Key takeaways
- The beauty-from-within trend is reshaping cosmetics with a focus on ingestible products and holistic wellness.
- Scientific research highlights the gut-skin axis and microbiome’s role in skin and psychological health.
- A recent UK-based study from Unilever also linked C. acne bacteria with improved mental well-being.
- A free webinar on 17 September will explore nutricosmetics, neurocosmetics and microbiome science with leading industry experts.
In recent years, the beauty-from-within movement has marked a significant shift in the cosmetics space, as the beauty industry generally moves towards a more holistic, yet science-based approach to personal care.
Ingestible beauty gains traction in skincare and haircare
Many shoppers are seeking out ingestible beauty products, such as collagen peptides, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids, to support skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health.
Hair and scalp health is also increasingly in the limelight, as people seek out ingestible solutions to improve the strength, thickness, volume and quality of their hair, and seek to balance and harmonise their scalp skin.
But perhaps one of the most exciting topics in this space right now is the link between the microbiome, general health and therefore beauty issues.
Scientific studies reveal microbiome’s role in well-being
For example, more research is emerging on the importance of the brain-gut-skin axis and how these all work in tandem and are bidirectional.
Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science last December revealed that the gut-skin axis is a bidirectional relationship, which means that the condition of the skin is not just affected by the state of the gut microbiome, but that products applied directly to the skin can also have an impact on gut health.
A new UK-based clinical study that was published in the British Journal of Dermatology highlights the connection between skin bacteria found on various areas of the body and psychological well-being.
The research was undertaken by scientists at British FMCG company Unilever in partnership with the Microbiome Innovation Centre and the Brain & Behaviour Lab, University of Liverpool.
The study assessed skin microbiome samples from different body areas, including the face, scalp and underarm, along with responses to psychological well-being questionnaires.
Findings revealed that higher levels of a common skin bacterium, Cutibacterium (known as C. acne), were linked with improved psychological well-being.
Free webinar explores nutricosmetics, neurocosmetics and more
We believe that this shift is so important for the future of the nutricosmetics market, and the entire beauty industry, that we have even created a free webinar about it, where we will speak to four experts in this space.
In our special broadcast on 17 September at 4pm CET / 3pm BST, we will explore how the BFW trend is redefining skincare and wellness by delving into nutricosmetics, neurocosmetics, the gut-skin axis and more.
Unilever’s head of R&D for beauty & wellbeing Jason Harcup will join us for this special broadcast, along with founder of pioneering microbiome-based beauty brand Gallinée Marie Drago, Steffen Wegener who is MD of our Nutra Awards beauty product of the year winner company HECH, and Mintel’s senior research analyst Shiyan Zering.
If you’re interested in the future of the beauty industry or the nutraceuticals industry, this is one broadcast you won’t want to miss!
Sign up here.
