Over the years, the demand for anti-aging nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products has increased as a result of the rise in the global aging population. Consumers, especially senior citizens, are increasingly seeking methods and products to improve and maintain their appearance and to feel youthful.
However, consumers are a little pickier nowadays when it comes to choosing products. They are more aware about the harmful effects the chemicals used in various personal care products have on the human body and skin. They also have a desire to lead a healthy lifestyle and seek holistic regimes to manage aging. Hence, consumers abstain from using nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products that contain growth hormones, pesticides, preservatives, or artificial colors.
These health-conscious breed of consumer has spawned demand for products that have been fortified with vitamins and minerals. Natural Vitamin E formulations, which have been derived from non-genetically modified plants, have a high demand in Europe and countries such as Brazil.
Natural formulations of beta carotene (Vitamin A) are becoming popular in the market because of their effectiveness over other ingredients. In addition, there is an increase in demand for nutrients and minerals such as soya proteins, psyllium fibers, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium because of their widely accepted antioxidant properties and health benefits.
Enter Nutricosmetics
The term “Nutricosmetics” is a result of the fusion of “Nutraceuticals” and “Cosmeceuticals.” They are ingestible natural health products that enhance the function and appearance of an individual’s skin, nails, and hair. They are a range of beauty supplements and functional foods and beverages that claim to contain active ingredients and nutrients such as botanical actives, sterol esters, lycopene, enzymes, proteins, minerals, and vitamins that enhance beauty and are beneficial to health.
The concept of nutricosmetics is still new to consumers and hence, awareness is lacking. But the marketing strategies undertaken by vendors are helping their products gain credibility and individuals to gain awareness.
The Global Nutricosmetics Market is expected to witness a rapid growth at a CAGR of 9.76 percent during the 2013-2018 period.
Nutricosmetic Supplements
Supplements contain nutrients (peptides, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carotenes, and omega-3 fatty acids) derived from food products, and are concentrated in a liquid, capsule, pill, or tablet form. Their ability to provide nutritional support for the skin has helped them take the place of personal care products that are applied on the face, body, or hair and are used to enhance beauty.
The Supplements segment dominated the market in 2013. They are widely available in the supplement format and are mostly sold as OTC products in the market. Supplements also provide the active ingredients in one full dose and hence, are convenient for end-users to consume. Most vendors manufacture only supplements as it is the preferred format for the consumption of nutricosmetics over food products and beverages. Overall, the segment is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period.
Nutricosmetic Food and Beverages
Nutricosmetic food and beverages are functional foods that have added ingredients or components, which provide them not only with a nutritional effect, but also with specific medical or beauty benefits. These products contain nutritive ingredients such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other active ingredients.
The concept of nutricosmetic food and beverages is not very popular worldwide. However, the increase in demand for functional foods and beverages along with awareness of the functional benefits and availability of these products is encouraging the growth of this segment.
Ready-to-drink beauty beverages are one of the most popular products of this segment. These biologically fortified beverages provide natural hydration benefits to the skin. Some of the most popular beverages include herbal tea, fortified coffee, fruit and vegetable juices, and fortified water. Snack bars, confectioneries, and bakery products are also highly popular among consumers. For instance, the nutraceutical candy for acne by Frutels LLC is one of the most popular products in the market. Hence, continued product innovations and the use of new ingredients in food and beverages will drive the growth of this segment during the forecast period.
