Plant-based beauty products and oral care items
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal care products, a significant shift towards plant-based and vegan lifestyles is underway. This trend is particularly noticeable in the beauty and oral hygiene sectors, where consumers are increasingly seeking out products with easily identifiable, plant-based cosmetic ingredients.
One key driver of this trend is the belief that plant proteins are better for the environment than animal proteins. This environmental consciousness, coupled with a growing awareness about the potential health benefits of natural ingredients, has led many consumers to extend their principles to personal care products.
In the realm of oral hygiene, popular plant-based ingredients include Aloe Vera Juice, known for its soothing and healing properties, and Betaine, derived from sugar beets and providing a gentle foaming action. Olive Leaf Extract offers antibacterial properties, while Glycerine, sourced from vegan-friendly sources, helps retain moisture in the mouth.
Stevia, a natural sweetener extracted from Stevia rebaudiana, and Myrrh, with its natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, are also common additions. Essential oils, such as Wild Mint, Peppermint, Orange, Lemon, and Tea Tree, offer antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits, and help freshen breath. Green Tea Extract, soothing and antioxidant-rich, is often used in combination with Aloe Vera.
In response to this growing demand, cosmetic ingredient manufacturers are striving to provide suitable solutions. Provital's Mint ECO, for instance, is a 99.4% naturally derived product, approved by The Vegan Society. This innovative ingredient caters to the demands of health- and environment-conscious consumers, offering a solution that responds to the increasing influence of these consumers in the mass market.
The terms "vegan" and "cruelty-free" are becoming common in the beauty and personal care sector, with internationally recognised certifications such as EVE (European Vegan Expertise) and V-Label playing a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of these claims. In the US, 37% of beauty and personal care consumers seek natural products due to a lack of preferred chemical ingredients.
Even in markets like China, where user experience might traditionally take precedence, 60% of oral care product users would choose a toothpaste with more natural ingredients, even if it meant compromising on user experience. This underscores the growing importance of sustainability-based communication in appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Mint oil, with its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, as well as its bacteriostatic action against Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, is a valuable asset in this shift towards natural and plant-based oral hygiene products. A preclinical study showed that an 80% ethanol extract of mint leaves had anti-inflammatory activity against acute and chronic inflammation, further emphasising its potential benefits.
As the food and beverage industry continues to embrace plant-based and vegan lifestyles, it seems likely that the trend will continue to gain momentum in the beauty and personal care sector. With consumers increasingly demanding natural, plant-based, and vegan products, manufacturers are challenged to innovate and provide solutions that meet these growing needs.
Science is increasingly exploring the potential benefits of plant-based and vegan ingredients in health-and-wellness, including the food-and-drink industry. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact and potential health advantages of natural ingredients, the demand for plant-based personal care products, such as mint oil with its antibacterial properties, is growing. This trend is pushing cosmetic ingredient manufacturers to innovate and provide suitable solutions, like Provital's Mint ECO, a naturally derived product, approved by The Vegan Society, catering to health- and environment-conscious consumers.
