According to Mintel's Asia specialist Diane Park, an eager consumer base is willing to explore new skin care innovations in South Korea.
CosmeticsDesign-Asia.com was given exclusive access to the analyst's research that revealed naturally sourced ingredients such as plant stem cells is giving manufacturers the opportunity to respond to consumer demand for anti-ageing and natural products.
Dermal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin proteins which are essential for skin elasticity and resilience.
"Natural relays confidence that the product is safe for use and has some environmentally-friendly credentials. The botanicals/herbals claim has been in either first or second place for global facial skin care launches during 2010-14," Diane tells this publication.
Appreciation for science-supported performance
Park's findings further reveal that the percentage of global facial skin care products containing stem cells increased from 1% in 2010 to 3% in 2014.
Of that number, launches in South Korea and Japan represented 11% and 10%, respectively.
The use of plant stem cell extracts like jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus) have also increased – each representing 5% of global facial skin care ‘stem cell’ product launches.
"The natural anti-ageing ingredient fits well with consumers in these countries as they have a strong appreciation of science-supported performance," says Diane.
Top 10 claims for global launches of skin care products with ‘stem cells’
1. Anti-ageing
2. Botanical/herbal
3. Moisturising/hydrating
4. Reduces fine lines/wrinkles
5. Firming
6. Time/speed
7. Brightening/illuminating
8. Anti-oxidant
9. Paraben free
10. Collagen increasing
Botanical ingredients have greater sway...
Retinol (vitamin A) has been used for years as an anti-ageing ingredient to improve facial tone and texture and to reduce and prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Consumers in France, Germany and Spain for example show an age-dependent purchase interest in products containing plant stem cells versus retinol.
With the growing attraction for natural messaging with botanicals in products, an age gap has formed between the traditional versus the new natural.
Diane Park will be speaking at in-cosmetics Korea (Seoul, 15 – 16 June) about “What's next in beauty: Trends and innovation to watch”.For more information about the presentation, click here.
In-cosmetics Korea visitor registration is open until June 10th.