Specialty Active Ingredients Fuel Growth of Cosmetics

The market for specialty active ingredients–compounds that provide a demonstrable therapeutic effect on the skin or hair–and the systems used to deliver these ingredients, has exploded in the past few years. According to estimates by Kline & Company, Fairfield, NJ, the market for these materials and associated technologies is valued at more than $300 million at the manufacturers’ level and is still on the rise.

To date, the key focus has been on formulated products that slow the natural aging process, protect skin and hair from the environment and promote wellness. In the U.S. alone, the market for anti-aging skin care products is valued at more than $1.3 billion at the retail level and is growing at double-digit rates, according to Kline.