Skin health supplements nearly tripled from 2017 to 2021, notes Innova Market Insights

06 Feb 2023 --- Market research data by Innova Market Insights points to a surge in supplements tracked with skin health positionings. The category experienced more than 30% average annual growth in product launches of dietary supplements globally between 2017 and 2021. In particular, astaxanthin – a microalgae ingredient – is in the spotlight for its broad applicability and functionalities in this sector. 

Europe was the leading region with the most nutricosmetic supplement launches at 41% in that period, while North America had 32% of supplement launches. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Botanical and herbal supplements for beauty-from-within have seen the biggest growth as supplement launches were five times more in 2021 than in 2017. The top formats used for skin health supplements were capsules and tablets, while gummy skin health supplements are fast trending.

“We have noted a growing trend among younger millennials who are taking a keener interest in their skin health and taking their skincare routines more seriously,” remarks Liat Shemesh, marketing manager for Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. 

“This is due to a growing understanding that skin has to be protected and nurtured from an early age, and not just skin-deep but also from the inside out.”

Environmental stressors on skin
Oxidative stress impairs the natural renewal and repair process of the skin and damages DNA directly, leading to cell mutations and premature aging. It is caused by environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to the sun, pollution, cigarettes and toxins that damage the skin. 

Natural astaxanthin is growing in prominence as an ingredient in skincare supplements (Image credit: Solabia-Algatech Nutrition).UV radiation and blue light have a substantial negative effect on the skin leading to photoaging with visible signs that include fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and age spots. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a major cause of skin damage. An imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity results in oxidative stress. 

Studies suggest that natural astaxanthin, in particular, is one ingredient that can promote healthy skin aging. Dozens of clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to revitalize the skin from both within and topically.

Derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin reduces oxidative stress, improves skin appearance – including hyperpigmentation. The ingredient also helps lessen fine lines and wrinkles, while preventing water loss, and increasing elasticity and UV protection.

Innova Market Insights reports that the leading category for astaxanthin product launches in the last five years is skin health (followed by eye health and brain health). The US leads in new product launches of astaxanthin between 2018 and 2022 with skin health as the leading category. The UK is the second country in this category.

Sustainable desert crop
Solabia-Algatech Nutrition is one supplier that grows and processes its astaxanthin at a facility sited in infertile land in the middle of the Arava desert in Israel. 

Microalgae is an efficient and sustainable crop choice, as it grows quickly, utilizes light energy efficiently, captures atmospheric carbon dioxide and produces more food per hectare than conventional crops. 

The facility takes advantage of its inhospitable climate, utilizing the desert’s year-round sunlight to grow the microalgae and stimulate its production of natural astaxanthin – also is used to provide electricity via solar energy from a nearby solar farm. This way, the company reduces electricity consumption overall. 

The only water used for microalgae cultivation is brackish water, locally sourced, which is then desalinated and purified. The result is a pure, concentrated source of natural astaxanthin ideal for supporting a broad variety of applications.

Algatech utilizes closed-system photobioreactors made of glass tubes that optimize sunlight exposure while conserving water. Additionally, it uses recycled water to regulate temperature and minimize the ecological impact. 

“Consumers are seeking trusted brands that are backed by research and bear ‘transparent’ labels,” explains Omer Grundman, VP of R&D of Solabia Algatech. “Today’s consumers understand there is a clear link between skin health and what we eat and drink.

In other beauty market coverage, PersonalCareInsights recently rounded up the top trends in collagen product developments with inputs from market leaders BioCell Technology and Rousselot.

Edited by Benjamin Ferrer