By Alain Crozier, Ph.D. in microbiology and founder of Cle@n Cosmetic Consulting

Driven by the growth of preservative-free and clean cosmetics, organic products are boosting their market share.

A rising market

While still considered a niche market, sales of organic personal care products are growing at 10% a year and are expected to account for more than US$25 billion by 2025! However, many consumers have found themselves confused between these products and those called “natural”. This is why several European certification bodies, including Cosmebio and the French organization Écocert, have agreed to a common set of specifications: the COSMOS standard. It imposes a minimum of 95% of ingredients of natural origin, and finished products must also contain at least 20% organic ingredients.

An ethical approach 

For industrial players and consumers alike, going organic is a question of making ethical choices. For brands, creating an organic line is about considering their environmental impacts, supporting clean industries and meeting consumers’ high expectations for transparency. From banning animal testing to responsible resource management, adapting production methods to reduce waste and wastefulness, and recycling packaging, more and more consumers are putting their dollars where their values are.

Organic goes mainstream

In 2016, 43% of French consumers bought organic cosmetics, versus just 24% in 2013. The big players in the market have seized on the opportunity, both in terms of image and CSR, to develop their own organic ranges. One such example is L’Oréal, which has just launched its new brand, La Provençale bio. The line includes face and body products as well as personal care products, all made in France using natural organic materials. It is interesting to note that this initiative from a market leader goes hand in hand with an approach to be more responsible and innovative with regard to packaging using sustainable materials.

Sources: Grand View Research Inc. – Cosmebio, Baromètre Agence BIO/CSA 2017