Frost & Sullivan's TechVision team, which provides insight on technologies and retail growth areas, anticipates that active ingredients used in the personal care materials industry will use antimicrobials to “extend the lifespan” of these ingredients.
Active ingredients
Increasingly, consumers are demanding natural ingredients that benefit both the user’s skin and the environment.
As traditional synthetic materials can create side effects such as allergies, skin irritations and skin reddening, personal care buyers are turning towards natural alternatives.
Multifunctional products that serve a number of consumers’ need are also an ongoing trend in APAC and the global personal care sector.
A balanced and healthy lifestyle is a key concern for many shoppers, who look for “biocompatible, cost-effective cosmetics with extended shelf life”.
"Material suppliers' primary area of focus is providing natural compositions using natural active ingredients such as vegetable oils,” said Marta Serafin, TechVision Research Analyst, Frost & Sullivan.
Preserving skin condition
"Consequently, there is intense focus on nanomaterials and antimicrobials, called preservatives, which ensure the stabilisation of these highly reactive ingredients and extend their shelf life,” Serafin went on to say.
There are a number of other important research areas relating to the natural ingredients sector, Serafin highlighted: “Vehicle systems that deliver active ingredients deep into the skin, enabling treatment of only the targeted areas and dermal fillers for smooth and supple texture as an alternative to dermal surgeries.”
As natural materials grow in popularity, the market research indicated that large chemical corporations within the sector are looking to maximise their product sustainability.
In April 2016, chemicals company BASF, for example, has marketed its products with the strapline "All about tomorrow" to encourage green chemistry in personal care products.
Market considerations
To develop new and innovative active ingredients, brands throughout APAC are investing heavily in R&D efforts and market understanding relating to legal considerations.
Multinational companies must be aware of the varying requirements throughout the globe, as whilst European and US markets ban this practice, the Chinese government enforces animal testing on its cosmetics.
At present, the US is still the leading market in terms of generating participation and obtaining patents relating to natural materials in the personal care industry.
However, Serafin noted that "the strongest market adoption and innovations will be from Asia, especially Japan and South Korea as utilising online sales channels provides an effective and efficient means to connect producers and developers with consumers”.