Soy is steadily building its profile across the skin care category. According to findings released in 2001 at an American Academy of Dermatology meeting, soy can reduce skin discoloration and slow hair growth. The academy also revealed that soy could reduce the appearance of redness caused by acne and sun exposure. Soy is an antioxidant that is rich in amino acids and peptides, which provides skin protection from UV rays. After the study was released, Aveeno claimed to have the first soy-based products available in mass market. The company’s products were said to even skin tone and texture, promoting brighter and more radiant skin. One of those products was the Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer, formulated with soy extract and vitamins A and C.
Aveeno became a pioneering company in mass-market soy skin care, with other companies looking to follow suit. Mintel Cosmetic Research reveals that soy has been a key ingredient in more than 600 global new skin care products in the past year. Soy is also proving to be multi-functional, as it is showing up in products ranging from hair minimizing products, to hand and bust creams.
In Canada, Avon Skin So Soft recently launched Satin Glow Perfect Legs and Avon Skin So Soft Facial Hair Lightening Gel. Both of the products contain hydrolyzed soy protein to slow hair growth. Satin Glow Perfect Legs combines the functionality of building a gradual tan, while simultaneously minimizing hair growth. The Facial Hair Lightening Gel is also intended to minimize hair growth, but it is intended for the face.
StriVectin Two-Step Revitalizing System for the Hands is now available in the United Kingdom. The system consists of Self-Heating NanoExfoliant for the Hands and Ultra-Concentrate Cream for the Hands. The first step was specifically designed for the skin on the back of the hand to promote cellular turnover, claiming to improve the appearance of surface tension, overall clarity, hydration and elasticity. The hydrolyzed soy protein can be found in the second step, and it is added to aid in the reduction of age spots and discolorations.
In France, Sephora has introduced the benefits of soy to its Body Bust Lift Gel. The product’s shaping and lifting capabilities are attributed to soy protein, yam oil and ginseng. The gel claims to help tone, reshape and firm the bust in a matter of a few days.
For all over body care, UnVail Skinny Dip Scent Hydrating Lotion has been introduced in the United States. The product incorporates soy germ extract, chosen as an ingredient for replenishing vital nutrients and vitamins to keep skin soft. White tea was also infused into the product to further promote the product’s antioxidant properties.
Hydrogenated soy phospholipids can be found in the Japanese product Kose Predia White Spa Cream Massage. The cream is said to suppress melanin formation and brown spots and is a medicated quasi-drug. Soy will continue gaining ground in all areas of skin care, with a higher volume of mainstream global products predicted on the horizon.
The Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) tracks new product launches, trends and innovations internationally. The Mintel Cosmetic Research Database tracks mass market and luxury cosmetic innovations in France and the United States. For additional information regarding either Mintel GNPD or Mintel Cosmetic Research, visit www.gnpd.com or call Mintel International at 1-312-932-0600.
— Rachael McFarland, Mintel