Active ingredients surge chemical demand

Cosmetic & Toiletry Chemicals​ - a new study published by the Freedonia Group​ this month - claims that the incorporation of active ingredients, such as plant acids and enzymes, into toiletries and cosmetics has become one of the most compelling factors driving growth in the otherwise mature US market.

Growth in demand for active ingredients is projected to approach 10 per cent annually through 2008, propelled by strong demand in cosmeceutical skin care products and high value additives such as nanoscale ingredients.

The emergence of products created as a result of nanotechnology is expected to have a substantial effect on the cosmetic and toiletry industry. Plant-derived ingredients and specialty additives providing protection from sun, wind, smoke, heat, pollution and other threats to healthy skin and hair, are thought to cause growth in consumer demand.

Among the first nanoscale ingredients to establish a market presence are polymers used as delivery systems for vitamins and other actives, and inorganic pigments used in sunscreens.

Organic ingredients are expected to remain an important component of the cosmetic and toiletry chemical market, both in product formulation and reformulation, and in terms of marketing impetus that is so critical to manufacturers looking to retain or expand their respective shares of the market.

Smaller volume botanical extracts are expected to offer the fastest growth opportunities, approaching or exceeding double -digits annually. However, the high cost of many botanical extracts and issues of quality control and standardization will restrain further gains.