According to a new report by Euromonitor International and In-cosmetics Global, dermocosmetics is increasing as consumers look for prevention rather than cure.
The report found that consumer focus has evolved from the simple idea of skin beauty towards the wider concept of skin health over external appearance. This is fuelled by the advancement in popularity when it comes to the healthy living trend, which consumers are increasingly using in their skincare routines.
Originally known as follow-up products for use after dermatological procedures, dermocosmetics has now evolved as both a substitute and a complement to medical recommendation – with huge potential to grow and spread to new markets.
Additionally, the growth of products that guard and prevent the damage of external agents, such as the sun, antibacterial products and pollution, is growing as consumers become more aware of their long-term effects.
"External agents that cause skin damage like pollution are likely to increase in prevalence and intensity over the coming years,” Euromonitor International senior consumer health analyst, Keena Roberts, said. “Correspondingly, dermocosmetic products that purport to prevent this damage will likewise continue to grow in popularity as consumer preferences continue to shift towards healthy living and long-term skincare."
In 2017, 25 per cent of consumers listed “sun protection functionality” as a reason for buying their facial moisturiser (up from 23 per cent in 2015), while almost 15 per cent of millennials said they are purchasing skincare to help prevent the signs of ageing.
The study also found a number of other factors behind the trend, including increasing consumer awareness of ingredients, better education around the importance of more sophisticated daily skincare routines to prevent skin damage, and improved awareness around the belief that beauty starts with good healthy skin, rather than colour cosmetics to hide bad skin.
