Health-oriented buyers continue to thrive in the marketplace
In the bustling markets of the Middle East, the organic beauty sector is poised for significant growth, predicted to expand at an annual rate of 12% to 15% until 2023 [1]. This surge is not just a numbers game; it's a testament to the growing demand for transparency, corporate responsibility, and ethical practices in the beauty industry.
A survey by Ingredion Inc. revealed that an impressive 60% of consumers want to see more "kitchen" ingredients in cosmetics, reflecting a desire for products that are not only effective but also align with their values [2]. This trend is further supported by a study by AlixPartners, which found that 72% of respondents in China, the UK, Germany, France, and the US expressed interest in buying healthy or clean products [3].
The link between ecological practices, biological products, and health is a significant factor in consumer decisions for sustainable and organic products. Consumers are increasingly seeking plant-based products, including in the cosmetics industry, and are concerned about sustainability and the environment [4].
Cosmetic companies are being pushed to differentiate themselves by demonstrating their commitment to ethical practices, such as using clean and cruelty-free ingredients. Provital, for example, aims to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers by using clean, ethical, and recognizable ingredients [5].
These consumers are interested in the origin of raw materials, product composition, manufacturing process, and corporate social responsibility of companies. They prioritize ethics and health, making them a growing force in the market [6].
To cater to this growing consumer base, cosmetic brands can adopt a more sustainable and ethical approach. This can be achieved by focusing on several key strategies: using ethically sourced, traceable, and often local ingredients; simplifying and transparently labeling ingredient lists; avoiding harmful chemicals; ensuring cruelty-free testing; and implementing eco-friendly packaging such as refillable, biodegradable, and recyclable materials [7].
Additionally, adopting carbon-neutral production and reducing water use, alongside transparency about supply chains and sustainability initiatives, help build consumer trust and meet the expectations of conscious consumers [7].
Trends for 2025 show consumers favoring minimalist formulas with fewer, clearly justified ingredients to reduce potential allergies and enhance transparency, while origin traceability for ingredients is crucial, helping reduce carbon footprints and support local economies [1]. Packaging innovations include recycled, recyclable, compostable, or plastic-free materials, driven by tightening regulations and consumer demand for minimal-waste solutions [1][2].
Luxury brands are also joining the movement, combining premium quality with responsibility by sourcing from sustainable agriculture, reducing environmental impact in manufacturing, and using renewable energy [3]. Brands can also engage in sustainability programs and innovations such as biotech alternatives to harmful ingredients, water- and plastic-saving products, and certifications like B Corp to signal their commitment and foster collaboration in the industry [4].
The numbers indicate that the organic beauty market is consistently growing and will continue to do so in various regions. In fact, the organic beauty market has grown by 14% in the UK alone since last year, marking its eighth consecutive year of growth [8]. A trend towards vegetarian and vegan diets is influencing consumer behavior, with consumers increasingly making decisions based on animal welfare, including in the beauty sector [9].
The beauty sector cannot underestimate the influence of conscious consumers on its growth. The rise of conscious consumption and the ethical mindset is becoming a trend in the beauty sector, shaping the future of the industry and its relationship with consumers.
[1] https://www.cosmeticsbusiness.com/analysis/2021/beauty-trends-2021-sustainability-becomes-the-new-norm-99656815.article [2] https://www.ingredion.com/en/insights/trends/beauty-and-personal-care-trends/ [3] https://www.cosmeticsbusiness.com/analysis/2019/luxury-beauty-brands-must-embrace-sustainability-98269944.article [4] https://www.cosmeticsbusiness.com/analysis/2020/the-future-of-sustainable-beauty-99326906.article [5] https://www.provital.com/en/news/provital-focuses-on-clean-beauty/ [6] https://www.cosmeticsbusiness.com/analysis/2019/the-rise-of-conscious-consumers-98651939.article [7] https://www.cosmeticsbusiness.com/analysis/2021/beauty-trends-2021-sustainability-becomes-the-new-norm-99656815.article [8] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/mar/02/organic-beauty-market-grows-by-14-in-uk-as-consumers-seek-natural-products [9] https://www.veganuary.com/news/vegan-beauty-market-worth-20-billion-by-2025/
- The surge in the organic beauty sector in the Middle East is not just a numbers game, but a reflection of the growing demand for transparency, corporate responsibility, and ethical practices in the beauty industry.
- Consumers are increasingly showing a preference for plant-based products, including in the cosmetics industry, as they prioritize sustainability and the environment.
- Cosmetic companies are under pressure to differentiate themselves by demonstrating their commitment to ethical practices such as using clean, ethical, and recognizable ingredients.
- Consumers are increasingly interested in the origin of raw materials, product composition, manufacturing process, and corporate social responsibility of companies, prioritizing ethics and health.
- Trends for 2025 show consumers favoring minimalist formulas, origin traceability, and packaging innovations like recyclable and compostable materials, driven by regulations and consumer demand for minimal waste.
- The beauty sector is likely to witness continued growth, as conscious consumers influence its growth due to their focus on sustainability, ethical practices, and transparency, shaping the future of the industry.
