Hand, foot and skincare products continue to evolve. FMCG talked to some of the stakeholders in this category to find out what’s on the horizon for 2012.

As with the Skincare category, the Hand and Body segment caters to all manner of skin types and is an all-encompassing segment; however the category is far from mature with dollar sales for the segment less than $20 million*.

Alan Morgan, category manager CPD at L’Oreal says: “With Body contributing more than 88% of this segment with the lion’s share turnover of $17.7 million* it plays a key role in the segment and its growth. This is a key growth category at +8.7% vs YA* hence we are starting to see marginally more space beginning to be allocated to this category.”

He adds: “The Body segment has seen a new trend in moisturising with long lasting and fast absorbing being key benefits that are now being seen in the category. This was led by the launch of Garnier Body intensives into the market in early 2011 which, with the backing of a strong television promotional campaign, saw sales for a single week peak at 2780 units in Total Grocery and for the entire promotional period achieved phenomenal sales of 10,045 units*. All of this has seen the brand in this short time move into the top 10 for the Total Category*.”

Morgan says: “New textures that deliver fast absorption with maximum moisture will no doubt continue to drive the innovation in this category. Garnier will look to continue to evolve the category in early 2012 launching into the Hand Segment with a range of Hand Creams and will also look to continue to develop its investment in the Body Segment introducing 300ml Body Pots to the market.”

*AZTEC Grocery Data MAT 16/11/11.

ecostore

The new plant-based skincare range from ecostore includes body butter, as well as a light or extra moisturising body lotion and hand cream. Everything consumers need to keep skin looking and feeling soft and supple this summer. Good health and wellbeing always comes first with ecostore, which is why they use the precautionary approach – if there’s any doubt about the safety of an ingredient for people’s health they leave it out and search for a safer one. While diet’s an important factor in the health of our skin so are the products we use to care for it. The skin is our largest organ, it lives and breathes, and is naturally porous, capable of absorbing everyday chemicals it comes into contact with, so it pays to use safer plant-based products with no unnecessary chemicals that consumers can trust. ecostore has used the latest in eco-science to create its premium range of plant-based skincare products that are healthier for consumers and are simply beautiful to use.

Formulated for ecostore by award winning scientist and humanitarian Sir Ray Avery, who brings more than 30 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry to the development of its skincare range. Using jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to match the skin’s natural oils, they nourish and protect both normal and dry skin and are free of potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, dimethicone, mineral oils and synthetic perfumes and dyes. The range comes in stunning new bottles featuring the work of internationally renowned New Zealand artist, John Reynolds.

Skincare as nature intended

Skinfood, New Zealand’s own natural based skincare range, has 12 high quality, products that cleanse, nourish and protect the skin. Using only the finest ingredients and containing no artificial colours, perfumes or paraben preservatives, Skinfood provides an extensive skincare range that isn’t complicated, is very affordable, and is easily available.

The range includes a cleanser, facial wipes, several face moisturiser options, an exfoliant, mud mask, body butter, tanning moisturiser and shave gel. A hand cream was launched in August 2011 and a lip balm early in 2012 (only available online).

Skinfood New Zealand’s territory sales manager Haley Johnson said: “The two most recent products to our range, the hand cream and the lip balm, have come as a result of customer demand.

“The key points we constantly hear are that people want a good quality, natural based product that delivers great results. The price point is also a key factor. From our research we found that skin care products don’t need to be expensive to achieve great results. We source all our ingredients from New Zealand and the Pacific, which not only supports local businesses but keeps our costs down,” Johnson said.

The new hand cream (RRP $7.99) is made with natural ingredients including manuka honey and aloe vera juice, both renowned for their healing and soothing qualities. It also includes the moisturising properties of avocado oil.

Available from Foodtown, Wool-worths, Countdown, The Warehouse, selected New World and Pak‘n Save stores nationwide or online at www.skinfood.co.nz. The RRP for the range varies from $7.99 - $15.99.

Hand hygiene

The Germ-X brand is distributed by BDM Grange in supermarkets and selected retailers.

Hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most important steps to prevent the spread of germs that can cause illness. When soap and water aren’t available, Germ-X hand sanitizers and soft wipes provide complete antibacterial protection at home, work, school or “on-the-go”. Germ-X also donated products to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal.

Germ-X offer convenient and consistent year-round protection with a range of instant waterless hand sanitisers and wipes that kill 99.99% of many common harmful germs and bacteria. Germ-X products all have moisturising properties with added Vitamin E leaving hands soft and refreshed.

They come in the 44ml size, perfect for the handbag or travel, the 236ml and 887ml pumps for home and high traffic areas, or individually packed wipes. The Germ-X Soft Wipes 72’s canister offers alcohol free, quilted spun lace fabric wipes that provide better durability than pressed paper wipes, all with the convenience of a flip top lid for easy dispensing, says brand executive Jenna McCormick.

DU’IT

The DU’IT brand is distributed by BDM Grange in supermarkets and selected retailers. With success in over 20 countries, DU’IT is renowned for its efficacy and ability to help provide year-round, advanced skincare solutions for hands and feet. Containing the finest ingredients from naturally derived and easily renewable resources, DU’IT is recommended by many hospitals, doctors, specialists and pharmacists.

DU’IT Foot & Heel Balm Plus is the new sole mate that is recommended by Podiatrists, Dermatologists and Diabetes Educators specifically formulated to tame, soothe and heal roughened, cracked and thickened skin. It is fast acting, providing visible effects within five days. Versatile as it is practical, this product can also be used on knees, elbows or any part of the body. Heal busy hands all year round with DU’IT Tough Hands. DU’IT Tough Hands gives a boost of long lasting nourishment, in a non-greasy formula to effectively relieve dryness, help prevent ageing while also shielding against environmental stresses.

The newest addition to the DU’IT range is a heavy duty hand cleaner for the home. DU’IT Tough Scrub is a fast cleaning, non drying formula. Unlike other industrial hand cleaners DU’IT Tough Scrub contains no harsh solvents, harmful chemicals, mineral oils, alcohol or ammonia. DU’IT products are all clinically proven, dematologically and scientifically tested, and as a policy, none of the products are tested on animals, says brand executive Jenna McCormick.

Heritage brand still going strong

Bosisto’s is celebrating a milestone birthday this year... 160 years! Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Oil, established in 1852, is one of the oldest and most respected heritage brands in Australasia.

Bosisto’s supplies a range of essential oil products – eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender oils. Bosisto’s products are produced using only the highest quality therapeutic oils and are available to consumers in bottles and sprays.

“Bosisto’s is the leader in innovation and product development and a driving force in category growth due to introduction of new products,” says Eileen Bond, corporate sales manager, FGB Natural Products.

In 2011 Bosisto’s developed and launched into Australia Eucalyptus & Tea Tree Solutions: pure essential oils in a unique, water soluble solution for health and household applications. With the increase in pricing of essential oils, these represent a value for money alternative for cost-conscious consumers.

“Consumers are spending frugally at the moment and are looking for value for money, natural and effective products. They’re happy to revert to tried and tested products that are multipurpose – great for the laundry, kitchen, bathroom and beyond,” comments brand manager Nicola Cant.

Bio-Oil

BDM Grange supplies Bio-Oil, a specialist skincare product that is recommended to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone.

It is also recommended for ageing and dehydrated skin as it helps replenish the skin’s natural oils which can be stripped away by many environmental factors. It helps lock in moisture and reduces the rate at which water vapour is naturally lost through the skin’s surface.

Bio-Oil successfully combines the well-documented benefits of two important skincare disciplines – natural plant oils (used for centuries to maintain skin condition) and vitamins (a vital element in the promotion of healthy looking skin).

The mix of natural plant oils and vitamins is then blended with Purcellin OilTM which acts as a carrier oil to allow for easy, targeted absorption.

Bio-Oil is easily absorbed and non-greasy. It is hypoallergenic and is suitable for sensitive skin. It is formulated for use on the face and the body. It is applied twice daily, massaging gently in a circular motion until fully absorbed.

Bio-Oil is available in grocery in two sizes – 60ml and 125ml.