In today’s world, sensitive skin is an issue that is affecting more of us than ever before. Many used to write sensitivity and other skin ailments off as a non-issue, but in recent years, the paradigm has clearly shifted.
Based on evidence provided by numerous Dermatologists across the globe, and the plethora of studies and reports available, we can clearly identify the upwards trend in sensitive skin cases. Pertinently, it is reported that around 50% of the population would describe their skin as “sensitive” or “very sensitive”- indicating that it is a very real and widespread issue.
Unfortunately, it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of this sensitive skin phenomena. Although, experts have attributed additives in the products we expose ourselves to on a daily basis as some of the main culprits. Products such as body butters, skin-creams, cleansers and make-up are just some examples of products which may contain possible skin irritants, however, the list is much more extensive than these alone.
In particular, many products within cosmetic and personal care products are known to exacerbate the problem of sensitive skin. This is largely down to the fact that many cosmetic products contain preservatives in their formulas to increase shelf life, protect the formulations and increase their durability – and consumers are becoming much more aware of and informed about this topic.
Mintel reports that natural, sensitive and gentle skincare is one of the highest growth areas within the US skincare market. 71% of facial skincare product users in the USA state that they are interested in ultra-gentle products and formulas. Whilst this is no surprise considering the delicate and vulnerable nature of our faces, the trend is continuing into other skincare segments too.
So why aren’t more brands shifting towards gentler formulations and more natural products? Part of the answer lies in the packaging challenge. Generally, standard plastic packaging is made from polymers such as HDPE, PP or PET. These tend to lack the necessary barrier properties, and so cannot adequately protect the formula inside. As a result of this, companies must add preservatives to counteract the issue.
However, times are changing. The AirFree range offered by M&H Plastics, part of the RPC Group of companies, aims to address the growing issue of sensitive skin. A patented production process is used which involves an innovative and patented co-extruded multi-layer Polypropylene component to create a bag in a bottle. This tackles the issue at the root, ensuring the packaging has excellent oxygen barrier properties which can protect and preserve the formula inside.
So what does this mean for sensitive skin? The use of AirFree packaging significantly reduces or eliminates the need for additives and preservatives to be used in various products within the personal care and cosmetics sectors. As a direct result of this, more fragile and natural formulas can be packaged that are significantly gentler on the skin, and are so less likely to cause irritation and sensitivity for the end user.
Overall, it is clear consumers are waking up and are paying more and more attention to what is contained in the products they use. Within the skincare and cosmetics markets, this is certainly the case. Natural, gentle and sensitive products are the future, and so companies will need to align their offerings accordingly. If they are to do this, then packaging must be considered in conjunction with the product.
Airless packaging, including M&H Plastics’ AirFree range, just might be the innovation the industry has been waiting for.
