Hair Care

The 2011 Arab Spring revolutions in North Africa have had profound effects on the cosmetics industries in Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. While international brands have reputation on their side, local brands retain significant strength. But political instability has left many C&T businesses suffering.

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.

Surfactant systems for effective shampooing, natural cleansing agents and the use of skin care ingredients in conditioners are major stories in hair care technology, while more ingredients are being launched for use in niche products, such as those for itching scalps and greying or thinning hair.

India’s beauty market is dividing into internationally recognised branded products for the middle classes and unknown brands at the poorer end of the spectrum. Growth areas include direct selling, skin lightening and natural claims. Meanwhile, India's big brand owners are extending their reach both at home and abroad.

Financially, 2010 proved a middling year for Germany’s C&T market. However recent product launches from international and local brands in fragrance, colour and skin care mean 2011 may prove more successful, despite a rocky year for hair care. Meanwhile Germany’s drugstores dominated retail and luxury outperformed mass

Responding to an upturn in the US economy, department stores and drug stores are improving their beauty product offering and retail spaces, while sectors performing strongly include lip and eye colour, hair care, naturals, fragrance and skin care

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.

The gulf market’s appetite for personal care products, both traditional and niche, continues to grow. Paul Cochrane reports from Beirut

Forging ten countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam – into one ASEAN market is a tough task for the southeast Asia cosmetics industry, with potential issues surrounding the harmonisation of standards and technical requirements. But trends like skin lightening and male grooming are strong throughout the ASEAN region

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.