By: Publicity For Good

The beauty, wellness, and food industries are experiencing a significant shift—one driven by a growing consumer demand for transparency and clean ingredients. No longer satisfied with vague marketing claims, today’s consumers want to know exactly what goes into the products they use daily, from skincare to supplements to the food on their plates.

And the numbers make it clear: brands that embrace clean formulations, ethical sourcing, and sustainable practices are likely to see long-term growth and consumer loyalty.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Clean Beauty Is More Than a Trend

The global clean beauty market is on a steady rise, projected to reach $54.5 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.07% (Statista). This growth appears to be driven by consumer scrutiny of ingredients.

• 65% of beauty shoppers actively avoid parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances (NPD Group).
• 78% of global consumers say they’re willing to pay more for beauty products containing natural and organic ingredients (NielsenIQ).
• The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that demand for EWG-verified beauty products has increased by 35% year over year.

This data paints a clear trend: consumers are prioritizing ingredient transparency, and brands that deliver may see significant growth.

From Wellness to Food: The Clean Label Movement Gains Momentum

Clean ingredients are free from harmful chemicals, synthetic additives, and unnecessary fillers, while a clean label reflects transparency—excluding artificial ingredients, preservatives, colors, or GMOs. Consumers increasingly expect brands across beauty, wellness, and food to disclose ingredient sources and commit to ethical, sustainable production, driving clean-label products to outperform conventional options.

• The global wellness market was valued at $5.6 trillion in 2023 and continues to expand as consumers seek science-backed, natural solutions (Global Wellness Institute).
• Over 70% of supplement buyers read ingredient labels before making a purchase, with plant-based, adaptogenic, and nootropic ingredients leading growth (SPINS, 2023).
• Clean-label food products (free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors) grew 8% in 2023, outpacing conventional food sales (NielsenIQ).

From collagen-infused beverages to probiotic-rich snacks, functional and clean are now becoming key purchasing drivers. Brands that prioritize ingredient transparency and eliminate artificial additives are likely to gain consumer trust and market share.

The Next Competitive Edge in Clean Innovation

Beyond clean ingredients, sustainability is shaping purchasing decisions like never before. Consumers don’t just want better-for-you products—they want better-for-the-planet solutions.

• 66% of global consumers—and 75% of Millennials—consider sustainability when making a purchase (McKinsey & Company).
• Eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing have become key factors influencing purchasing decisions, with 72% of consumers preferring brands that actively reduce their environmental footprint (IBM Research).
• The bio-based ingredients market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2028, driven by investments in lab-grown ingredients, upcycled materials, and plant-based alternatives (MarketsandMarkets).

Clean isn’t just about what’s inside a product—it’s about how it’s made, sourced, and packaged. The brands that emphasize sustainability and ethical responsibility are likely to see greater consumer loyalty and long-term profitability.

The Road Ahead for Brands and Clean Ingredients

With data-backed insights and evolving consumer expectations, it’s clear that the move toward clean ingredients isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a growing industry-wide transformation.

For brands, staying ahead means:

• Prioritizing ingredient transparency—Clear, detailed labeling and third-party verifications build trust.
• Investing in sustainable innovation—From bio-engineered ingredients to upcycled materials, R&D will likely drive the next wave of clean formulations.
• Educating consumers—Marketing should go beyond claims and provide real education on why clean, sustainable ingredients matter.

To explore the latest innovations in clean beauty and wellness, NextGen Purpose’s upcoming Clean Beauty Series will feature leading industry experts discussing the future of clean formulations and how brands can thrive in a more conscientious marketplace.

For more insights, visit NextGen Purpose.

Published by Tom W.