A look at how Asia's ingredients are influencing Western formulations

Demand for organic cosmetic ingredients has been especially robust in ASEAN as the raw materials that global manufacturers need are easily available. 

Ingredients like Moringa Oleifera ​for example, is used in various natural ingredients and widely cultivated throughout the region.

Associate consultant at Future Market Insights; Vipassa Kakroo told CosmeticsDesign-Asia.com that the retail sectors in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are particularly expected to increase the growth of premium and specialised organic cosmetics.

Eastern ingredients gaining momentum in the West​

Snail extract was recently discovered to be increasingly good for the skin after a group of snail farmers reported they had smoother hands after tending to snails.

Its properties contain seven key benefactors to promote healthy, beautiful skin; allantoin, collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and protein. 

With that new found discovery came a new segment and many cosmetic brands hurried to incorporate the ingredient in topical skin care and cosmetics.

As US and European companies discovered Asia's use of the substance, many went on to announce their efforts to bring snail extract from China in liquid form for cosmetic manufacturing and production.

Revamping and reformulating​​

Other ingredients Western formulators are being inspired by from Asia includes horse oil, donkey and goat milk - all huge in South Korea's skin care products right now.

Regional trends expert Florence Bernardin tells CosmeticsDesign-Asia.com that these ingredients are starting to replace demand for bee or snake venom in skin care products.

Take for example, horse oil which has long been used in the region for its' moisturising properties is being viewed in a new way in 2015, thanks to innovation in the area for new age treatments.

Although well used for its basic hydrating properties in Japan, Korea's cosmetics market revamped the substance, transforming it from an all-in-one product to a miracle emollient with the ability to treat skin damage, fine lines and acne scars.

Food for thought...​

Donkey milk is also being used in beauty as the vitamin A present is crucial for cell membrane recovery and facilitates skin regeneration.

Thought to treat atopic dermatitis and improve the skin's barrier, Florence says skin care featuring the milk is attracting Chinese travelers due to the sheer amount of product launches in Seoul in the last year.

Goat’s milk is also starting to make its way into mainstream cosmetics in the form of lotions, cleansers and moisturisers for the face and body.

"These products are not too alkaline or acidic in composition, which makes the ingredient ideal for dry skin formulas. Goat’s milk contains natural Lactic Acid, which also contributes to a stabilized, gentle pH level,"​ Florence tells this publication.