There is a growing demand among consumers for natural and organic beauty products. Long ago, the evolution began quietly as many massage therapists, day spas and resort spas began to reflect on the traditions of spa and massage as they relate to the actual beauty products that were being used on clients' skin. It made perfect sense to utilize products that come from nature and have been actively used for centuries to activate the senses and heal the body. Spa by spa, the industry began exercising that demand for natural products by choosing to use them exclusively in their business.
Natural and organic beauty products have become more sophisticated over the years. Socially conscious and responsible beauty products are in demand in spas because estheticians can see, feel and smell the difference it makes to clients' skin and how using them enhances each spa treatment. Now the demand is coming from the consumers using natural products as part of a healthy lifestyle and want to see it as an integral component of the spa experience.
I am definitely seeing a demand for organic and green products. I know that everyone is on the bandwagon about going green and being organic, however, that is what the clients are asking. In the esthetic department clients don't want chemicals on their skin. Clients are becoming aware of the toxins in facial products. Sheila Wysocki, owner of The Spa of Cool Springs.
New data suggests that the natural/organic personal care market will continue its healthy growth. In 2008 that market grew 7%, to 8.4 billion across all retail and direct to consumer channels. In addition, 2 out of 3 beauty consumers say they are interested in some form of “eco-beauty products being either natural, organic, green/eco-friendly, or socially conscious/responsible beauty products. (NY based marketing firm the NPD Group, Inc)
Growing consumer awareness and demand for organic and natural beauty products have encouraged manufacturers to provide more selection and ways to access natural products. They have highlighted the need for consistent organic certification and requirements that ensure that all beauty products are accurately labeled.
Current research has revealed that consumers are very information focused; they want to know what is in the products and about the companies that produce those products. In addition many consumers are making long-term changes to their lifestyle and are unlikely to give up that commitment to organic and natural products to save a few pennies. (GCI Magazine, “Breaking Barriers: Retail’s Natural (R)evolution, February 2009 / Happi Magazine, “Green is the New Black”, June 2009 / GCI Magazine, “Kline Anticipates Growth for the Naturals Market, February 2009)
This milestone is good news for spas and salons that are committed to natural and organic products but it does not come without its challenges. Deciphering the many ingredients listed on beauty product packaging can be confusing, complicated and time consuming.
So, next time you have the opportunity for a spa treatment talk to your esthetician about the products they are using in their treatments. Your spa is an invaluable source of information with the knowledge and wisdom you need to ensure you are putting the right products on your skin.
