The booming dermocosmetics market will continue to grow above the beauty market average growth rate. Global leader in dispensing systems Aptar Beauty is addressing this fast-rising segment with a range of solutions, tailored to the needs of derma brands. Aptar Beauty’s Derma Series full packaging and dispensing products are complemented by value-added services in areas such as human factor design, sustainability and regulatory.
WHERE PHARMA AND BEAUTY MEET
The combined dermocosmetics and medical aesthetics markets have been growing double-digit over the past five years and will keep growing 2-3 points above the beauty market’s average rate*. Market indicators suggest that the growth of dermocosmetics will last. Sensitive skin problems are increasingly prevalent among the global population. Environmental and lifestyle conditions also impact skin health in the long term. Companies are increasingly investing in skin health domains like microbiome, exosome, longevity and digital health. The new generation of skincare treatments is rooted in science and dermatology. Either on their own or through partnerships with dermatologists, plastic surgeons and medical laboratories, dermocosmetics brands are launching premium formulations, which have their own specific requirements when it comes to packaging and dispensing.
UNCOVERING THE NEEDS OF THE DERMA MARKET
In response, Aptar Beauty’s Derma Series has been curated to address the needs, desires and pain points of this market. “We were early in detecting a need for dispensing solutions that went beyond the usual requirements for beauty products,” says Xavier Joseph. “We went straight to the source and spoke to major customers and dermatologists, who revealed problems to be solved and opportunities to help them. Some are product-related, others revolve around capabilities, and we found we could provide a true value-added service, grounded in our deep understanding of this rapidly-growing market.” Aptar Beauty’s pro-active research showed that dermocosmetics formulations require precision dispensing and high-protection packaging that enhance both formula performance and the consumer experience. Packaging must also be capable of premiumization, while presenting a medical look and feel for differentiation. Brands themselves are faced with unique challenges on entering the market. They need to stimulate user-centric innovation and bridge regulatory fields, such as those between cosmetics and medical devices. They also need solutions that will support patient adherence to the treatment usage.
«Our market analysis confirmed that we are able to offer not only the right dispensing technologies in key categories, but also inclusive design, material science know-how and digital health solutions. As part of AptarGroup, we are in the unique position to build on knowledge from Aptar Pharma and its vast experience in medical devices and pharmaceutical dispensing systems. This combination of cross-sector expertise, distinctive technology platforms and technical capabilities at scale means that Aptar Beauty has all it takes to be the one-stop partner on user experience in Derma.»
Xavier Joseph, Vice President, Global Marketing & Innovation, Aptar Beauty
HIGH-PERFORMANCE DISPENSING SOLUTIONS FOR DERMOCOSMETICS
The Derma Series brings all those strengths together in a curated selection of airless packaging, cosmetic pumps, droppers, dispensing pumps, spray pumps and aerosols, which perfectly adapt to the specifications of the dermocosmetics market:
• Formula Protection
The airless category includes cosmetic - to pharmaceutical-grade systems offering high formula protection. Aptar Beauty’s best-sellers Micro and Mezzo airless are fully recyclable** and available in a wide range of sustainable materials, including PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled Resin), and guarantee high compatibility and protection of even the most fragile skincare formulas.
• Precision Dosing
For precision dispensing of ultra-liquid formulas, such as serums, Star Drop dropper offers a precise and buildable drop-by-drop user experience. The on-the-go PZ Twist spray pump features a twist-to-lock system, with a large finger pad for easy application, ideal for sun care formulas. For a precise dispensing of sprays and mists, Tina aerosol actuator is the perfect choice, with a modern design and straight, pure lines.
• Sustainable Features
All packaging from the Derma Series offer a wide range of sustainable options such as recyclable materials and recycled resin. This includes mono-material designs, like the fully-recyclable** full PE (Polyethylene), and e-commerce capable*** Future dispensing pump, with a twist-to-lock mechanism.
• Premiumization Options
Derma Series allows for a wide range of customization options to reinforce brand equity with premium decoration, also available with glass bottles. It includes full metal designs, like the Evolux cosmetic pump, with a metal-free pathway for optimal formula compatibility.
CAPABILITIES BEYOND PACKAGING AND DISPENSING
Aptar Beauty complements the Derma Series offer with services, to help dermocosmetics brands understand the issues, create the right solutions and facilitate their market entry. Thanks to its transversal expertise, Aptar is able to provide various integrated services and technical capabilities.
• Consumer Insights & Design
- Invent and develop user-centric, custom solutions.
To design and develop solutions that put the user first, Aptar Beauty invests in user experience research. It leverages the group’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, as well as synergies with Aptar Pharma, to create user-centric solutions based on human factor engineering. A global network of laboratories in France (InVisionLab), the US and China enables comprehensive usability testing.
• Formula Optimization & Simulation
- Test new formula + dispensing possibilities, faster.
Artificial intelligence and technology are deployed to predict formula/pump compatibility, optimize pharma-grade formulations and explore new formula and dispensing territories, using simulation software and end-to-end fast-prototyping.
• Sustainability & Material Sciences
- Access a broad expertise to help recycle, reduce, reuse.
Aptar Beauty’s broad expertise in sustainable solutions and material sciences promotes mono-material solutions to enable recyclability, while developing reuse & reduce models.
• Regulatory & Compliance
- Launch Medical Devices and cosmetic products, more easily.
With over 30 years’ experience of supporting customers’ regulatory submissions, Aptar has a legal entity that is certified ISO13485 to develop medical devices and produces dispensing solutions that comply with medical device requirements.
• Digital Health Devices & Platforms
- Invent Augmented Care solutions to drive results and loyalty.
Aptar can develop connected packaging solutions with an endto-end digital health platform and devices for augmented skincare or health solutions. This supports patient adherence to treatment usage, therefore improving results and quality of life.
Xavier Joseph concludes:
“Dermocosmetics products are fulfilling a real and growing need. These formulations with their potent actives, or low preservative protection systems, are continually evolving. As a leader in our field, we need to ensure they have the dispensing solutions to ensure optimal delivery. Our holistic “product & service” approach allows us to accompany these brands on their journey, as a single-source partner for dermocosmetics dispensing.”
*Sources: IQVIA CHC Global Insights, 2019-2023, with Dermocosmetics market extrapolation vs OTC Country Scope (incl. US, China…), IQVIA MIDAS (Rx Dermatology)
**When paired with a PE or PET Bottle
***Ista-6 Overbox Testing Compliant.Test results may vary based on container shape, container size and sample formula.