Body Care

New Zealand has a wealth of natural ingredients including manuka honey, totarol – a natural preservative – and harakeke – a native flax claimed to be more hydrating than aloe vera. The surge of natural and organic companies in New Zealand is no surprise, with some brands becoming popular abroad. Trilogy, Living Nature and Comvita are just an example of New Zealand natural companies that are doing well worldwide.

Stretchmarks are a common skin problem that can affect anyone who gains or loses weight quickly including pregnant women, athletes and adolescents. While there's no definitive solution to stretchmarks, creams, oils, laser treatments and aesthetic procedures are available to diminish their appearance.

Canada's C&T market has been very resilient in the recession and local brands are becoming popular worldwide including homegrown hair care brand Moroccanoil.

A British toiletry company with a contemporary feel, Berkeley Square Cosmetics prides itself on producing efficacious and attractive body care products, which include high quality ingredients and which incorporate modern packaging adorned with stylish sixties photography. The company has recently branched out and is now creating ranges for a younger demographic and also in collaboration with the Royal Ballet.

C&T ingredient suppliers offer a vast array of body sculpting materials to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks, alleviate tired legs, boost breast fullness and firmness, minimise hair growth, and address ageing hands and tough skin on knees and elbows. Key anti-cellulite actives include caffeine, Ruscus aculeatus root extract, and citrus fruit peel extracts

Silusyne is a new cosmetic ingredient containing acetyl hexapeptide-39 for reducing the appearance of cellulite. Acetyl hexapeptide-39 reduces the expression of PGC-1α mRNA, linked to adipogenesis and lipid accumulation, meaning adipocytes coming from preadipocytes treated with acetyl hexapeptide-39 have lower lipid accumulation. In addition, Silusyne improves the uniformity of the skin and adipose tissue inner organisation, both of which are linked to cellulite.

Pharmaca is a one stop shop for all natural health and beauty needs. It comprises complementary health products along with an extensive beauty offering, alongside a traditional pharmacy set-up. Trained practitioners and aestheticians are on staff to advise consumers on their beauty needs. Pharmaca stores now operate in five states across the US with more planned for the future.

The beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France is becoming increasingly well known for its spa and skin care products, as it takes advantage of the plentiful natural resources at its disposal. Many growers in the region specialise in cultivating olives, rose, thyme and lavender.

Natural and environmentally ethical C&T company Dr Hauschka, based in Germany, produces a wide range of body care, facial care and cosmetic products. Products contain natural and organic ingredients, sourced largely from biodynamic farming methods.

Just a few years ago the concept of temporary retail was deemed somewhat revolutionary and was even perceived to be a threat to the future of traditional stores. Nadia Di Martino reports on the evolution and the future of pop-up shops