Nutricosmetics Go Mainstream

NUTRACEUTICALS consist of two major segments, dietary supplements (the term often used in the US) and functional foods (a term associated with Japan). An easy way to see the difference is that most Japanese prefer to improve or treat health conditions with food rather than taking pills or capsules. Per capita spending in Japan is higher than in the United States.

As for functional foods, Japan leads the world in this area, and was the first market to classify foods with a specified health use (or FOSHU) in 1991. In 2001, Japan added foods with nutrient function claims (FNFC) and it allowed non-food forms such as tablets and capsules. Many of these functional foods & beverages are low-price, mass-market goods. An example is adding collagen to every day food and drinks.

Beauty supplements are a growing trend, and now account for about 20% of dietary supplements.

Market Size

he global market for nutricosmetics is growing quickly, and the consensus forecast is that the market will grow from about $2-3 billion now to about $5-6 billion in a few years. Some estimates of market size are much larger, but probably use a much broader definition of nutricosmetics, but this discussion is limited to “nutricosmetics” defined as orally ingested beauty products that improve the appearance of skin, hair and nails. These products generally contain vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts, and antioxidants that have an effect on overall skin health and beauty.