009.
The survey also revealed that 'all natural products' were another major consideration when choosing cosmetics and skincare items. Many cosmetics on the market are still loaded with toxins, artificial fragrances and preservatives. However, consumer demand has ensured that more and more companies are now offering natural and botanical alternatives. For example, British pharmaceutical giant Boots recently announced a new project to develop algae for use in its personal care ranges. Following on from the trend in the food markets, there is now heightened interest in eco-friendly and Fair Trade beauty products.
"We have already seen the no-animal-testing claim go from niche to mainstream over the past two decades," explains Lewis. "Although organic has proved popular in the beauty industry, the current trend for ethical claims centres around the use of Fair Trade ingredients and products having recycled and recyclable packaging. All natural (products) will also continue to appeal."
*This includes products that are fair trade, not tested on animals, that support a charity and that are environmentally friendly or have environmentally friendly packaging.
Independent.ie
The huge swing towards ethical products is impacting on far more than just the grocery sector. Concerned consumers are also now increasingly choosing organic and natural cosmetics and skincare products. New research from Mintel shows that over 2,260 ethical cosmetics and skincare products* were launched in Europe in 2007 -- a five-fold increase on 2006 figures.
And 2008 looks set to be another bumper year for the market, with more than 420 new ethical beauty products already having hit shelves in Europe in the first few months. "Beauty manufacturers are innovating by making their products more compatible with the emerging lifestyle trends of ethical shopping and eco-consciousness," says Nica Lewis, Head Consultant of Mintel Beauty and Personal Care. "They're clearly looking at ways to cut down the amount of packaging they use and are trying to reduce the negative impact production can have on the environment."
Animal welfare issues, environmental concerns and health are the motivations behind consumers' growing tendency to think before they buy skincare and beauty products. The Irish market for personal care and cosmetics products is estimated to be worth €112.2m per annum. COLIPA (the European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association) recently tipped Ireland as one of the countries with the most potential for future growth.
Cruelty-free products that have not been tested on animals make up the largest group of new ethical beauty products on the European market. Around half of women in France (49pc) and the UK (51pc) say that they look out for this label when buying beauty products. The EU is implementing a ban on animal testing for cosmetics, and a near-total ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, from 2009.
The survey also revealed that 'all natural products' were another major consideration when choosing cosmetics and skincare items. Many cosmetics on the market are still loaded with toxins, artificial fragrances and preservatives. However, consumer demand has ensured that more and more companies are now offering natural and botanical alternatives. For example, British pharmaceutical giant Boots recently announced a new project to develop algae for use in its personal care ranges. Following on from the trend in the food markets, there is now heightened interest in eco-friendly and Fair Trade beauty products.
"We have already seen the no-animal-testing claim go from niche to mainstream over the past two decades," explains Lewis. "Although organic has proved popular in the beauty industry, the current trend for ethical claims centres around the use of Fair Trade ingredients and products having recycled and recyclable packaging. All natural (products) will also continue to appeal."
*This includes products that are fair trade, not tested on animals, that support a charity and that are environmentally friendly or have environmentally friendly packaging.
- Belinda Higgins
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