Mintel Beauty Innovation reveals 'down to Earth' as key trend to impact beauty industry in 2011

Global (January 6, 2011) – A new year usually means new resolutions, new goals and sometimes a daring new cosmetic risk – such as, finally trying that racy new eye color or dying your hair. In keeping with the New Year’s tradition of out with the old and in with the new, the experts at Mintel Beauty Innovation have unveiled the key trend set to shape the beauty industry in 2011, emerging from innovation from the past year: ‘Down to Earth.’

Closely linked with sustainability, the Down to Earth trend addresses the practicalities of making and marketing green beauty. Factors include managing price pressure due to varying supply and demand of natural and organic raw materials and learning to master the challenges of green chemistry – such as the use of sustainable surfactants, ‘green’ solvents and alternatives to parabens. Free-from formulas – a key trend in 2010 – continue to evolve in an effort to avoid petrochemically-derived ingredients.

In 2010, 13% of new skincare, hair care and cosmetics made the paraben-free claim (up 5% from 2008). Also in 2010, almost 9% of new skincare, hair care and cosmetics made the organic claim (twice as many as in 2007); the all-natural claim was found in fewer than 3% of launches in 2010.

Nica Lewis, Head Consultant at Mintel Beauty Innovation, says:

“Paraben-free claims actually outpaced organic and all-natural claims in new skincare, hair care and cosmetics launches in 2010, backing up Mintel’s Nu Natural trend that predicted that brands would emphasize results and free-from claims over certification. 2011 will see beauty companies placing increased importance on the environment, focusing on sustainable sourcing with attention to maintaining biodiversity. A renewed emphasis on repackaging to minimize waste will also be a factor. “

Developments in the global beauty industry over the past year have been closely monitored by Mintel’s Beauty Innovation team and while skincare launches dipped slightly in Europe and the US in 2010, China saw dynamic growth with a 40% jump in new skincare products.

Around the world, anti-aging claims are still vital, with more than one in four launches making this claim, up 5% over 2009. New skincare products with environmentally-friendly packaging were also up 5% on the previous year showing manufacturers’ commitment to recycling and eco-friendly materials – a trend Mintel expects to have real impact in 2011.

Vivienne Rudd, senior beauty analyst at Mintel, adds:

“2010 was a year for rebuilding with new skincare product launch activity almost matching pre-recessionary levels. The past year saw M&A activity resumed too as credit markets eased, with consolidation amongst ingredient suppliers and Unilever, Shiseido, L’Oreal, Estee Lauder and Coty all inking deals. This development will influence brands in the year ahead from a marketing perspective linked to the Down to Earth trend too. Simplifying text and ‘stripping back’ to tell straightforward, direct stories of plant-based ingredients will be key and manufacturers who treat consumers as educated shoppers instead of novices stand to benefit. “

For more information on Mintel Beauty Innovation, visit www.beautyinnovation.mintel.com.

Q1/2 2010, in US, UK, France, China and Japan, markets where GNPD tracks new beauty from budget to super luxe price points.