So-called "farm-to-face" beauty products are a growing trend in response to environmental sustainability, providing promising opportunities for rural entrepreneurs, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the TPSO, said farm-to-face cosmetic products are a cosmetic production alternative which addresses not only environmental sustainability issues, but also embraces the concept of social and economic sustainability.
This holistic approach to cosmetic production emphasises the use of natural and organic ingredients that are obtained locally.
Consumers can make informed choices not only on price and quality, but also on sourcing practices, ingredient origins and fair trade.
By sourcing ingredients from organic farms, cosmetic companies ensure that their products are not only safe and effective but also environmentally sustainable.
Furthermore, organic farming practices support responsible agriculture and the conservation of biodiversity.
Fair trade principles dictate that farmers and workers receive fair wages, safe working conditions and opportunities for development and empowerment
By providing detailed information about where their ingredients come from and how they are sourced, this transparency builds trust and fosters a deeper connection between consumers and the products they use, knowing that their purchases support fair wages, sustainable agriculture and community development.
There is also increasing awareness regarding animal testing and the origin of animal-derived ingredients.
As a result, more and more cosmetic companies are offering vegan products and moving away from testing their products on animals (cruelty-free cosmetics).
Mr Poonpong said entrepreneurs should invest in state-of-the-art laboratories and obtain certification to ensure that the products meet the highest quality and safety standards.
Furthermore, the government should promote promotional activities and business matching events at international health and beauty trade fairs, with targeted participants consisting of medicinal plant farmers, herbal extractors and cosmetic manufacturers which will help connect and strengthen the entire production value chain.
Community enterprises produce many organic products which include cosmetic products which create diversity of use and add value to local agricultural products.
However, rural entrepreneurs still need to be developed and supported by the government to align with sustainability and environmental issues.
In 2023, Thailand exported cosmetics, soaps and skin care products worth around US$3.38 billion, up 4% year-on-year.
The products with the highest export value include facial and skincare products ($830 million), followed by hair care products ($722 million), organic surfactants ($449 million), oral care products ($360 million), soaps (around $342 million), shaving products and deodorants (around $241 million), animal substances used as raw materials in perfumery ($184 million), perfume concentrates and perfumes ($118 million) and other products ($138 million).
The top three products with the highest export value growth were perfume concentrates and perfumes (up 89.3% year-on-year), facial and skincare products (up 22%), and oral care products (up 9.4%).
