China losing out in expanding Asian natural cosmetics market

China is losing market share in the Asian natural & organic cosmetics market. Organic Monitor research finds Chinese market growth rates are declining because of animal-testing methods and formulation challenges.

In the last 18 months, many Western brands of natural & organic cosmetics have withdrawn from the Chinese market. Weleda, Lavera, Pangea Organic, Logona and Juice Beauty are some of the brands removing their products in protest against animal-testing methods. Other green brands like Dr. Hauschka and The Body Shop are shunning the Chinese market for the same reason.

The Asian natural cosmetics market is expanding by about 15 per cent per year. Growing consumer awareness of health and wellness issues is boosting demand for organic and natural products. Few Chinese companies however are producing natural and organic cosmetics because of formulation and ingredient issues.

There is low availability of certified organic ingredients and natural extracts, which are mainly imported into China. Formulators and product developers also lack technical expertise in removing synthetic ingredients from cosmetic formulations.

As will be shown at Sustainable Cosmetics Summit Asia-Pacific (www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com/Asia), China is losing out to other country markets, such as India, Thailand, and Singapore. Hong Kong however is benefiting most from the ‘boycotting of the Chinese market’.

All leading international natural & organic cosmetic brands have a presence in the Hong Kong market, whilst over 20 new brands are launched each year. Hong Kong also possibly has the highest concentration of green cosmetic retailers in the world. Apivita, Jasmin Skincare, Aveda, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Jurlique, Melvita, and Comvita are some of the international brands with concept stores in Hong Kong.

The range of natural and organic cosmetics in Hong Kong - and wider Asian region – is increasing. Western brands are raising exports since few Asian brands have been successful in developing such products. Only when Asian companies manage to formulate natural & organic cosmetics with the same efficacy as Western brands, will they be able to tap the potential of their local markets.

The marketing and technical issues associated with natural and organic cosmetics in Asia will be featured in the Asia-Pacific edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit.

About the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit

Organised by Organic Monitor, the aim of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit is to encourage sustainability in the beauty industry by bringing together key stake-holders and debate major sustainability issues in a high-level forum. The 4th Asia-Pacific edition will be hosted at Excelsior Hong Kong on 10-11th November 2014. More information is available from www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com/Asia

About Organic Monitor

Organic Monitor is a London-based specialist research, consulting & training company that focuses on the global organic & related product industries. Since 2001, we have been providing a range of business services to operators in high-growth ethical & sustainable industries. Our services include market research publications, business & technical consulting, seminars & workshops, and sustainability summits. Visit us at www.organicmonitor.com

For additional information, please contact:
Ms. Tina Gill
PR & Marketing Manager
Organic Monitor
Tel: (44) 20 8567 0788
Email: press@organicmonitor.com

Publish your content with EB Premium

It's not about how many you reach. It's about who. Get your news, events, jobs and thought leadership seen by those who matter to you.

Most popular

Featured Events

Publish your event
leaf background pattern

Transforming Innovation for Sustainability Join the Ecosystem →