Future Now
The IFTF Blog
Beauty and Health
In our Global Health Economy Map of the Decade 2006-2016, we broadly defined health to include, among others, beauty, pharma, and food; we also noted an burgeoning trend toward "anytime, anyplace health." A recent story in the New York Times illustrates the intersection
The article, entitled "Natural, Organic Beauty," opens with an anecdote about a woman who goes shopping in the beauty department at her local Whole Foods store. She is looking for "healthy" products-- anti-perspirants with no alumninum derivatives, paraben-less skin care items--even thought there is virtually no scientific evidence to support her concerns. In choosing natural or organic cosmetics, she is erring on the side of caution. But according to the article, "she admits that she’s unsure whether her careful choice of natural shampoos and sunscreens translates into health benefits."
Are synthetic-free cosmetics, made without industrial ingredients like petrochemicals, healthier? With more and more people beginning to read cosmetics labels the way we many of us already read food labels, the natural and organics beauty products industry is booming.
As the Times explains, [n]atural cosmetics market themselves as containing plant or mineral ingredients; organic products say they are made with agricultural ingredients grown without pesticides." The article goes on to report on research from Information Resources Inc. that indicates that, during the 12 months through Sept. 9, Americans spent $150 million on the top three mass-market natural personal care brands--Burt’s Bees, Jason Natural Cosmetics and Tom’s of Maine--a 50% increase over the year before.
Interestingly, Clorox announced this week that it is purchasing privately-held Burt's Bees for $925 million in cash. Forbes.com reports that,
According to Clorox, the natural personal care market already accounts for over $6 billion in sales each year and is growing rapidly. Sales are climbing at an annual rate of 9%. [Clorox CEO explained,] "The Burt's Bees brand is well-anchored in sustainability and health . . ." (my emphasis)
At Whole Foods, personal care is the company’s fastest-growing department. One executive observes, "We’re seeing an increased consciousness that what you put on your body is as important as what goes in your body. . . . The biggest impetus for buying natural or organic body care is the perceived health benefit" (my emphasis, again).