In the context of the current pandemic consumers try to improve their personal immunity and natural ingredients with antibacterial and antiviral qualities are the most sought after, according to Ecovia Intelligence.

From Australian lemon myrtle to CBD

Australian companies, for instance, are reporting a surge in demand for lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), which is used in hand sanitizers and cleaning products. Australian Native Products, the largest producer, is therefore planting 180,000 new lemon myrtle and anise myrtle (Syzygium anisatum) trees to ramp up production.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia oil), well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, is also experiencing a coronavirus boost. It is used in a wide range of personal care and home care products. Based in New South Wales, Gelair has developed a line of tea tree oil-based cleaning products for the maritime industry. Virus fears are leading commercial ships and cruise liners to use Gelair products to decontaminate ducted ventilation systems.

Already well established in the personal care industry, aloe vera is also experiencing high demand. During the pandemic, the use of the ingredient has extended while companies were massively producing hand sanitizers, and some consumers were doing the same at home, says Ecovia. Seeing the shift in purchasing behaviour, the American supplier Desert Harvest has started producing hand sanitizers for the first time. Amyris, a producer of sustainable ingredients, has also launched natural hand sanitizers under its Pipette brand. The natural essential oils company EO Products has increased production of its hand sanitizers 16-fold since the virus outbreak.

Other natural ingredients in high demand include eucalyptus oil, propolis, and oregano. Asian ingredient suppliers are reporting a spike in demand for eucalyptus oil. In Indonesia, the Agriculture Ministry is actively using eucalyptus oil to help stop the transmission of the coronavirus. It has developed ointments, balms, inhalers and diffusers.

Ecovia Intelligence also notes the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) is continuing during the coronavirus crisis. “CBD is featured in many new product launches, including hand sanitizers, creams, lotions and balms. The UK online retailer Alphagreen is reporting a doubling of interest in CBD-based products since the virus outbreak. Consumers are buying CBD products to help give them relieve from anxiety, insomnia and pain.

As Covid-19 is changing the way we eat, meet and clean, the pandemic will impact a large array of markets, including cosmetic and personal care products. “Expect to see more natural ingredients in the products we use,” concludes Ecovia Intelligence.