Asian natural C&T market leaves consumers confused, says Organic Monitor
Lack of private standards has lead to mislabelling and false claims
Sales of natural cosmetics in Asia may be growing but a lack of standards is leaving the market blighted by false marketing claims, mislabelling of products and consumer confusion, according to research by Organic Monitor.
The company says the absence of private standards have encouraged Asian brands to market their products on their ingredients with many brands making natural and organic clams based on their natural ingredients, even if the products only contain a trace of a natural or organic ingredient. Other brands are placing symbols and logos of the certified ingredients on the product packaging, giving the impression that the finished product is certified, says Organic Monitor.
However a growing number of retailers are safeguarding consumer interests by demanding natural and organic brands substantiate their claims with certification. Malaysian specialist retailer Just Life for instance, has decided to only consider new brands that have certification, while brands Amore Pacific and Himalaya Herbals have announced they are developing certified natural and organic cosmetic lines.
