By Doctor Paul Wolf, MD Director of clinical testing, Geneva, Switzerland
Industry suppliers agree that consumers have been the major push behind the green trend due to such factors as health warnings, environmental concerns and organic attitudes. Until recently, little research had been done on herbals as topical solutions. Yet the market has increased by leaps and bounds in the past five years. Growth within the natural personal care products industry is nearly three times the rate of the personal care market, according to industry experts. “Historically, there has not been much research in botanical, but market growth is phenomenal,” said Dr Hegi from The Skin Society “Personal care products generally experience a growth rate of 10% per year. Natural personal care products, however, are expected to grow 25% a year for the next five years.”
Due to the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Europe, consumers are moving away from certain meats and topical products that could contain remnants of animal-based ingredients, especially the feared Mad Cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). And with the increased activity of animal right activists, this fear is widespread.
http://theskinsociety.com/KISS/KeepItSimple.html
“A rise in naturals is related to the Mad Cow disease scare, where tallow is being replaced with vegetable oils in skin care products,” said Dr Hegi. “Most countries require a purity code—no bovine products. And people are becoming more aware of what they are using in their personal care products.”
The disease scares have only strengthened a prevailing trend across the world toward alternative medicines and products promoting a healthier, more spiritual lifestyle.
http://theskinsociety.com/Fabulous/FabuousSkinCare.html
“Consumer demand, the downturn of pharmaceuticals and the popularity of allopathic alternatives that originate from a natural source are driving the market,” observed Dr Hegi “Consumers are more educated and aware of the potency of natural materials and products. There is a desire on both part, manufacturer and consumer, for all-natural solutions to meet this demand.”
http://www.theskinsociety.com/Ingredients/Ingredients.html
Health Canada, the European Union, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Health in the U.S. are studying the medicinal possibilities of extracts to determine if they have anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory effects.
http://www.theskinsociety.com/Dictionary/Cosmetics-Ingredients.html
“The draw to the natural industries has a lot to do with advertised research and studies,” said Dr Hegi “With diseases such as cancer, people are told that if they avoid certain things, it’ll help.”
Dr Paul Wolf, MD.
