D. Petruzzi
Research expert covering Cosmetics, Personal Care, Health & Hygiene industries.
Natural and organic cosmetics in France - statistics & facts
In recent years, consumers have become increasingly aware of the importance of preserving the environment and its resources. As a result, they are gradually turning to more sustainable products and consumption patterns by choosing organic and natural goods over processed products. While this phenomenon mainly affects food products, this trend has also been impacting the beauty industry of late. Case in point, the global market for natural and organic cosmetics has recorded an annual growth rate of around seven percent since 2013 and is set to be worth nearly 15.7 billion dollars by 2025.
But what about people who are hesitant to purchase organic cosmetics? The number one factor pushing them to continue buying conventional products is the price. Additionally, the lack of guarantees when it comes to natural products may also be an issue. Indeed, whereas organic products need to meet strict specifications clearly defined by official organizations to earn their stamp, no such regulations exist for the “natural” label. In other words, a natural product is not necessarily organic, but an organic product must contain natural ingredients from organic farming and be free of synthetic chemicals. Some companies use this lack of consensus on the classification and identification of natural products to "greenwash" their products or practices.
Combining nutrition and cosmetics, nutricosmetics have a rather straightforward principle: beautification from the inside out, or, in other words, using dietary supplements to improve the appearance and health of various external body parts. As French women cited their wish to improve the quality of their skin as the main reason behind their choice to wear less makeup since the lockdown, these products would appear to match these new aspirations. Incidentally, in 2020 French people spent over 105 million euros on various pills, gummies, teas, etc. targeting skin, hair, and nails. Nonetheless, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of these supplements, and health professionals are much quicker to recommend maintaining a balanced diet when it comes to inside-out beauty.
Organic and natural cosmetics à la française
In France, the organic and natural cosmetics market has taken root and is growing rapidly. Having a market value of 268.1 million euros in 2021, the sector is expected to reach a value of 378.8 million euros by 2025. This growth in the market is driven by factors such as the expansion of distribution channels, the increase in online customer reach, and consumers' desire for natural beauty and well-being.But what about people who are hesitant to purchase organic cosmetics? The number one factor pushing them to continue buying conventional products is the price. Additionally, the lack of guarantees when it comes to natural products may also be an issue. Indeed, whereas organic products need to meet strict specifications clearly defined by official organizations to earn their stamp, no such regulations exist for the “natural” label. In other words, a natural product is not necessarily organic, but an organic product must contain natural ingredients from organic farming and be free of synthetic chemicals. Some companies use this lack of consensus on the classification and identification of natural products to "greenwash" their products or practices.
The ins and outs of post-pandemic beauty
The collapse in the number of social interactions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sales of products linked to social activity, such as makeup. Additionally, with buzzwords such as virus, infection, incubation, and quarantine continuously occupying the public sphere, it is hard to think of beauty products without taking personal health into consideration. Thus, trends such as holistic beauty and nutricosmetics have been gaining more traction.Combining nutrition and cosmetics, nutricosmetics have a rather straightforward principle: beautification from the inside out, or, in other words, using dietary supplements to improve the appearance and health of various external body parts. As French women cited their wish to improve the quality of their skin as the main reason behind their choice to wear less makeup since the lockdown, these products would appear to match these new aspirations. Incidentally, in 2020 French people spent over 105 million euros on various pills, gummies, teas, etc. targeting skin, hair, and nails. Nonetheless, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of these supplements, and health professionals are much quicker to recommend maintaining a balanced diet when it comes to inside-out beauty.
