Skin Care Going Organic and Natural

Given the wide use of synthetic chemicals in mainstream cosmetics and the consumer worries about the effect of such chemicals on sensitive skin, consumers are turning towards organic and natural skin care solutions in droves.

According to the latest statistics from Organic Monitor, a British-based business research and consulting company that specializes in global organic and related-product industries, natural and organic cosmetics were expected to account for 3 percent of all cosmetic sales in Europe last year.

While that is a small percentage, the amount has been increasing by 20 percent a year recently. And in some countries, like Germany, the sector's market share is expected to approach 10 percent by 2012.

The European market for natural and organic cosmetics totaled €1.1 billion, or $1.5 billion, in revenue in 2006. That is a small fraction of worldwide cosmetics sales - the top-end makeup segment alone totaled $3.1 billion in the United States last year - but no wonder mainstream and luxury brands want a piece of the action.

Traditional companies such as L'Oreal and Clarins have both added natural brands to their portfolios. L'Oréal bought Sanoflore, the leading French producer of organic cosmetics, while Clarins made an initial investment of €3 million in Kibio, another organic brand from France.
Other popular brands focusing on organic skin care include new eco-conscious labels like Bod from Australia and Taer Icelandic from Iceland. Both companies claim they use pure herbs and high-quality essential oils, in products packaged in recyclable glass.

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