in-cosmetics Asia, the Asia Pacific event for personal care ingredients, has launched a new report, assessing the state of sustainability in the cosmetics and personal care industry. The report focuses on four key themes: Consciousness, Protection, Biotechnology and Inclusivity, and analyses the biggest factors driving change, and the actions brands and suppliers are taking in response to a new generation of consumers who are both ethically and environmentally aware.

Despite progress made, and demand growing, Eileen suggests that APAC brands have several priorities that are likely to take consistent precedence, including appealing sensorial properties, compelling evidence of performance, a strong and flexible supply chain, and regional compliance – especially in China whose regulatory requirements are steep but whose market size and potential make it too important to miss. Candace agreed, stating “Sustainability developments in APAC currently are not as prosperous as in European countries. Yet, we are seeing more brands and consumers paying attention to sustainability and we believe the concept will become more prevalent in Asia.”


The increased popularity of natural ingredients is further illustrated by Euromonitor International’s research which revealed that 75% of respondents in the beauty and personal care space were planning on developing products with vegan, vegetarian and plant-based claims in 2022. And, these efforts are not only being embraced by consumers but are simultaneously impacting a brand’s bottom line. In the APAC beauty and personal care market, products with plant-based claims were on average 37% more expensive than the market average[2] - meaning the benefits for brands are not just through reputation, but potential profits too.

Elsewhere B Corp certifications are becoming highly sought after within the industry, demonstrating that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials[4]. Merve Samur, a cosmetic formulator and R&D Manager for Manuka Bioscience which launched the cosmetic brand, ManukaRx in 1998, revealed the brand’s efforts to pursue BCorp certification, to formalise its contribution to the circular economy through sustainable business practices.