Natural Cosmetics

1. General outlook on the natural cosmetics industry

According to Euromonitor data report released in 2008, the world cosmetics and

toiletries market recorded in the last year a strong growth passing from 170 billion

euros in 2001 to more than 220 billion euros in 2007, increasing at an average of 5.5 per

cent per year. This market is expected to grow at an average of 3 per cent per year and

in 2011 will reach 250 billion euros. Normally, the cosmetics industry mostly refers to

colour cosmetics or makeup segment, but these data also consider the sub-segments

such as baby care, bath and shower products, deodorants, hair care, oral hygiene,

The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at fragrances, skin care depilatories and sun care. The treatment of skin or the sun care is

helping to maintain the growth in the global beauty market (Euromonitor, 2008).

During the nineast for 2011 is to be more

than ten billion euros (organicmonitor.com, 2007).

During the last years, the cosmetics industry has dramatically diversified its

managerial and marketing orientation towards customer requirements. This is due to

the growth in response to the consumer trends towards healthier lifestyle and

requirements for natural aroma products. This necessity has boosted companies to

adopt new marketing and management techniques in order to meet consumer demand

for product qualities. Knowledge for the natural components in cosmetics is a strategic

resource for the firm which is coming from customers and producers. Between these

two participants, the most important link is the information exchange which could

contribute to an efficient management of the product performance. The information

that cosmetics companies need to ensure is accessible on request to the consumers, and

is as follows:

. Data on undesirable effects. Companies have to report whether undesirable

. Composition of the product. The EU's Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EC) already

requires that a list of ingredients has to be provided on labelling. As regards the

qualitative composition for which information must become accessible to

consumers on request, ingredients means any