Gastronomia part 1: natural products with a DIY twist
Market research company Mintel reported that APAC consumers really are following the saying, 'it's what's on the inside that counts' by showing increased interest in the naturals market.
DIY beauty
However, the big shift is in consumer desire and willingness to create beauty products from scratch.
“In the Asia-Pacific region, we're seeing the rise of DIY beauty products, while 'clean labels' which call out product benefits and ingredients on the front of the pack are also gaining popularity,” highlighted Sharon Kwek, Senior Beauty and Personal Care Innovation and Insight Analyst.
Ethical labelling
Clean, natural labels continue to carry significant weight in China, as consumers seek natural products associated with a safe and chemical-free beauty regime, and healthy lifestyle.
“Over the last 2 years (January 2014 - October 2016), we have seen a 5% rise in natural and organic claims made in new product launches in the BPC market in Asia. As consumers continue to be inclined towards healthy living, it will continue to be a priority in terms of innovation for the beauty industry,” added Kwek.
The market research company found that 54% of Chinese consumers bought beauty and body care products made from natural fruit ingredients, while 58% of Chinese female consumers were willing to pay more for products that contained natural plant and/or fruit ingredients.
Mintel emphasised the gravitas that product benefit claims can have on consumers’ purchasing decisions as 35% of Chinese consumers consider ingredients contained in hair care products as an important factor to the health of hair.
Key product launches
In 2016, leading international cosmetic and personal care companies have launched multiple products that appeal to APAC consumer’s demands for natural cosmetic lines that are safe, free from chemicals and that represent a healthy lifestyle.
South Korean giant, Amorepacific, launched Fresh Pop I Love Mojito Shampoo in 2016. The newly-created shampoo is a green herb recipe that contains mint, lime, lemon, sparkling water and green tea, which aims to deeply cleanse hair, remove excess sebum and refresh hair and scalp.
Its labelling states that it is free from silicone, paraben, animal ingredients, mineral oil and synthetic colourant.
This year, Amorepacific also released its Happy Bath Natural Beer Spa, Grapefruit Sparkling Ale Body Wash to the APAC market. The wash blends contain beer extract and hop extract, along with argan oil, olive oil and sunflower seed oil. The botanical/herbal product reports its moisturisation and hydration benefits through its unique ingredient choice.
Chinese Shang Mei International Cosmetics also launched its Ultra Doux Repairing Avocado Oil and Shea Butter Anti-Dandruff Shampoo this year. The product claims not only relate to its botanical/herbal and ethical properties but also its long-lasting and time-saving capabilities.
Guang-Yuan-Liang Enterprise from Taiwan released its Guang-Yuan-Liang, Mung Bean and Beadlike Grain Mask this year. The mask, which contains a new formulation, features mung bean, beadlike grain and white mulberry root claimed to condition the skin by injecting essentials into skin and enhance moisture.
The second part of this article, which will continue to look at how Gastronomia is evolving the naturals trend and imminent APAC product launches, will be published on Wednesday 7th December 2016.
