A recent report from McKinsey found that this combined opportunity in the holistic beauty space is represents close to $2 trillion globally; and, as the nutricosmetics market is still on the ascendance (rather than being fully established), it presents a first-mover advantage for players that get it right.1
The beauty-from-within market has become more prominent during the past decade as it transforms from a niche category to a growing market with mainstream appeal.
A recent retail report showed that there were 57 times more beauty supplement products available in the UK in Q4 2023 compared with Q1 2021.2
Although granular data about product availability was available only from the UK, we can infer that products are increasingly available worldwide; the global beauty ingestible market is currently expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.33% (CAGR 2024–2028).3
Hair health supplements: a rapidly growing segment within beauty from within
The growing demand for beauty from within represents an exciting opportunity for all nutricosmetics manufacturers — with hair health supplements emerging as a particularly dynamic segment.
Although the overall beauty and personal care market is projected to generate revenues of $646.20 billion in 2024, driven by consumers seeking comprehensive solutions for hair thinning, hair fall and overall hair quality, the hair care supplement market is carving out its own niche.3
The hair care supplements market’s CAGR (4.6%) is projected to exceed that of the broader beauty from within category (3.33%), reaching a market size of $2.7billion by 2034.3,4
This accelerated growth, although still a fraction of the overall beauty market, highlights the increasing consumer interest in hair health supplements.
The surge is attributed to more awareness about the health benefits of supplements, increased product availability and trends toward preventive healthcare, as well as a preference for natural beauty solutions.5
Key drivers of market growth include escalating concerns about hair health in all age groups, from younger demographics seeking preventive care to ageing populations addressing hair thinning and loss.
The surge in air pollution and changing dietary habits have also contributed to increased hair-related issues, prompting consumers to turn to supplements for support.4
As the market evolves, manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative, science-backed products that cater to specific hair concerns. Collagen peptide-based supplements, for instance, are gaining popularity owing to their potential to improve hair quality and address age-related hair thinning and hair loss.4,6
Collagen peptides: a science-backed and natural hair solution that stands out
Although hair supplements in general are on the up, the single-ingredient segment dominated the market in 2022 and accounted for a whopping 74.7% revenue share.3
Among the products that make up this group, collagen stands out as a popular and effective solution for hair beauty and strength. Collagen, the body’s most abundant protein, is vital for skin strength and flexibility.
It also supports hair and nails, despite these appendages not containing collagen themselves. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production begins to decline leading to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, thinning hair and brittle nails. This has sparked interest in supplements to combat these changes from within.
Rousselot’s PEPTAN collagen peptides have emerged as a promising solution in hair care, with effects that go beyond boosting collagen production.
Science-backed research suggests they have a positive impact on hair follicle stem cells — crucial components for growth and renewal.6 This discovery opens new avenues in hair care supplementation, potentially providing solutions for age-related hair concerns.
New study suggests collagen peptides play can address age-induced hair loss
A new study has shed light on how collagen peptides may help to prevent hair loss by investigating the effects of PEPTAN on hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), which play a crucial role in hair growth and renewal.6
The research, conducted by Rousselot in collaboration with Monasterium Laboratories, a leading contract research organisation in skin and hair research, utilised an ex vivo model of human hair follicles harvested from six donors (both men and women aged 27–59).
The study focused on collagen’s potential influence on the hair regeneration cycle, which comprises growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and shedding (telogen) phases.
Normally, keratinocytes remain active throughout this cycle and ensure that shed hairs are replaced by new growth. However, premature progression to the catagen phase can lead to thinning and hair loss.6
Hair follicles were cultured in the presence of in vitro digested PEPTAN mimicking the body's digestive process. This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in collagen peptide research as it’s the first study of its kind to use predigested collagen peptides (PEPTAN) in hair follicle experiments.
By simulating the gastrointestinal breakdown that occurs during oral consumption, the study provides a more physiologically relevant model that closely replicates the actual conditions under which collagen peptides would interact with hair follicles in the body.
This method enhances the relevance and potential applicability of the findings to real-world scenarios of oral collagen supplementation.
Key findings show enhanced HFSC activity, with PEPTAN significantly increasing the number of active stem cells in the hair follicle and inhibiting the death of hair follicle stem cells.
Results also indicated that PEPTAN inhibited the death of hair-producing cells suggesting it could slow hair loss in both men and women.6
By reinforcing stem cells and sustaining hair follicle health, PEPTAN may play a positive role in terms of addressing age-induced hair loss.6
This study provides valuable insights into the mechanism of action behind collagen peptides’ benefits for hair health and opens avenues to develop targeted hair solutions that focus on strengthening hair follicle stem cells.
Similarly, a previous survey of 120 British women aged 30–60 and of diverse hair types reported positive responses, with 67% of participants noting an improvement in hair quality after taking a daily 5 g dose for 3 months.7
These results highlight collagen's potential as a comprehensive hair care solution, making it particularly appealing to age-conscious consumers — a key target demographic for nutricosmetic manufacturers.
The science behind collagen’s efficacy
The effectiveness of PEPTAN’s ability to deliver hair health benefits can be attributed to its high bioavailability and bioactivity. A study led by Rousselot in partnership with INRAE and Triskelion used a new analytical approach to investigate how collagen peptides are transformed during digestion and absorption.8
The study revealed efficient digestion and absorption of PEPTAN collagen peptides regardless of the animal source. It also demonstrated the presence of bioactive hydroxyproline-carrying di- and tripeptides in the blood after PEPTAN intake, demonstrating that it’s efficiently digested, absorbed and delivered to the site of action.
Collagen peptides lead hair care into the future
As the beauty from within category continues to evolve, collagen peptides are emerging as a key ingredient for innovative hair care solutions. And although the focus of this article has been on hair health, it’s important to note that collagen peptides offer a range of beauty benefits.
Studies have shown that PEPTAN can contribute to increased skin hydration and collagen density, improved skin elasticity and the reduced appearance of wrinkles.3,4
Clinical research confirming PEPTAN’s benefits has demonstrated new possibilities for the beauty industry. As consumers increasingly seek out holistic beauty solutions that work from within, products featuring PEPTAN collagen peptides offer a science-backed answer to this demand.
By leveraging the latest scientific findings, manufacturers can develop innovative products that address common hair health concerns based on demonstrated effects.
References
- www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-beauty-market-in-2023-a-special-state-of-fashion-report.
- www.centricsoftware.com/whitepapers/uk-eu-markets-beauty-trend-report/.
- www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/beauty-personal-care/worldwide.
- www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/haircare-supplement-market.
- www.researchandmarkets.com/report/hair-growth-supplements?srsltid=AfmBOorpE4QiBrMovk6SQIeITFKa91swze83dVFFxWSuVvMDlORIoeRD.
- K.I. Pappelbaum, et al., “Revealing Novel Insights on How Oral Supplementation with Collagen Peptides May Prevent Hair Loss: Lessons from the Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture,” Journal of Functional Foods 116, 106124 (2024).
- www.rousselot.com/health/market-and-solutions/skin-beauty/hair-beauty?hss_channel=tw-514622532&cHash=4754328a9c1422c1c14fb7aaf6618138.
- A.J. Kleinnijenhuis, et al., “Non-Targeted and Targeted Analysis of Collagen Hydrolysates during the Course of Digestion and Absorption,” Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 412, 973–982 (2019).
