The number of launches in 2007 was five times as many as in 2006, and more than 420 products have already been introduced on European store shelves this year, research by Mintel revealed.
The UK and France accounted for 74 per cent of all ethical cosmetic launches in Europe last year.
Cruelty-free products, which are not tested on animals, made up most of the new products, but there is growing consumer interest in wide-ranging ethical and environmental concerns.
More than half of women in the UK said they look for products that have not been tested on animals. One in five want recyclable packaging and 8 per cent look for fair-trade credentials.
Mintel beauty and personal care head consultant Nica Lewis said: “Beauty manufacturers are innovating by making their products more compatible with the emerging lifestyle trends of ethical shopping and eco-consciousness.
“We have seen the no-animal-testing claim go from niche to mainstream over the past two decades. Although organic has proved popular in the beauty industry, the current trend for ethical centres around the use of fair-trade ingredients and products having recycled and recyclable packaging.”
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