Soap Essentials in the High Demand Period of Hand Hygiene Commerce
In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of their relationship with the environment. This heightened awareness is driving changes in various sectors, including the hand soap market.
Consumers are seeking products that not only clean effectively but also offer additional benefits. Mood-boosting scents are attractive to those seeking relaxation amidst uncertainty, and many consumers, who wash their hands multiple times a day, are looking for soap that hydrates and softens the skin.
These trends are reflected in the current formulation of hand soaps. The focus is on gentle, natural, and functional ingredients that support skin health without irritation. Aloe vera, plant oils such as coconut, olive, and sunflower, glycerin, oat-derived actives, prebiotics, postbiotics, and barrier-repair lipids are becoming common in soap formulations. These ingredients help moisturize, calm, and repair the skin barrier, making them ideal for sensitive, compromised, or hormonally fluctuating skin.
Immunity is another key concern for consumers, and many soaps now include antiseptic and antioxidant natural extracts. Natural antimicrobial essential oils and plant-derived antibacterials are favored to reduce reliance on synthetic biocides, aligning with hygiene promotion efforts heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trend for mood-responsive, personalized routines encourages soaps with aromatherapeutic essential oils, like coffee or herbal scents, that enhance a positive emotional experience during handwashing. These products are designed to be part of self-care rituals that lift mood or provide relaxation through fragrance and texture.
Environmental care is a priority for consumers, who demand eco-friendly, sustainable hand soaps. Brands are responding by creating products from biodegradable, plant-based, renewable ingredients and packaging them in refillable or recyclable containers. This includes avoidance of microplastics, chemical toxins, and reef-harming substances. Brands emphasize organic, chemical-free, and reef-friendly formulations to reduce environmental impact and foster responsible consumption.
Brands like Provital are at the forefront of these trends, developing active ingredients that combine science and nature to create products that care and protect. Provital's active ingredients are designed to address key consumer concerns in soap products, offering hydrating properties, being scientifically proven, and being environmentally friendly.
The demand for eco-conscious personal care products, including hand soap, is expected to increase significantly in the wake of the crisis. Mintel predicts that the next decade will see a peak in the development of responsible packaging technologies for personal care products. Provital's focus on creating soap formulas that emphasize immune benefits and are suitable for creating eco-friendly soap products that are safe, natural, and meet consumer demands, positions them well for this growing market.
References:
[1] Cosmetics Design Europe. (2020, September 2). The rise of natural soap in the personal care market. Retrieved from https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Article/2020/09/02/The-rise-of-natural-soap-in-the-personal-care-market
[2] Global Cosmetic Industry. (2020, June 1). The new normal for hand hygiene. Retrieved from https://www.globalcosmeticindustry.com/Article/2020/06/The-new-normal-for-hand-hygiene
[3] Mintel. (2020, July 28). Mintel predicts a peak in the development of responsible packaging technologies for personal care products. Retrieved from https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/beauty-and-personal-care/mintel-predicts-a-peak-in-the-development-of-responsible-packaging-technologies-for-personal-care-products
[4] Well+Good. (2020, May 28). The 10 best hand soaps for sensitive skin, according to dermatologists. Retrieved from https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/best-hand-soaps-for-sensitive-skin/
[5] The Spruce Eats. (2020, April 14). Essential oils for hand soap: The best scents for killing germs and boosting mood. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/essential-oils-for-hand-soap-3186426
