Background
In the realm of skincare, the safety of ingredients is important due to the direct contact with the skin. The formulation of skin care products must be approached with caution to avoid the inclusion of probable irritants that lead to immediate or chronic skin reactions like redness, itching, and inflammation. These phenomena are especially for people with sensitive skin, which has been a common problem with a prevalence of about 40% worldwide [ Miranda A. Farage, ‘The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin’, Frontiers in Medicine 6 (2019), https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2019.00098.]. Individuals with sensitive skin typically have a lower tolerance threshold for these potential irritants. When these substances encounter their skin, they may trigger adverse reactions including redness, itching, burning sensations, and inflammation. Thus, choosing specific products with safe components is critical for those with sensitive skin.
With the advancing of global economies and the rise in consumer purchasing power, there has been a notable shift in the skincare industry towards the demand for high-quality and efficacious products. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only deliver on performance but are also aligned with their growing awareness of health and environmental issues. This trend is underscored by data from Grand View Research, which predicts that the global natural and organic cosmetics market will expand to USD 54.5 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.01% from 2020 to 2027 [ ‘Natural Cosmetics Market Size, Share, Trends | Industry Report, 2025’, accessed 19 June 2024, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/natural-cosmetics-market.]. Consequently, people prefer skincare products using naturally derived, non-toxic, and biocompatible ingredients. Among the various types of products, those containing ceramides have gained significant popularity.
However, the ceramide skincare market is significantly monopolized, with key technologies and production controlled by major international corporations. This market concentration has resulted in exorbitant prices for ceramide-based products. For instance, the average price for a ceramide-containing skincare product ranges from USD 30 to USD 160 per unit, making them largely inaccessible to many consumers, especially those in the middle and lower-income brackets. This high cost inevitably positions them as premium offerings, which further limits their availability to a broader audience.
Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop safe, effective, and affordable skincare products to bridge this gap, especially for people with sensitive skin.
