The Importance of Concentrated Personal Care Products

The Importance of Concentrated Personal Care Products Water is used as a solvent for various components in the cosmetics sector. Personal care products commonly used, such as shower gels, liquid soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners, contain water in approximately 70-90% ratios. Water continues to be used as a basic item in formulations in the cosmetics industry because it is easier to use and more accessible compared to other ingredients. Both from the perspective of reducing formula costs and ease of use, water continues to be consumed in high proportions across many sectors, including the cosmetics industry. Inevitably, this perception of cheap and accessible water contributes to the belief that water is a disposable and unlimited resource; however, the water problem is increasingly making itself felt in social, economic and environmental areas. According to the Risk Report prepared for the World Economic Forum in 2014, water scarcity ranks among the three most important risks in the world. This situation affects not only water-scarce basins but also many production processes. With increasing international trade volume, water is now regarded as a global resource rather than a local one. For this reason, the sustainability of freshwater resources is critical not only from social and environmental perspectives but also from the perspective of economic sustainability [1]. In the near future, it is inevitable that food, agriculture, livestock, tourism, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and many other sectors will be affected by the freshwater crisis expected to occur. The crises experienced in these sectors are expected to eventually reach a scale that will affect humanity and daily life. Global concern regarding freshwater scarcity is intensifying and is expected to remain among the top ten environmental priorities over the next five years. Compared to 39.3% in 2019, more than 56% of producers plan to invest in water-related initiatives between 2022 and 2027. More than 44% of consumers also indicated that they aim to use less water to create a positive impact on water resources. Figure 1 [2]. The cosmetics sector is foremost among those who will be affected by the water crisis. Industry leaders aware of this have placed concentrated products at the forefront of measures taken. As mentioned above, with changing consumer habits and more conscious consumer perception, demand for water-free formulations is increasing day by day. Global concentrated cosmetic products are expected to grow 10.7% between 2022-2028. With the increase in concentrated products worldwide, personal care and maintenance product categories are expected to drive market growth in these product groups [3]. The concentrated and water-free cosmetic product concept originated in South Korea and has gained momentum globally since 2015, accelerating production. Although initially used primarily due to skin care benefits rather than environmental factors, it has been understood that these products carry reduced microbiological risk compared to products containing high levels of water and have longer shelf lives [4]. Concentrated personal care products are formulations in which the weight proportions of surfactants have been increased. Thus, by using less concentrated product compared to products containing more water, cleaning and foaming performance is equivalent to or superior to conventional products. Concentrated personal care and maintenance products offer various benefits to consumers and the environment. With cleaning and maintenance performance remaining unchanged, the amount of water used in the production phase is reduced, bringing industrial water consumption to minimum levels. Additionally, the amount of plastic packaging used for concentrated products is reduced, and by streamlining storage, logistics and supply chains, carbon emissions causing climate change are reduced. These advantages summarized in Figure 2 make concentrated and water-free products more attractive and more environmentally friendly than traditional ones, offering a wide range of opportunities not only for customers but also for manufacturers. The water-free product concept is a great way to strengthen brand image and build a stronger ethical profile, contributing to a sustainable business model and earning customer trust [4]. In addition to supply chain difficulties experienced globally, published reports show that sustainable and environmentally friendly products need to come to the forefront and change consumer habits. With this, concentrated product groups containing less or no water are already beginning to take their place in the market, replacing formulations currently produced in the cosmetics sector that contain high levels of water.   References [1] http://awsassets.wwftr.panda.org/downloads/turkiyenin_su_riskleri__raporu_web.pdf [2] https://www.euromonitor.com/article/waterless-beauty-opportunities-beyond-compliance [3] https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/waterless-cosmetics-market-report [4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235255092200094X#f0025)   Kübra Demiral - R&D Project Manager (Personal Care) Evyap Sabun Yağ Gliserin A.Ş. Dr. Aslı Özge Avcı Tuna - R&D Category Manager (Personal Care) Evyap Sabun Yağ Gliserin A.Ş.