Concerns over the environment are leading increasing numbers of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region to choose sustainable and eco-friendly cosmetics, GlobalData has said.
According to the data and analytics firm, as consumers turn away from synthetic ingredients and demand sustainable business practices from manufacturers, the green cosmetics trend is gaining momentum across the region.
Natural and plant-based
“The benefits of green cosmetics, which include their less likeliness to react with the skin and the environment, is encouraging consumers to increasingly choose them over traditional products,” commented Naveed Khan, consumer analyst at GlobalData.
“Natural and plant-based ingredients, recognised for their safety and healing properties, are further reinforcing this trend. Additionally, concerns about petrochemicals releasing toxic pollutants and the rising prevalence of microplastics in cosmetics are accelerating the demand for low-pollutant alternatives.”
Khan cited the example of health and beauty chain Watsons, which has introduced the Naturals by Watsons’ Special Edition Blue Beauty skincare range to stores in Hong Kong, which contains 94% natural ingredients and uses more sustainable packaging made from recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles.
“Of late, the growing unethical practices in the production of ingredients is forcing consumers to choose responsibly sourced and produced ingredients,” added Deepak Nautiyal, consumer and retail commercial director, APAC and ME at GlobalData.
“Concepts such as waste reduction, balancing the usage of resources, and adopting sustainable communities and practices are gaining traction. This trend is increasing the demand for ethically produced ingredients in cosmetics.”
Ethical choices
According to GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey, which surveyed over 6,500 respondents, just under half (49%) of consumers in Asia and Australasia said that their purchasing habits for cosmetics and other toiletries are either ‘always’ or ‘often’ influenced by how ethical/environmentally friendly/socially responsible the product/service is.
In addition, four fifths (81%) stated that they believe that ‘natural’ tags in product purchases are either ‘essential’ or ‘nice to have’.
“The growing consumer interest to lead a sustainable lifestyle presents manufacturers with the opportunity to develop greener cosmetics by enhancing their production and procurement processes,” said Khan.
“Additionally, the integration of technological advancements and the increasing demand for innovative concepts in the cosmetics industry will create substantial growth opportunities for manufacturers.” Read more here.
