Growing environmental concerns are pushing consumers to embrace sustainable and eco-friendly cosmetics in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Consumers believe that synthetic ingredients will not only damage their skin but also pollute ecosystems. In response, manufacturers are using clean and natural ingredients to align with consumer preferences. As a result, the green cosmetics trend is gaining momentum across the region, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Naveed Khan, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The benefits of green cosmetics, which include their less likeliness to react with the skin and the environment, is encouraging consumers to increasingly choose them over traditional products. Natural and plant-based ingredients, recognized for their safety and healing properties, are further reinforcing this trend. Additionally, concerns about petrochemicals releasing toxic pollutants and the rising prevalence of microplastics in cosmetics are accelerating the demand for low-pollutant alternatives.

“Aligning with this, health and beauty care store chain, Watsons, introduced Naturals by Watsons’ Special Edition Blue Beauty range in Hong Kong that contains 94% natural ingredients and recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles. This launch coincides with the company’s commitment to combat ocean plastic pollution.”

Deepak Nautiyal, Consumer and Retail Commercial Director, APAC and ME at GlobalData, adds: “Of late, the growing unethical practices in the production of ingredients is forcing consumers to choose responsibly sourced and produced ingredients. Concepts such as waste reduction, balancing the usage of resources, and adopting sustainable communities and practices are gaining traction. This trend is increasing the demand for ethically produced ingredients in cosmetics.”

GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey* corroborates this trend, where 49% respondents in Asia & Australasia stated that their product purchasing decisions for cosmetic and toiletry products are either always or often influenced by how ethical/environmentally friendly/socially responsible the product/service is. In the same survey, 81% respondents stated that they find “natural” tags in product purchases as either essential or nice to have.

In line with this trend, manufacturers in the region are introducing the concept of green cosmetics in their production process to appeal to consumers. For instance, in August 2024, L’Oréal’s Garnier brand renewed commitment to introduce sustainable products for its Asian consumer base. By leveraging green science, the brand aims to minimize the environmental impact of its offerings, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the beauty industry. Moreover, the brand recently launched a Vitamin C serum through its Garnier Green Academy initiative, which is claimed to be cruelty-free, sustainable, has responsibly sourced ingredients, and greener formulations.

Khan concludes: “The growing consumer interest to lead a sustainable lifestyle presents manufacturers with the opportunity to develop greener cosmetics by enhancing their production and procurement processes. Additionally, the integration of technological advancements and the increasing demand for innovative concepts in the cosmetics industry will create substantial growth opportunities for manufacturers.”

*GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey – Asia & Australasia, published in July 2024, included 6,506 respondents.