By Joanne Ma
While beauty producers always searching for the next big ‘miracle ingredient’, one area of the industry generating strong demand is that of nutrient-dense products, or ‘skin food’.
Health-conscious consumers around the world have become increasingly invested in keeping the bad stuff out of their bodies and wanting to reap extra benefits with their cosmetic and personal care choices.
This year’s 2021 Naturally Good Expo on from May 30-31 at Sydney’s ICC, will this year feature several producers in this area including probiotic skin care company Amperna, Amazing Oils and their magnesium-infused range, and beeswax beauty balm company Beetanicals.
Another key exhibitor Love Beauty Foods uses a wide variety of adaptogens – non-toxic plants that relieve stress – and antioxidant rich, organic ingredients such as turmeric, Tasmanian kelp extract, Kakadu plum (for its high reserves of Vitamin C) and native medicinal bush foods.
The company, established by husband and wife team Will and Gabby Magin, will be launching 28 new food-grade, organic and vegan products with new zero waste, plastic-free packaging at the expo. This includes a new Organic Mint Toothpaste in a jar, skin care and functional products such as a Breath Easy chest balm.
“Skin food is huge now compared to when we started the brand in 2016,” said Will. “The main challenge for consumers is finding products that are genuine and contain enough key ingredients to deliver real health benefits rather than tiny percentages with low efficacy.
“Additionally, many products leach chemicals from plastic packaging. Over time these can bio accumulate and have a negative impact on your immunity, hormones and endocrine system.”
The couple’s journey in beauty began in their mid-20s when, exhausted by the fast pace of life, they decided to seek out more balance in Newcastle, NSW. “We wanted to create tools for a more conscious and healthier way of living not only for us but for our friends and community.
“Having previously met whilst working in product development in the organic food industry, we started mixing natural health and beauty concoctions made with plant based medicinal ingredients in our tiny flat.
“Everything needed to be vegan, organic and have low – and eventually, no – waste. We wanted formulas literally good enough to eat which is what inspired our name.”
The company now sells to Flora and Fauna, Biome, Scoop Wholefoods and The Iconic and currently works with a number of large overseas retailers.