How Wellness is Affecting Beauty Brands and Formulations
In recent years, the concept of beauty has evolved to embrace not only physical appearance but also an intrinsic focus on health and inner harmony. This shift has given birth to a new era in personal care, where consumers prioritize products that promote self-care rituals, holistic health, and a mindful approach to beauty.
As consumers increasingly seek beauty products and services that promote both looking good and feeling good, the marrying of beauty and wellness is anticipated to grow, representing a significant growth opportunity. Wellness-inspired products – such as formulations with Ayurvedic ingredients and prebiotics, LED face masks, ingestible supplements etc. – have drawn attention from many customers. This trend presents a significant untapped opportunity, with a first-mover advantage for those who successfully navigate this evolving landscape.
Finding Small Moments
New products are looking to elevate existing skin and hair practices or create new “moments”. Products are being designed to create a sense of pampering and relaxation. Think soothing body mists with mood-boosting fragrances or pre-shower scalp treatments that become part of a self-care routine.
Formulations such as a soothing body mist that take a moment to apply but are articulated as a respite from a busy schedule can offer users an opportunity to refresh and reset. These formulations often include cooling sensations and calming activities for the skin, while the fragrance works to boost mood, delivering a dual effect of looking and feeling good. Such products can be used anytime for a quick wellness boost and a bite-sized “me-moment.”
Addressing concerns like dandruff and greasy roots, which can impact emotional well-being, has also become a focal point. A pre-shower exfoliating scalp cream can gently exfoliate the scalp, leaving the skin smooth, fresh, and radiant, while ingredients designed to invigorate and soothe enhance overall vitality. This combination not only improves hair aesthetics but also enhances the user’s sense of well-being. Aveda’s Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Serum is a treatment in this space that has received great reviews and publication acclaim.
Ingestible Beauty
In recent years, the intricate relationship between gut health and overall well-being has garnered significant attention, especially from scientists exploring the diverse community of bacteria residing in our digestive tract. This gut microbiome, known for its crucial roles in immune function, digestion, and even mental health, is now being investigated for its potential impact on skin health.
Emerging scientific evidence suggests that maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria through probiotics might influence skin health positively. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits, traditionally linked to digestive health but now increasingly recognized for their potential in skincare.
While brands like Vida Glow, WelleCo and others are gaining popularity, the future of probiotics in skincare likely lies in personalized approaches. Each gut microbiome is unique and suggests that tailored prebiotic treatments could become a standard part of dermatological care.
Adaptogens
In the dynamic world of wellness and skincare, few trends have captured public fascination like adaptogens. These plant-based substances, steeped in centuries-old traditions from Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, are gaining traction in contemporary beauty routines. As the pace of life accelerates and stress becomes a ubiquitous challenge, the allure of adaptogens lies in their purported ability to help the body cope with various stressors.
Adaptogens are a unique class of plants believed to bolster the body’s resilience against physical, chemical, and biological stress. Among the most celebrated adaptogens are certain mushrooms, like reishi and cordyceps. Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their immune-boosting properties, while cordyceps are praised for their high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory effects. Other notable adaptogens include ginseng, ashwagandha, and sea buckthorn, each offering unique benefits, from energy enhancement to skin rejuvenation.
While Western science is still catching up with the longstanding use of adaptogens in Eastern practices, their integration into wellness regimens is supported by anecdotal evidence. Adaptogens are increasingly hailed for their potential skincare benefits. Rich in antioxidants, they help protect against environmental damage and balance cortisol levels, making them valuable for stress-induced skin issues like acne and eczema.
Niche and big brands alike are entering rapidly to the space. Well known players like Youth to the People, with its Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream, and Herbivore Botanicals, with its Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil, have received excellent reviews for their formulations.
As adaptogens continue to blend the ancient with the modern, they stand as a testament to the enduring value of traditional remedies in our contemporary quest for wellness. While further scientific exploration is warranted, their rise in the skincare world underscores a growing appreciation for holistic approaches to health and beauty.
In Conclusion
The wellness trend is likely here to stay in the personal care industry, incorporating new language and formulations that transform beauty routines to rituals where self-care, wellness, and health are paramount. By adopting this holistic perspective, brands can continue to deliver tangible benefits for skin and hair while contributing to consumer well-being.
