The purpose of nutricosmetics is: to enhance outer beauty by working from within, through tablets, capsules, powders to dissolve, or drinkable ampoules.
It encompasses a variety of dietary supplements with different active ingredients and nutrients that can improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and even nails.
As natural and holistic beauty is in vogue, this new approach to beauty is gaining popularity. And more and more brands are developing their specialized range.
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A Growing Market
From Asia to Europe
Nutricosmetics originated in Asia, particularly in Japan. Followed by China, the market is beginning to establish itself in the rest of the world.
According to this recent report, the size of the nutricosmetics market is estimated at USD 8.09 billion in 2023. It is expected to have an annual growth rate of 8.05% between 2023 and 2028, and is projected to reach approximately USD 11.91 billion by 2028.
While North America holds the largest market share in 2023, Europe is making progress. With the European market expected to reach USD 2.52 billion by 2025 according to this other report based on 2021, it is predicted to experience an annual growth rate of 8.54% between 2024 and 2028.
Mainly Anti-Aging Supplements
The reason for such an explosion? With the COVID-19 health crisis, consumers are increasingly considering their well-being holistically. They are turning more towards prevention and a better lifestyle.
Sensitivity to nutritional deficiencies and their impact on health and beauty has increased, to the extent that interest in cosmetic-oriented dietary supplements is growing.
In Europe, concerns are focused on anti-aging nutricosmetic care, with particularly rapid growth in collagen supplements.
The Main Targeted Benefits
Improvement of Skin Appearance
Nutricosmetics are not limited to a single action. The benefits touted by brands and laboratories are numerous. These products primarily target the skin.
Many active ingredients like collagen focus on this area. Prevention of premature skin aging and wrinkles, improvement of skin texture, hydration, complexion radiance, or actions to limit imperfections are often on the agenda.
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Preparing the Skin for the Sun
Some nutricosmetic care enriched with antioxidants and carotenoids focus on preparing the skin for the sun. Aiming to promote better tanning, even pigmentation, and limit the harmful effects of UVs.
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Beauty and Care for Nails and Hair
Finally, complexes of vitamins and minerals and targeted active ingredients are used to achieve stronger nails and healthier hair.
Must-Have Ingredients in Nutricosmetics
To address these various issues, both for the skin and the rest of the body, certain specific active ingredients are commonly used in the world of nutricosmetics:
- Vitamin C: antioxidant, it contributes to skin beauty by boosting collagen production.
- Vitamin A, or its derivatives (beta carotene, retinol): antioxidant that promotes cell renewal, fights against wrinkles, and ensures good skin pigmentation.
- Vitamin E, to protect against oxidative stress.
- Biotin (or Vitamin B8), renowned in supplements for the skin, nails, and hair. It boosts keratin production.
- Keratin, in targeted care for hair and nails. It is the protein that makes up the structure of these tissues.
- Minerals such as zinc, magnesium, or selenium that affect both skin beauty and hair health.
- omega-3 to improve skin hydration and promote its suppleness.
- collagen and hyaluronic acid, as major anti-aging care to prevent skin aging and epidermal dehydration.
Between myth and reality, the limits of nutricosmetics
No effectiveness without a healthy lifestyle
Just like traditional cosmetic care, nutricosmetics have their limits. Far from miracle products that give you all the keys in hand, these supplements will be of no help if your lifestyle is not optimal.
Take care of your sleep, your stress, your diet, and engage in physical activity in parallel.
The majority of active ingredients used are normally found in food. This is especially true for vitamins and minerals whose needs can be met by the content of your plate. Thus, if you do not have a deficiency, some supplements may have limited effectiveness.
A lack of scientific evidence
The use of nutricosmetic care does not necessarily mean visible changes. Some active ingredients are relatively recent and the scientific evidence demonstrating their real effects on beauty tends to be lacking.
Some contraindications
Also be careful of potential contraindications. I advise you to systematically consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment. Especially if you are on medication or have a chronic condition.
Finally, take the time to choose quality nutricosmetic care to reap maximum benefits safely.
Sources
Analysis of Nutricosmetics Market Size and Share – Growth Trends and Forecast (2023 – 2028) – Mordor Intelligence
Analysis of the European Nutricosmetics Market Size and Share – Growth Trends and Forecast (2023 – 2028) – Mordor Intelligence.
