UK natural and organic beauty sales up 13%

The natural and organic beauty market grew by 13% in 2016, with sales of certified products in the UK reaching £61.2m, according to the Soil Association’s Organic Beauty and Wellbeing Market 2017 report.

The growth is the result of greater consumer awareness and interest in health and wellbeing, with 43% of people surveyed now looking for a certification logo when shopping for organic cosmetics, researchers found.

The number of Soil Association certified beauty brands also grew, increasing 22% (54 new businesses) last year to 268 licensees.

“With demand for organic and natural products on the rise, it’s an exciting time for the industry. 2017 is set to be another year of consecutive growth for the beauty and wellbeing sector,” said Lauren Bartley, health and beauty business development manager at Soil Association Certification.

The report also outlined some key trends for 2017 which include beauty products containing extracts from unusual food ingredients such as cactus and maple, greater transparency following on from a high level of scrutiny of beauty products’ ethical and sustainable sourcing credentials, and a surge in natural and organic product range extensions towards men, children and mums-to-be.

The report also predicts further growth in the “inside-out beauty” concept – with the mindful approach to wellbeing focused on the way our diet, emotional state and environment is a direct reflection of our skin health.

There has not only been a demand for natural and organic cosmetics in the UK but also overseas, with Soil Association’s symbol showcased in many products made in Ireland, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Greece, Jordan, Taiwan, Lithuania, Russia, South Africa and the US.

Marketing and information services company Organic Monitor commented: “The market share of natural and organic cosmetics has surpassed 5% in some countries; these include the USA, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In some of these countries the market share is approaching 10%, meaning one in 10 cosmetic sales will be from natural or organic products in the future.”