Association News//
2017 BEAUTY TRENDS REVEALED IF YOU’RE INTERESTED in skin care trends and consumer preferences in Japan, the US and France, Google has compiled a unique beauty trends report using search engine data. Entitled Think with Google Beauty Trends 2017, from Vantage provided insight into the highlights of this report at Coschem’s afternoon lecture on 12 May. The event, hosted at Evonik in Midrand, was exceptionally well attended. Be it Japan, France or the US – each market has distinct values when it comes to skin care. These range from a strong need in Japan to understand the science behind different beauty regimes and a keen appetite for trying new offerings in France and the US. ‘These trends are relevant to Africa as consumers on certain parts of the continent are influenced either by America or France,’ MacCallum explains. ‘Masks are leading in the US market; charcoal is also big. Skin bleaching however is on the decline, which is a major positive considering the damaging effects. The vegan trend continues to grow in prominence, and is even penetrating the fragrance segment with the recent launch of a vegan fragrance in France. There is
also a spotlight trend developing in cellulite related products, with the average French consumer 30 times more likely to search for these products than their American or Japanese counterparts.’ MacCallum took an in depth look at searches related to masks, and consumers’ top concerns associated with these beauty treatments. When asked why users are turning to masks, acne featured as the main reason. ‘To achieve dark lips contrasted with a light complexion, Japanese consumers are now using peel off lip masks to redden their lips,’ she adds. ‘Originally launched in Korea, sheet masks have migrated to France where they are now a popular choice to address acnerelated skin care concerns.’ MacCallum also urged attendees to search ‘masks’ on YouTube to see some of the interesting and bizarre online content related to the masking trend. ‘Masks-related video content on YouTube enjoy statistically high views, and on other
social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, we’re seeing an increase in the use of skin care products. This could be attributed to social activity linked to masks where one can involve family and friends. In Japan, masks have migrated beyond the face with brands developing masks for hands and feet.’ Ingredients trends were also discussed with food related ones big in the US while plant-based ingredients are prominent in France. ‘However, Japanese consumers focus on quality ingredients,’ comments MacCallum. ‘Another interest search featured in the report is bath bombs for kids. Men’s skin care is also a theme to watch across all markets. Although male grooming appears to be seasonal, global players like Nivea are continuing to expand on their offerings for men.’ Kim MacCallum
INAUGURAL SUPPLIERS’ DAY A MASSIVE SUCCESS DRIVEN BY MEMBERS MEMBERS’ requests and industry need, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (Coschem) hosted its first skin care actives suppliers’ day on 3 May. The inaugural event took place at its office in Johannesburg and saw around 90 people attending. Coschem member companies that supply skin care actives were invited to take part in the suppliers’ day, and no costs were involved in exhibiting. Exhibitors included BASF/ Botanichem, Carst & Walker, Evonik, IMCD South Africa/CLR, Merck, Millchem, Orkila, Savannah Fine Chemicals, Siyeza Fine Chem and Vantage Specialty Chemicals. One exhibitor said the event was an immense success, noting just how valuable it was to take part. Another
exhibitor was so impressed with the amount of leads generated at the first suppliers’ day. Every visitor to the skin care actives suppliers’ day was a quality one. They ranged from formulators and product developers to brand owners and manufacturers from the local cosmetics industry. The visitors loved the buzz and opportunity for interaction provided. They looked forward to forthcoming suppliers’ days hosted by the society. These types of events present the perfect opportunity for buyers and sellers to come together to exchange information of products and ideas for innovation. Coschem now has plans to organise suppliers’ days in Cape Town and KwaZuluNatal, to ensure formulators, developers, brand owners and manufacturers from across the country have access to the unique benefits of one-on-one interactions with suppliers to the industry. P C Review | JUNE 2017 |
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