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 Australia has achieved international recognition for its beauty and grooming industry and some 200 Australian companies currently export their products overseas.
Australia’s harsh environment means products have to contend with varying climatic conditions, such as intense sun exposure and extreme humidity.
As a result, Australia is a highly respected supplier of sun protection and sunless tanning products that are recognised for their adherence to stringent standards as well as their anti-aging properties.
Recent years have seen growing demand levels for natural products containing vitamins and minerals and consequently there is strong domestic and overseas interest in Australia’s natural skincare products, which use local botanical ingredients such as tea tree and eucalyptus.
There is also growing demand for indigenous Aboriginal products and emu-oil-based skincare, while lanolin, which is produced by the sheep industry, is highly valued in Asia.
The rise of ‘ethical consumerism’ is also influencing demand, as a growing number of consumers take into account the ethical, social and environmental consequences of their purchases.
In 2005-06, Australia’s cosmetics and toiletries industry was worth $700 million and employed some 3,300 people.
Key growth areas are hair products, men’s grooming products, baby products, dermatological products, aromatherapy, natural products and sun care.
Exports
In terms of exports, Australia’s cosmetics and toiletries industry has grown significantly during the past two decades. In 1986, exports were worth just $23 million, compared with $269 million in 2005-06.
Major export markets are New Zealand (44 per cent of exports in 2005-06), the US (11 per cent), the UK (eight per cent), Hong Kong (six per cent), and Singapore (five per cent).
The 200 or so Australian cosmetic and toiletry companies exporting their products include Jurlique, The Natural Source, The Ward Group, Cat Media, Laderma, Lifeforce Pty Ltd, Becca, Bloom, Napoleon Perdis and Aesop.
Beauty salons and spas are also a growing trend worldwide and Australian companies are also successfully exporting in this area.
Many Australian cosmetic companies showcase their products at the annual Cosmoprof trade fairs in Italy and Asia.
Consumer trends
The industry is expected to continue to expand and benefit from the following trends:
- A greater awareness of personal grooming among men and women.
- Increased demand for natural, herbal, organic, hypo-allergenic and nutraceutical products.
- Increased demand for products containing botanical extracts, plant acids, enzymes, herbs, vitamins, proteins, etc and food ingredients such as chocolate and grapes.
- An ageing population, which requires specialised products, such as those that appear to delay the ageing process.
- An increasing awareness in health and wellbeing, which will see increased demand for more ‘health-oriented’ products.
Companies
Natural skincare companies include Jurlique, Redwin, Aesop, The Natural Source, Natio, Australian All Natural (ANN), G&M Australian Cosmetics, Judith White, Coral Moon, Miessence, Mor, Femme Fatale, Trelivings and Bloom.
Compnay information:
- Jurlique was founded in 1985 and manufactures a range of high quality, natural based skincare and aromatherapy products from its base in Mount Barker, South Australia. Now selling products in 20 countries, Jurlique sales are thought to exceed $80 million.
- Specialising in natural skincare, Redwin was established in the 1990s and manufactures body care and skincare products. Redwin exports to Europe, USA and Asia.
- Aesop was established in 1987 and produces a range of skin and wellbeing products based on botanical essences and extracts. Its range of 50 plus skin, hair and body preparations are sold in prestige department and specialty stores throughout the world as well as through 17 signature stores.
- First established in 1932, Cedel manufactures oral care, hair care and personal care products.
- Australian All Natural (ANN) was established in 1997 and incorporates indigenous plants and herbs with medicinal properties into its skincare products.
- G&M Australian Cosmetics was established in 1996 and manufactures skincare, hair care, personal hygiene products and household cleaning products using natural ingredients such as eucalyptus, tea tree, lanolin oils and emu oils.
- Miessence claims to produce the widest range of certified organic products in Australia and sells big numbers over the Internet.
Dermatology
For those who want a more scientific approach, many Australian cosmetic products are based on research undertaken by Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), including lines produced by Ultraceuticals and Beta Alistine.
Other companies such as Skin Doctors, Mayerling and Clear Skin Care produce dermatologist-based lines.
Hair products
Australia hair care companies include The Sabre Corporation, Kusco-Murphy International, Artav Australia and The Lenan Corporation.
Beauty salons and spas
Beauty salons and spas are a growing trend in Australia and internationally, and Australian companies successfully exporting in this area include Heritage Healers, Lydia Jordane, Janesce, Pelactive, Li’Tya and Simplicite.
(Source: IbisWorld Australia)
For more information please visit:
www.accc.gov.au – Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
www.cosmeticsaustralia.com.au/organiccosmetics.html – Cosmetics Australia
www.ctfa.com.au/Templates/Welcome.cfm – Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association of Australia
www.cosmoprof.com/en – Cosmoprof - international annual cosmetic trade fair
www.tga.gov.au – Therapeutic Goods Administration
(Last updated: 19 Aug 2007) |