Colour and care

COSSMA: Colour and care cosmetics are seen as one of the big trends for 2024. What does that mean for our industry?

Dagmar Chlosta: The emergence of colour and care cosmetics in our industry signifies a shift in consumer preferences and expectations. Traditionally, consumers sought beauty products that either provided vibrant colours and premium performance or offered skincare benefits. However, in today’s market, there is a growing demand for products that seamlessly combine both aspects: delivering rich colour release, long-lastingness, and easy application, while simultaneously providin skincare benefits that are noticeable and visible. This convergence of colour and care presents a unique challenge for the industry. Not only do manufacturers need to incorporate active ingredients that may not have been commonly used before, but they also need to substantiate the efficacy of these ingredients through rigorous testing and studies. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking products backed by scientific evidence rather than mere marketing claims. Despite these challenges, investing in the development and expansion of colour and care product portfolios presents lucrative opportunities for brands.

What makes colour and care cosmetics so special?

Colour and care cosmetics stand out as an excellent innovation in the beauty industry for several compelling reasons. Firstly, these products are designed to meet the dual expectations of consumers: exceptional colour performance as well as skincare benefits. This means that not only can users enjoy long-lasting, vibrant colour with a rich release and effortless application, but they can also expect noticeable improvements in the condition and appearance of their skin. By combining multiple functions into one product, users can streamline their beauty routines, sometimes reducing them from several steps to just one. This not only saves time but also resources, as consumers no longer need to purchase and apply multiple products. The multifunctional nature of colour and care cosmetics adds to their appeal. These products offer a convenient solution for individuals seeking efficiency without compromising on results. It’s this combination of convenience, efficacy, and innovation that makes colour and care cosmetics truly special in the beauty landscape.

What kinds of challenges do colour and care products present for brands, formulators and manufacturers?

While colour and care products offer a compelling fusion of colour cosmetics and skincare benefits, navigating the challenges associated with formulation, efficacy, and consumer expectations requires a nuanced approach from brands, formulators, and manufacturers.
These challenges include:
• Individual Skin Needs: Every person has unique skin needs, which may not always align with the benefits provided by a particular colour and care product. Formulators must consider a diverse range of skin types and concerns when developing these products to ensure they cater to a broad audience effectively.
• Increased Risk of Allergic Reactions: Combining colourants and skincare ingredients in a single product can increase the likelihood of allergic reactions and skin irritations. With an extended list of ingredients, there’s a greater potential for sensitivities, requiring meticulous ingredient selection and testing to mitigate risks.
• Contrast to the “Less is More” Trend: Colour and care products often contain a higher number of ingredients compared to minimalist beauty trends advocating for “less is more.” Balancing the desire for multifunctionality with the preference for simpler formulations poses a significant challenge for brands aiming to appeal to diverse consumer preferences.
• Incorporation of New Active Ingredients: The integration of active ingredients not typically used in cosmetic formulations adds another layer of complexity. Formulators must navigate the efficacy and safety of these ingredients, ensuring they deliver tangible skincare benefits without compromising product stability or user experience.
• Demand for Efficacy Studies: In today’s consumer-driven market, consumers expect transparency and evidence of efficacy from beauty products. Brands must conduct rigorous efficacy studies to substantiate the claims of their colour and care products, moving beyond mere marketing narratives to provide scientific validation of their effectiveness.
• Ingredient Interactions and Packaging Considerations: The interaction between various ingredients in colour and care formulations poses a challenge for formulators. They must assess how ingredients influence each other’s efficacy and stability, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance. Additionally, packaging may need to be adapted to preserve the integrity of these multifunctional formulations and maintain their efficacy over time. 

What kinds of benefits are consumers looking for and how can these be combined with make-up products?

One of the primary benefits consumers seek is the ability to simplify their beauty routines. With hectic lifestyles, many individuals prefer products that can perform multiple functions in one step. By incorporating skincare benefits into makeup products, brands can offer consumers the convenience of addressing both their cosmetic and skincare needs simultaneously. This consolidation of steps not only saves time but also simplifies routines, making them more manageable for busy lifestyles. They want products that not only enhance their appearance but also contribute to the health and condition of their skin. This could include ingredients like hydrating agents, antioxidants, or SPF protection, which provide additional skincare benefits alongside cosmetic effects. Last but not least, consumers appreciate the cost-effectiveness of multifunctional cosmetics products as they can save money by purchasing fewer individual items. The time and resources saved from streamlining beauty routines translate into added value for consumers, making multifunctional makeup products an attractive investment.

Do you think colour and care make-up solutions are the way forward?

Colour and care makeup solutions are representing considerable advancements in the beauty industry and surely are the way forward. They offer greater product benefits through dual approach and convenience without compromising on quality. As consumer preferences continue to evolve towards practical and efficient solutions, colour and care makeup products are poised to become increasingly popular and indispensable in our everyday lives.