As industrialization and modernization pour into all aspects of human life, people cannot help but re-examine modern lifestyles, explore the relationship between individuals and nature, and emphasize “returning to nature” under the dual efficiency mandate of both the times and institutionalization. , the concept of “harmony between man and nature”, looking for a new harbor for modern people’s chaotic life. This yearning and pursuit of nature, as well as the aversion to over-industrialization, are also reflected in consumer behavior. More and more consumers are beginning to choose products with more pure natural ingredients, especially in daily skin-friendly products. In the field of cosmetics, this tendency is even more obvious.
With the change in consumption concepts, production participants have also begun to change from the product research and development side. The market activity of plant raw materials representing “pure natural” is rising steadily. Many raw materials at home and abroad are accelerating the pace of layout and doing their best to satisfy consumers’ demand for natural products. , multi-dimensional requirements for safety and efficacy.
According to relevant statistics from Markets and Markets, the global plant extract market size is expected to reach US$58.4 billion in 2025, equivalent to approximately RMB 426.4 billion. Driven by strong market expectations, international raw material manufacturers such as IFF, Mibelle, and Integrity Ingredients have launched a large number of plant raw materials and added them to their products as substitutes for original chemical raw materials.
How to define plant raw materials?
Plant raw materials are not an empty concept. There are already relevant standards for their definition and supervision at home and abroad, and they are still being improved.
In the United States, according to the “International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook” issued by the American Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics refer to ingredients that come directly from plants without chemical modification, including extracts, juices, water, Powders, oils, waxes, gels, juices, tars, gums, unsaponifiables and resins.
In Japan, according to the Japan Cosmetic Industry Federation (JCIA) Technical Information No. 124 “Guidelines for the Development of Specifications for Cosmetic Raw Materials” (Second Edition), plant-derived substances refer to raw materials derived from plants (including algae), including all or part of plants. Extracts, dry matter of plants or plant extracts, plant juices, water and oil phases (essential oils) obtained by steam distillation of plants or plant extracts, pigments extracted from plants, etc.
In the European Union, according to the European Chemicals Agency’s technical information “Guidance for identification and naming of substances under REACH and CLP” (2017, Version 2.1), substances of plant origin refer to substances obtained by extraction, distillation, pressing, fractionation, purification, concentration or fermentation. complex natural substances obtained from plants or their parts. The composition of these substances varies depending on the genus, species, growing conditions and harvest period of the plant source, as well as the processing technology employed. As a general rule, a single substance is one in which the content of one of the main ingredients is at least 80% (W/W).
Latest trends
It is reported that in the first half of 2023, four plant raw materials have sprung up through the registration process, namely the rhizome extract of Guizhonglou, the extract of Lycoris notoginseng, the callus extract of Bingye Rizhonghua, and Daye Holly leaf extract. The addition of these new raw materials has enriched the number of plant raw materials and brought new vitality and possibilities to the cosmetics industry.
It can be said that “the garden is full of flowers, but one branch stands out alone”. Among the many plant raw materials, these newly registered raw materials stand out and attract much attention. According to the “Catalogue of Used Cosmetic Raw Materials (2021 Edition)” issued by the State Food and Drug Administration, the number of used raw materials for cosmetics produced and sold in my country has increased to 8,972 types, of which nearly 3,000 are plant raw materials, accounting for about one-third. one. It can be seen that my country already has considerable strength and potential in the application and innovation of plant raw materials.
With the gradual increase in health awareness, people are increasingly favoring beauty products based on plant active ingredients. “The beauty of nature lies in plants.” The diversity, safety and effectiveness of plant active ingredients in beauty have been widely recognized and sought after. At the same time, the popularity of chemical and plant-based raw materials is also rising, and there is huge market potential and innovation potential.
In addition to plant raw materials, domestic manufacturers are gradually figuring out the direction in the innovation of other new raw materials. Domestic raw material companies have also made improvements in the innovation of new processes and new preparation methods for existing raw materials, such as hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen. These innovations not only enrich the types of raw materials for cosmetics, but also improve product effects and user experience.
According to statistics, from 2012 to the end of 2020, there were only 8 new raw material registrations nationwide. However, since the registration of raw materials was accelerated in 2021, the number of new raw materials has nearly tripled compared to the past eight years. Up to now, a total of 75 new raw materials for cosmetics have been registered, of which 49 are Chinese-made new raw materials, accounting for more than 60%. The growth of this data shows the efforts and achievements of domestic raw material companies in innovation, and also injects new vitality and power into the development of the cosmetics industry.
Post time: Jan-05-2024