There has been an increasing amount of interest in maintaining a youthful appearance, especially by the Millenials and baby boomers. This has developed a corresponding growth of the cosmeceutical industry and anti-aging formulations. Cosmeceuticals are basically the beauty products that have biologically active and medical ingredients and therapeutic benefits. Cosmeceuticals are mainly used to treat the signs of cutaneous aging including the lack of skin surface regularity, the formation of rhagades, and the increased presence of dyspigmentation. In recent years, a plethora of beauty lotions, creams, serums, beverages, and supplements claim to decrease the visible signs of aging, mainly by improving collagen production and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Sunscreen is said to be the most common cosmeceutical because, over time, ultraviolet (UV) rays cause alterations in face structures due to collagen breakdown, chronic skin inflammation and biochemical changes in the skin. Some of the common types of ingredients found in cosmeceuticals are:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- Antioxidants
- Botanicals
- Depigmenting Agents
- Exfoliants
- Moisturizers
- Peptides
- Retinoids
- Sunscreens
- Exfoliants
These are all ingredients known to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some other ingredients that can be found in anti-aging cosmeceuticals include rosmarinic acid (rosemary extract), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and tea extracts. Thus they are highly recommended to slow down aging as aging cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed. Cosmeceutical products are the best option for the prevention of aging.
As the population demands less invasive, non-surgical alternatives to slow the effects of aging on the skin, the cosmeceutical industry is becoming a big business and growing rapidly. Market research shows that the anti-aging cosmetic market in India is over 60-crore. Although this market constitutes only 2% of the country’s Rs 3,000-crore skincare market, the anti-aging segment is the fastest-growing at 93% year-on-year.
The desire to preserve youth and numerous advancements made in reversing the natural process of aging is an alluring phenomenon that is dragging all types of consumers (not only the old people). Young men and women are seen using these beauty products to avoid healthy aging. This expansion of the target market is expected to drive the growth of the cosmeceutical industry in the future. Some of the hot-selling cosmeceuticals in the market to prevent aging are P&G: Olay Total Effect, Unilever: Ponds Age Miracle, Oriflame: Anti Aging Cream, Avon products, etc.
