Fruit extract ingredients drive naturals market

According to market analysts Mintel's database, products are being launched around the globe that take advantage of the numerous anti-oxidant properties in fruit extracts for products ranging from facial colour cosmetics to skin care lines.

A spokesperson for the company stated that manufacturers are keen to stay abreast of the growing consumer awareness for products that contain botanical and herbal ingredients that also serve to care and nourish the skin.

Market research company Organic Monitor estimates that the European market for natural and organic products is currently growing at 20 per cent a year, and set to surpass a value of €1bn.

Christian Dior has been amongst the first this year to capitalise on the trend in Europe, with the launch of a make up pallet that incorporates pyrus malus fruit extract derived from apple. The pallet comprises of a blush, eyeshadow and a gloss.

Meanwhile, two products have been unveiled in the US, with global cosmetics company NARS unveiling a new make-up primer said to prepare the skin for make up application and benefits from the anti-oxidant and anti-ageing properties of both citrus and peach extracts.

Japanese cosmetics giant Kanebo has created a make-up foundation based around apricot extract. The foundation is said to contain five anti-ageing elements, which also help moisturise the skin.

Lipstick manufacturers are also profiting from the trend with the previous three quarters showing a growth in products containing fruit extracts, which are thought to make lips smooth and protect against the loss of moisture, drying, or chapping of lips.

Moving to China, Rida Fine Chemical released Vitamin in Lip Gloss under the Pucelle brand. Pucelle Vitamin in Lip Gloss is enriched with blackcurrant extract and vitamins (A, B6, E). It is claimed to replenish moisture to the lips whilst also having a blackcurrant fragrance.

Canada has also caught onto the trend, with Maybelline also announcing this month the launch of a lip palette that contains rosa canina fruit oil.

The rapid evolution of the natural and organics cosmetic market in Europe and the US is also leading to increasing opportunities for Western companies in the Asian market.

With the more established state of the market in the West, and the fact that Western brands carry greater credence in many Asian markets, experts believe this spells significant opportunities that are likely to lead to a more global landscape for the category.