BOTANICAL COSMETICS

This research examines recent trends in the cosmetics industry toward the development and marketing of cosmetics and personal care goods that incorporate higher proportions of botanical substances and derivatives of such substances into product formulations. The cosmetics industry produces and markets both cosmetics and toiletries (personal care goods). The term "cosmetics" as used in this research, includes both cosmetics and personal care goods.

Cosmetics are by and large discretionary products. Thus, retail sales are heavily influenced by both advertising and new product introductions. Product differentiation through advertising is essential in the successful marketing of cosmetics. Cosmetics, however, are relatively recession proof, as demand tends to remain strong during economic downturns. Each of these factors is applicable to and is in turn affected by the development and marketing of botanical cosmetic products.

Some botanical cosmetic products are marketed as "natural" cosmetics. The term "natural," while appealing to many consumers, tends to be both inaccurate and misleading. The term is inaccurate because biological (animal) substances and derivatives from such substances are as natural as are botanical substances, while consumer attraction to "natural" cosmetics is based on assumptions that animal substances or derivatives are not used in product formulation

Related Essays

THE BODY SHOP: A CASE ANALYSIS Introduction This .... Shop is able to respond to each of these concerns through processes of product formulation and product testing that maximize the use of botanical materials and .... (1389 6 )

ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOURCES .... Fuel Pelletization Process Source: Setty, Srikanth, & Biswas, 2002 Biomass energy is energy derived through the distillation of botanical materials into a fuel .... (4160 17 )

Growth of US Conservation Movement .... often mean what is thought to be preserved does not get preserved (Nations 196-7). In 1989, Charles Peters, of the New York Botanical Garden's Institute of .... (3388 14 )

Deforestation as a global issue .... often mean that what is thought to be preserved does not get preserved (Nations 196-7). In 1989, Charles Peters of the New York Botanical Garden's Institute of .... (4770 19 )

Art Nouveau, Art Deco .... As one architectural critic describes the Hotel Tassel, "[Horta] incorporates interior iron structure with curvilinear botanical forms, known as 'biomorphic .... (1938 8 )

al care product (dentifrice) that contains no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, no dyes, and no animal ingredients. Additionally, the product is tested for safety without the use of animals, and is, therefore, rated as a "cruelty free" product. Consumer Awareness and Demand While the traditionalists in the drug and cosmetics industry are digging their collective heels, other cosmetics manufacturers are heeding consumer calls for change. The industry recalcitrants display an appalling lack of understanding of consumer demands when they repeat their oft asked question: "Is a natural cosmetic necessarily better?" Consumers in increasing numbers are demanding environmentally sensitive cosmetics and products that are potentially less threatening to human health. In no other issue related to botanical cosmetics are many companies within the industry more out of touch with a large body of the consuming public than that of the use of animals in the production and the testing of cosmetics. Proponents of cosmetics testing involving the use of non human animals contend that prohibitions or restrictions on the use of such animals for such purposes will impede the development of new cosmetics, and retard the

Category: Business - B