The world of naturals in cosmetics is evolving dramatically. A truly natural positioning is increasingly important to consumers and naturals are also becoming more important due to their association with sustainability. However, consumers are not prepared to compromise on product performance and these drivers accompanied by developments in technology mean we have moved a long way from simple natural material additions to today’s complex formulations.
Research and consulting group Kline put global sales of natural cosmetic products at around $30 bn in 2014, up 10.6% in 2013, with CAGR to 2019 estimated at just under 10%. Naturals are of commercial importance to manufacturers of natural cosmetic products in this fast growing sector. Companies are formulating and reformulating with more natural materials and around 70%-80% of all new cosmetic active ingredients are based on naturals, according to Organic Monitor.
The importance of and strength of interest in this sector led the UK Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS) to decide two years ago at its inaugural Naturals in Cosmetic Science Conference that it would devote its Annual Conference to naturals every other year. “The growing importance of naturals and naturally derived ingredients in natural cosmetics plus the part they have to play in sustainability, the use of renewable sources and emerging technologies led to us deciding on this biannual naturals conference,” says conference organiser and SCS Treasurer, Judi Beerling (Organic Monitor). “There is though a feeling of not being natural for natural’s sake; they have to be safe.” There are a lot of other events out there focused on naturals, but they are looking very much from a commercial point of view rather than exploring the science behind the ingredients. “We are asking our speakers to go into why the ingredients actually work,” adds Beerling.
Of course formulating natural-based cosmetics with the kind of functionality and aesthetics expected by today’s consumer is not without its challenges, so this year the SCS has put together a comprehensive programme over two days featuring key experts from leading consumer goods companies, raw material suppliers and research organisations along with horticultural specialists to speak on their areas of expertise and provide a forum for debate.
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