4 Powerful Ways to Keep Cosmetic Products on the Market
Welcome to the second article in the Regulatory and Scientific series.
Keep Cosmetic Products on the Market by Smart Anticipation of Ingredient Restrictions
In the ever-evolving world of cosmetics, ingredient restrictions including consumer perception and cosmetic ingredient trends greatly affect new product development. However, the latter can take a minimum of 18 months and even if your cosmetic product takes into account all the above at the time of development, due to the fast pace of the industry, these factors may evolve whilst you have cosmetic products on the market rendering them potentially non viable.
To solve this, this blog delves into anticipating the 4 ways to keep cosmetic products on the market and concludes by creating your own Company Blacklist.
1. Cosmetic Ingredient Regulations
Compliance with cosmetic ingredient regulations is essential for several reasons but anticipating these regulations is even more vital to keep cosmetic products on the market especially when we are dealing with CMRs (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reprotoxic).
Equally, as a Company, you may choose to go above-and-beyond the regulations adopting your own positions for various ingredients which drives credibility and in which case, creating a Black List is key.
Worldwide Regulation of Cosmetic Ingredients
Cosmetic ingredients are regulated globally, with common principles:
- Individual Ingredients: Focus on individual ingredients rather than raw materials.
- Hazard vs. Risk: Understanding the difference is crucial.
- Safety and Environmental Perspective: Consider both safety and environmental impacts.
Global regulatory models, such as those in the EU, US, Canada, Japan, and China, often inspire other countries’ regulations. Knowing these can guide your Company in developing fully globally compliant formulations and therefore, place cosmetic products on the market.
2. Understanding Consumer Perception
In today’s market, consumer perception significantly influences product claims and innovations so therefore it is important to stay abreast of these.
Free-From Claims: These claims often mislead consumers into believing certain ingredients are harmful. For example, “free from parabens” has led to the misconception that all parabens are unsafe, despite some being legally permitted and safe. Companies must stay attuned to consumer sentiments via social media and apps to decide whether to blacklist or restrict certain ingredients.
Cruelty-Free Certifications: Cruelty-free claims resonate strongly with consumers who oppose animal testing. Various certifications, such as those from Cruelty Free International (CFI), Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), validate these claims. Brands must ensure due diligence with suppliers to maintain these standards.
Value-Based Innovation: This approach focuses on aligning product development with consumer values, such as sustainability and ethical sourcing. It not only meets regulatory compliance but also builds trust and loyalty among consumers.
3. Cosmetic Ingredient Trends
Clean Beauty
Clean Beauty encompasses Natural, Clean, and Green products. With rising global wellness and increased skin sensitivity, consumers are more informed and cautious about product labels.
Transparency, minimalist ingredient lists, and recyclability are key, aiming for zero waste and fewer chemicals. Companies must define their own Clean Beauty criteria, often focusing on “formulated without” claims to reduce irritation and environmental impact.
Logos and Standards
Certifications like Vegan, Natural, Green, and Organic add credibility.
Vegan products contain no animal-derived ingredients, while Natural products must have 95% natural origins. Organic products must be free from GMOs, pesticides, and other chemicals, requiring 100% certified organic ingredients.
Logos on cosmetic products in the market help consumers identify with these standards, with differences between EU and USA regulations.
Organic vs Natural: EU
In the EU, Cosmos focuses on Organic products, requiring 95-100% natural ingredients, while Natrue is stricter, with specific percentages based on product type. The ISO standard 16128 allows claims of “derived Natural” with at least 50% natural origin ingredients. Each certification has its own set of approved ingredients and compliance percentages.
Organic vs Natural: USA
In the USA, various organisations offer logos for Organic or Natural products, each with specific criteria. These logos require certain percentages of Organic or Natural ingredients and limited processing according to guidelines.
Vegetarian vs Vegan
Vegetarian and Vegan logos differ in that Vegan products contain no animal-derived ingredients, while Vegetarian products may include non-slaughter animal products. Logos are registered in multiple regions.
Halal
Halal certification is increasingly demanded, especially in regions like Indonesia where it is mandatory. Halal products must be free from animal-derived ingredients, microbial contamination, and certain synthetic materials. Certification involves strict adherence to guidelines and inspections by approved bodies.
Sustainability
Sustainability is crucial for our future.
On ingredient sourcing, the RSPO (Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil) offers four certification types, with identity preserved being the most sustainable. Further, the Responsible MICA Initiative ensures ethical sourcing of MICA from India.
Green formulations emphasise minimal, locally sourced ingredients to reduce environmental impact, focusing on biodegradability and avoiding GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
Lastly, waste reduction and carbon footprint minimisation involves cutting energy use, adopting renewable energy, and ensuring recyclable packaging.
These efforts collectively aim to enhance sustainability across industries, promoting a greener, more responsible world.
4. Blacklists
Many retailers have their own standards and blacklists for product formulations. Companies must ensure their products conform to these blacklists, which can change with little notice. This creates a regulatory microclimate that can be challenging for companies, emphasising the importance of maintaining good relationships with retailers.
In Summary…
Blacklists, created by brands, retailers, or third-party manufacturers, often exceed regulatory requirements and align with company policies, consumer perceptions and trends.
Blacklists serve as a comprehensive resource for formulators to understand ingredient restrictions and find alternatives, ensuring products are ahead of potential bans or restrictions so that you can keep cosmetic products on the market.
If you liked this article and wish to know more about ingredients, then why not check out our ingredient training course which offers more valuable insights.
Should you need guidance on how to anticipate ingredients, create your own Company positions and/or create a fully comprehensive Blacklist, book a FREE Consultation with us … we’ll be happy to help.
