Consumer attitudes in China are reflecting a growing market demand for natural products. According to new research from Mintel, 90% of urban female consumers in China buy products containing natural ingredients. This statistic rises to 92% for 30-39 year olds and 94% of those in the highest income bracket.
The research also found that product safety is an increasing concern for Chinese consumers, with 90% of female shoppers saying they are “getting more concerned about the safety of skin care products”.
Mintel estimates the facial skin care segment to be worth RMB65bn ($10.46bn) in 2012, up from RMB36bn ($5.8bn) in 2007. Furthermore, Mintel forecasts the market to grow even further over the next five years to 2017 to reach RMB104bn ($16.74bn)."Plant based cosmetic products that enhance the appearance of the skin are increasingly in demand and organic and natural herbal based skin care products are becoming increasingly popular nowadays amongst Chinese consumers thanks to the international skin care trend and ongoing ingredient scare cases in China,” said Jane Henderson, Global President, Beauty & Personal Care Division.
Skin care containing botanical or herbal ingredients is expected to be a key growth category in China, along with sun care. Mintel found the strongest demand from Chinese consumers in sun care to be moisturisation with 27% of consumers looking for this aspect, followed by anti-ageing (41%).