Entitled 'Beauty Foods - An Attractive Proposition', the publisher says the report aims to provide an understanding of the technical basis behind the efficacy of ingredients that aim to improve skin tone, eye brightness, wrinkles and hair gloss.
Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen have become increasingly popular in the skin care market of late, in line with consumer desire to stave off signs of skin ageing and maintain a healthy appearance.
With the growth in this trend being mirrored by huge interest in natural ingredients, industry experts have noted a 'blurring of the boundaries' between cosmetic and food and drink products, as many of the natural-based ingredients are increasingly shared.
The report highlights the increasing popularity of ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, gingseng, aloe vera, collagen, green tea, rooibos and omega-3 - ingredients that can now be found in food and drink products almost as readily as cosmetic products.
As well as market information, the report contains a comprehensive technical chapter on the different sources, functions, and applications of ingredients like these that are now being widely used in beauty food products.
Likewise, the report also combines a summary of regulatory issues associated with health claims made for novel and beauty food products.
Beauty foods have swept into the more developed consumer markets over the past couple of years, with product such as yoghurts, sweets and soft drinks boasting beauty benefits such as skin whitening, anti-ageing, sun protection and a clearer complexion.
The report also looks at the development of the market, tracking the fact that the niche has grown up around small independent companies that have been increasingly bought up by the larger food and cosmetic companies.
Big players now involved in the beauty foods arena include L'Oreal, Nestle, Danone and Coca-Cola, who are all increasing their portfolios within the category.
