Survey: Anti-aging products enhance makeup market

Womens’ quest for the fountain of youth, as well as products that boast natural ingredients, have helped the U.S. makeup market soar more than 6% between 2001 and 2006, according to recent research.

According to a new Mintel report, the makeup industry garnered $6 billion in sales at food, drug and mass last year. Brands claiming to promote more youthful skin added $39 million of growth in food, drug and mass between 2004 and 2006. Such major beauty companies as L’Oréal, Maybelline and Revlon have introduced anti-aging lines nearly tripling their combined sales, growing from $22 million to $61 million in the past two years.

“Women continue to search for the fountain of youth, and the anti-aging sector has expanded significantly to cater to this need,” stated Kat Fay, senior analyst for Mintel. “This particular segment has grown because products are more area-specific, which helps the consumer narrow the field of choices. Because boomer women cover three different decades, formulations must serve a variety of expectations, from tightening skin to reducing fine lines.”

Products that have natural ingredients also are driving growth as Mintel’s research has shown that 40% of survey respondents said they prefer makeup with all-natural ingredients. According to Mintel, more than 200 new introductions in this area have debuted in the United States this year.