Maria Coronado, senior ingredients analyst at market research firm Euromonitor International, explains the background to the two trends, ahead of her presentation on the topic at the upcoming in-cosmetic Global industry event.
The in-cosmetics Global show is set to take place in Amsterdam, 17 - 19 April. Find part two of this interview here.
Why are the anti-pollution and probiotic trends coming to the fore now? What’s bringing them into the spotlight?
These two trends are not completely disconnected, the need for skin protection that goes beyond traditional sunscreens is becoming essential in a world with increasing environmental problems.
The negative impact of modern life, the exposure to a growing number of environmental stressors and the rise in allergic reactions to chemicals has put health and wellness at the top of consumer’s priorities, especially young adults who are more environmentally sensitive than past generations.
These consumers are seeking for new ways of protecting their skin against these invisible threats and this is where anti-pollution and probiotic ingredients come into play.
In the same way that consumers need and demand pollution protection, they are now starting to understand that microbes play an important role in protecting our body. The industry is making efforts to develop new solutions adapted to the skin microbiome.
Can you give an overview of some of the most exciting new anti-pollution & probiotic-inspired consumer behaviours? What are the latest trends?
By the end of 2017 most major cosmetics companies and ingredients manufacturers had already jumped on the anti-pollution bandwagon offering a wide portfolio of solutions that protect against pollutants.
In 2018, more adventurous consumers are expected to show an appetite for exciting and experimental products and ingredients with specific health and protection benefits that go beyond the traditional.
This marked shift in consumer attitudes is likely to have a positive impact on the market demand for products carrying all type of protection claims.
“Mimic or boosting the natural skin protection” or “microbiome friendly” are just a few examples of claims that are starting to appear and co-exist with more specific protection claims such as anti-pollution and blue light protection.