In the realm of beauty and wellness, beauty & skincare supplements have emerged as powerful tools for promoting healthy, radiant skin from the inside out. Unlike topical skincare products such as lotions, creams, and serums, a skin care supplement is an ingestible product designed to nourish skin at a cellular level.
In this article, we’ll focus exclusively on oral supplements—not topicals—covering their growing popularity, reported health benefits, key ingredients to consider including in your formula, and an overview of the skincare supplement manufacturing process. We’ll also discuss common pitfalls to avoid at every stage, from formulation to production. All of this leads to one essential point: the importance of choosing a qualified and reputable supplement manufacturer, which we’ll address at the end of the article.
Let’s start by examining the key factors driving the surge in demand for skincare supplements.
The Rise in Demand for Beauty-from-Within Skincare Supplements
The global beauty supplement market size was valued at $3.56 billion in 2022, and it is expected to reach $9.22 billion in 2031 with a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2031. 1https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/global-beauty-ingestible-market/1049
The shift from topical skincare solutions to a beauty-from-within (BFW) approach is a significant trend in the beauty industry. Consumers increasingly seek proactive ways to enhance their skin health, leading to a surge in demand for supplements for skincare. This trend is driven by innovations in ingredient formulations and delivery formats, which offer more effective and convenient ways to achieve skincare goals.
Emerging trends in the skincare supplement market include personalized formulations tailored to individual skin needs, targeted benefits such as anti-aging or hydration, and a growing emphasis on sustainability.
Scientific discoveries in the understanding of the gut-skin connection and insights into consumer trends regarding holistic wellness are also shaping the future of BFW supplements.
The advantages of entering the beauty supplement market include the ability to diversify your product offerings meaningfully. Consider the fact that most people are concerned about their physical appearance. By offering supportive products you will be able to help satisfy the demand and also cater to evolving trends which frequently include new and exciting nutraceuticals to address the beauty supplement category. Also, consider that everyone is aging, and more and more people are starting to use such products at a younger age in hopes of staving off an aging appearance. If you start now, you can capture your share of the market in the early stage.
Benefits of Ingestible Beauty-from-Within Skincare Supplements
Ingestible skincare supplements offer a primary advantage over traditional topical products. While topical products offer a benefit toward skin appearance immediately after application, they do not offer long-term benefits. By contrast, ingestible skincare supplements provide their nutraceuticals systemically, ultimately impacting the structure and function of the skin. This translates into long-term benefits due to actual physiological changes, not just an immediate benefit to appearance that wears off after a few hours.
Another benefit associated with ingestible supplements is the types of claims you can use. Topical products are considered to be cosmetics that can only use appearance claims like, “Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles”. Supplements can use structure/function claims like “Helps reduce wrinkles by 20% within 6 weeks” (assuming that you’re using nutraceuticals with human clinical research to support the claims).
This holistic approach addresses skin concerns from the inside out, promoting overall skin health and well-being. Consistent use of these products can lead to long-term, sustainable improvements in skin health, offering a more comprehensive solution than topical treatments alone.
That doesn’t mean it must be one or the other. Ingestible supplements can be marketed for use in combination with topical products that help address various skin issues.
Key Ingredients in Beauty-from-Within Products
Beauty-from-within ingredients are among the most sought-after products on store shelves and online2https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/global-beauty-ingestible-market/1049. Below are some standout natural ingredients known for enhancing the health and appearance of the skin, the body’s largest organ. Supported by extensive research, these ingredients have demonstrated effectiveness. As a brand owner seeking to create a product that will stand out in a fiercely competitive category, you may want to consider including one or more of them in your formulation.
- Collagen—which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, reducing wrinkles, and promoting structural integrity—supports the skin’s natural repair processes and helps retain moisture, resulting in a more youthful appearance3Al-Atif H. Collagen supplements for aging and wrinkles: A paradigm shift in the fields of dermatology and cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022 Feb; 12(1): e2022018..
- Vitamins (A, C, E, and D) are powerful antioxidants that contribute to skin repair, protection, and overall health4Al-Atif H. Collagen supplements for aging and wrinkles: A paradigm shift in the fields of dermatology and cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022 Feb; 12(1): e2022018.. Vitamin C supports collagen production, Vitamin E protects against oxidative damage, Vitamin A encourages cell turnover, and Vitamin D is vital for skin cell growth and repair.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and promoting hydration5Parke MA, Perez-Sanchez A, Zamil DH, Katta R. Diet and skin barrier: The role of dietary interventions on skin barrier function. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2021 Jan; 11(1): e2021132.. They help keep the skin supple and resilient, preventing dryness and irritation.
- Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its ability to retain moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump6Why science says hyaluronic acid is the Holy Grail to wrinkle-free, youthful hydration. Healthline. April 20, 2023.. It plays a vital role in maintaining skin elasticity and smoothness.
- Probiotics and prebiotics can enhance skin clarity and vitality7Gao T, Wang X, Li Y, Ren F. The role of probiotics in skin health and related gut-skin axis: A review. Nutrients. 2023 Jul 13;15(14):3123.. These ingredients support a balanced gut microbiome, which in turn benefits skin health.
- Plant-based extracts (Green Tea, Grape Seed, Turmeric) offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that benefit the skin. For example, green tea reduces inflammation8Xu F-W, Lv Y-L, Zhong Y-F, et al. Beneficial effects of green tea EGCG on skin wound healing: A comprehensive review. Molecules. 2021 Oct; 26(20): 6123., grape seed extract protects against free radical damage 9Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Stohs SJ, et al. Free radicals and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract: importance in human health and disease prevention. Toxicology. 2000 Aug 7;148(2-3):187-97. and turmeric supports an even skin tone 10Silver N. Turmeric for skin: Benefits and risks. Healthline. April 17, 2023..
The Manufacturing Process for Skincare Supplements
Not all contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMO) specialize in the beauty from within/skincare category. I recently discussed this issue with Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG) during a recent episode of “The Vitamin Professor Podcast.”
As a leader in the dietary supplement industry providing nutraceutical businesses with top-notch supplement formulation design, contract manufacturing, packaging, and fulfillment services for over 45 years, Vitaquest has extensive experience in the shift towards beauty-from-within solutions as a significant growth area and is committed to staying ahead of the curve with science-backed, innovative products.
As with other natural products, contract-manufacturing skincare supplements involves several key stages:
Concept Development & Formulation
This initial stage involves starting with a product concept and developing a formulation that meets specific skin-health goals. It includes selecting active ingredients, determining dosages, and ensuring synergistic effects. This is also the step where you should identify your customers’ needs, focus on what differentiates you from your competition, and develop your brand message. Everything downstream from this must be regularly checked against your concept ideation to stay true to your message.
Sourcing & Raw Materials
High-quality, reliable raw materials are essential for effective skincare supplements. This stage involves sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers and verifying their purity and potency.
Production
The production stage includes blending, encapsulating, or otherwise processing the raw materials into the final product form. Advanced technologies help ensure consistency and quality.
Quality Control & Testing
Rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure the safety and efficacy of the supplements. This includes testing for contaminants, verifying ingredient concentrations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Choosing the Right Delivery Format for Your Beauty-from-Within Supplement
The delivery format of a BFW supplement can significantly influence its effectiveness and consumer appeal. Common formats include:
- Capsules—which offer versatility, and convenience, and are available in various sizes and release rates. Capsules are easy to dose and consume, making them a popular choice.
- Powders—which offer a customizable format—such as ready-to-mix (RTM) stick packs—provide on-the-go convenience. Powders are ideal for those who prefer not to take or have difficulty swallowing pills.
- Tablets—popular due to their stability and extended shelf life. They offer various release profiles, including immediate and sustained release. Popular tablet delivery formats include effervescent tablets, chewables, oral disintegrating and quick melts
Considerations for Manufacturing Skincare Supplements
Partnering with a skincare manufacturing company—in this case, a CDMO with expertise in formulating and manufacturing BFW formulations like Vitaquest—offers advantages like access to formulation expertise, quality control measures, and scalability for production. Clear communication and understanding of lead times are essential for a successful partnership. Understanding the channel(s) that you will be selling in requires a thorough understanding of MOQs, lead times, and regulations.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
MOQs impact cost-effectiveness, especially for new BFW brands. Understanding MOQ requirements is crucial when choosing a contract manufacturer.
Lead Times
Clear communication with the manufacturer regarding lead times is essential to ensure the timely delivery of the BFW supplement product. Lead times can significantly impact product launch timelines. Keep in mind that each channel you choose to sell in has unique requirements and expectations. Close communication and attention to the nuances of these channels are vitally important to the success or failure of your overall sales and marketing strategies.
FDA Regulations for Dietary Supplements
Compliance with FDA labeling and manufacturing standards is vital. Resources like the FDA website provide detailed information on regulatory requirements.
Understanding the Needs and Preferences of the Target Audience
Factors such as age, demographics, skin concerns, and preferred delivery formats should guide product formulation, marketing strategy, and overall brand positioning.
Testing Pilot Batches
Pilot batches are beneficial for testing and finalizing the BFW product before mass production. This process involves small-scale production runs to evaluate the formulation and production process.
Manufacture Your Skincare Supplement with Vitaquest
Skincare supplements represent a revolutionary approach to achieving healthy, radiant skin. By addressing skin and overall wellness concerns from within, these natural products offer long-term benefits and a holistic approach to skin health.
Partnering with a reputable contract manufacturer like Vitaquest ensures the development and production of a high-quality skin health supplement, positioning your brand for success in this growing market. As consumer interest in BFW supplements continues to rise, the future holds vast potential for innovations that will further transform the skincare industry.
Vitaquest excels in manufacturing high-quality beauty-from-within skincare supplements. With relevant certifications, advanced manufacturing processes, and stringent quality control measures, Vitaquest ensures the production of safe and effective products. Our commitment to using reliable ingredients and maintaining strict quality standards makes us a trusted partner for your herbal supplement needs.
Are you ready to capitalize on the upcoming skincare supplement trends of 2025? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!
Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare Supplement Manufacturing
Q: Do you need FDA approval to sell skincare supplements?
No, since dietary supplements are a class of foods, no pre-approval is required. That said, there are regulatory considerations for BFW supplements. For example, while you can say that a product reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it is not advisable to say that a product reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is also important to understand your claims language. Making claims around acne, sun protection (SPF), and pigmentation disorders is not recommended as they are medical claims (monographed in the topical world) and can draw unwanted attention to your brand by the FDA. Clever claims language is an art and should always be run past your regulatory team before they go to print.
Q: What vitamins make skin flawless?
Nobody’s skin can be perfect, but vitamins A, C, E, and D promote healthy skin.
Q: Which is better—collagen or fish oil?
They offer slightly different benefits. Collagen can improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of visible wrinkles, and increase blood flow to the skin. Fish oil can help support clear skin, provide protection from the sun, and also reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Q: What is the most effective form of vitamin A for the skin?
Provitamin A carotenoids are gentle-acting and skin-friendly plant pigments that include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Q: How big is the natural skin care products industry?
According to Grand View Research, the global natural skin care products market size was valued at USD 6.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2022 to 2030.
