Embracing Inner Wellness for Outer Radiance

This year let’s shift the focus from external fixes to the real source of radiance – inner wellness.

According to Mordor Intelligence, nutricosmetics, a blend of nutrition and cosmetics, is predicted to reach $11.91 billion by 2028 up from $8.09 billion in 2023, fuelled by consumers who crave natural wellness and beauty solutions, and convenient ways to nourish their skin and hair from within.

Natural ingredients are the heart of this surge, offering effective beauty benefits and aligning with the rising demand for clean, sustainable alternatives. From green tea’s antioxidants to marine collagen’s skin support, natural products can provide powerful tools for inner and outer beauty.

What is driving the nutricosmetics trend?

The growing demand comes from consumers seeking natural approaches, moving beyond quick fixes to nourish their bodies from within for long-term beauty. And convenience is key, with nutricosmetics often coming in easy-to-consume formats such as gummies or shots, along with the ability to personalise formulations to individual needs.

Jennifer Carlsson, a beauty brand expert associated with Mintoiro has conducted significant research on the nutricosmetics market, and emphasises the trend of “skinimalism,” where consumers prefer a minimalistic approach to skincare, incorporating natural beauty products, such as nutricosmetics​.

The science behind nutricosmetics – what does it mean?

The way that these supplements translate to outward beauty comes down to what happens within the body. Nutricosmetic ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream, delivering essential nutrients to the skin and hair follicles. For the skin, nutricosmetics can support collagen production, which provides skin structure and elasticity. They can also help fight free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to wrinkles and age spots, and some ingredients can improve hydration and barrier function, leading to a more plump and healthy appearance. For hair, nutricosmetics can deliver vital nutrients such as biotin and omega-3 fatty acids that nourish hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing breakage.

The gut connection

Gut bacteria, surprisingly, impact skin and hair health. A healthy gut microbiome helps maintain skin balance and prevents issues like acne. It also strengthens the gut barrier, preventing toxins from affecting skin.

Similarly, gut health influences hair by aiding nutrient absorption for strong hair. Imbalances can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals crucial for hair growth.

Probiotics and prebiotics are key players. Probiotics, beneficial gut bacteria, reduce inflammation and improve skin conditions. Prebiotics feed these good bacteria, enhancing anti-inflammatory properties that benefit skin health.

Collagen and hyaluronic acid, important for skin health, are also linked to gut health. A healthy gut ensures efficient nutrient absorption for collagen synthesis and hyaluronic acid production.

Vitamins and minerals, essential for skin and hair, are also significantly influenced by gut health.

Research supports these connections, with probiotics reducing acne and prebiotics improving eczema, and supplements aimed at gut health have been linked to improved hair growth.

Some examples of natural oils to incorporate into Nutricosmetic formulations…

Success demands more than just natural ingredients. Efficacy is paramount, driving brands to invest in clinical trials and collaborate with healthcare professionals. Personalisation and customisation are important, offering tailored solutions based on individual needs and formulations, but here are some of our favourite oils to incorporate into nutricosmetic products:

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Particularly good for the skin, and rich in omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and carotenoids, this oil promotes skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, and improves hydration.

Blackcurrant Seed Oil

Blackcurrant Seed Oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which nourishes hair follicles and promotes hair growth.

Ahiflower Oil

A sustainable alternative to fish oil, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for overall skin and hair health.

Baobab Oil

Baobab Oil is a deeply moisturising oil with anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for all skin types.

Kalahari Melon Seed Oil

Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is known for its anti-ageing benefits.

Is the future of nutricosmetics sustainable?

In nutricosmetics, sustainability and transparency are crucial, requiring eco-friendly packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and transparent supply chains. That’s why, at O&3, we offer transparency in every drop, empowering brands to create products that achieve lasting beauty through natural nourishment from within.

O&3 Thoughts…

Consumers are increasingly seeking natural approaches to beauty, recognising the powerful link between what we put in our bodies and how we look and feel.

The future of nutricosmetics offers an opportunity for brands, chemists, and formulators. With the growing trend, we are likely to see a surge in hyper-personalised experiences, with custom blends tailored to address specific consumer needs, from targeting collagen production for wrinkle reduction to leveraging targeted nutrients to promote hair growth.

The increasing science of the gut-skin connection presents a goldmine for research and development. By incorporating specific properties and benefits in formulations, brands can harness the power of the gut microbiome to cultivate a balanced internal environment for enhanced outer beauty. Sustainability is key. Prioritising eco-friendly packaging, ethical sourcing, and cultivating transparent supply chains to resonate with environmentally conscious consumers and solidify your brand as a responsible leader in the thriving nutricosmetics space.