05.30.08
Latest research from Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) Cosmetic Research shows that over 2800 ethical cosmetic and skincare products were launched in the US last year. And in just the first five months of 2008, more than 1800 new ethical beauty products have appeared on retail store shelves.
"Beauty manufacturers have tapped into natural and ethical claims as a way to differentiate their products," comments Nica Lewis, senior analyst at Mintel. "With 'green living' a hot issue for many Americans, companies have begun to highlight their use of natural ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging."
Cruelty-free is the most widely made ethical claim in new US beauty
products, according to Mintel GNPD. In 2007, nearly 1600 beauty and personal care products were introduced with a 'cruelty-free' claim. In Mintel's consumer research, two in five American women said they look for beauty products that were not tested on animals.
Spurred by the organic trend in food, the inclusion of natural contents in beauty products is also resonating with American women, 35% of whom cite natural ingredients as influential to their purchase decision. With the recent introduction of the US National Certification Program and Seal of Approval, the beauty industry has committed itself to authenticating claims of natural and ethical in beauty products.
Twelve percent of women cite recycled packaging as important to their beauty purchasing decision. "Ethical packaging is currently more of a manufacturing issue, because it contributes to a brand's total environmental image," Lewis explains.
Mintel GNPD has seen manufacturers jump on this trend, releasing over 200 products with environmentally friendly packaging claims since the beginning of the year. Focusing primarily on recyclable or recycled packaging, some manufacturers are also
introducing refillable containers to cut down on waste.
Lewis believes that natural will continue to grow in importance for US beauty shoppers. "Over the past twenty years, the 'no animal testing' claim went from niche to mainstream, thanks to industry support," states Lewis.
"With the introduction of the Natural Certification program, the industry is helping to clearly define 'natural' and build trust around the claim for the American beauty shopper.
More info: www.mintel.com
"Beauty manufacturers have tapped into natural and ethical claims as a way to differentiate their products," comments Nica Lewis, senior analyst at Mintel. "With 'green living' a hot issue for many Americans, companies have begun to highlight their use of natural ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging."
Cruelty-free is the most widely made ethical claim in new US beauty
products, according to Mintel GNPD. In 2007, nearly 1600 beauty and personal care products were introduced with a 'cruelty-free' claim. In Mintel's consumer research, two in five American women said they look for beauty products that were not tested on animals.
Spurred by the organic trend in food, the inclusion of natural contents in beauty products is also resonating with American women, 35% of whom cite natural ingredients as influential to their purchase decision. With the recent introduction of the US National Certification Program and Seal of Approval, the beauty industry has committed itself to authenticating claims of natural and ethical in beauty products.
Twelve percent of women cite recycled packaging as important to their beauty purchasing decision. "Ethical packaging is currently more of a manufacturing issue, because it contributes to a brand's total environmental image," Lewis explains.
Mintel GNPD has seen manufacturers jump on this trend, releasing over 200 products with environmentally friendly packaging claims since the beginning of the year. Focusing primarily on recyclable or recycled packaging, some manufacturers are also
introducing refillable containers to cut down on waste.
Lewis believes that natural will continue to grow in importance for US beauty shoppers. "Over the past twenty years, the 'no animal testing' claim went from niche to mainstream, thanks to industry support," states Lewis.
"With the introduction of the Natural Certification program, the industry is helping to clearly define 'natural' and build trust around the claim for the American beauty shopper.
More info: www.mintel.com