The cosmetic industry is constantly evolving and witnessing significant shifts in consumer preferences. The rise of clean, vegan, and gluten-free products has left spa owners and skin care specialists wondering if these labels are merely marketing gimmicks or genuine reflections of the evolving consumer consciousness. This article delves into the world of clean, vegan, and gluten-free skin care labels, exploring whether they are still relevant and meaningful or if they have become dated concepts in the ever-evolving skin care landscape. 

THE CLEAN BEAUTY PHENOMENON 

Clean beauty has been one of the most prominent movements in the skin care industry in recent years. It centers on using products free from potentially harmful ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. The concept of clean beauty gained traction as consumers became more conscious of what they put on their skin, with an emphasis on natural and nontoxic ingredients. 

Clean beauty products claim to be safer for skin, promoting healthier, more radiant complexions. Many spa owners and skin care professionals embrace this trend, often marketing their businesses as clean beauty sanctuaries. But are these claims based on solid scientific evidence, or is pure beauty merely a marketing ploy? 

It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate the term “clean” in skin care, and there’s no universally accepted definition. Consequently, the clean beauty label can vary significantly between brands. Some companies may avoid a few specific chemicals, while others may have much stricter criteria. As a result, spa owners and consumers may need help deciphering what constitutes a genuinely clean product. 

Reference 

1. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (n.d.). Cosmetics labeling guide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling-regulations/cosmetics-labeling-guide

Richard Merrill is a results-oriented spa business consultant with distinctive expertise in nurturing and guiding spa enterprises across the United States. His proficiency spans strategic planning, branding, marketing, sales, and operational management systems. With an extensive background of over 15 years in the spa and beauty industry, Merrill brings a profound understanding of the intricate intricacies of establishing and managing a thriving spa venture. His unwavering commitment centers on propelling spa professionals towards accelerated success and realizing their visionary aspirations. In 2019, he founded Richard Merrill Consulting, an enterprise that offers holistic business consulting, cutting-edge marketing services, and streamlined printing solutions. This all-encompassing resource is an indispensable toolkit for spa professionals seeking to cultivate more lucrative enterprises. 

A licensed aesthetician, Herbest is also the founder and CEO of Sugar Bar Spas. 

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?

I am a licensed aesthetician, and I am currently working to finish my communications degree at Ohio University online. It may take me five extra years with two kids, two dogs, and three businesses, but time will pass anyways! I recently took a series of facial massage courses, and I am taking my fifteenth chemical peel course next month. I also just brought on two new machines to both of my locations. Our training with those inspired me to learn more about the tools available beyond the art of the basic facial. I never want to stop learning!

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?

I have been licensed since 2010. When I was 19, I worked at Sephora and fell in love with putting makeup on all different types of women, talking to them about their problems or successes, and celebrating or crying with them. I knew I wanted to do something in the beauty industry for the rest of my life. It was the best way I could find to connect with people, and I was good at it. When I started doing Brazilians, I realized my true gift was making people feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations – that is what I teach my staff to do. When I see my long-time employees do and say things that I would to make clients feel comfortable, my heart is full. Amanda, Michelle, and Kelly are amazing and they put their hearts into their jobs every day.

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 A shift in the dermatology industry is subtly unfolding as consolidation impacts the industry’s traditional framework. Private equity and venture capital investments have surged, creating a ripe environment for dermatology practice owners to harvest benefits with the right preparation and approach. This transformation unfurls new horizons for those looking to explore and understand the opportunities of a shifting landscape.  

Currently, about 8% to 9% of the approximately 10,000 dermatology practices in the United States have undergone consolidation. To provide some perspective, historical data from other medical specialties, such as dentistry, have shown that valuations can increase significantly for consolidated groups when the industry reaches a 10% to 12% consolidation rate. As in dentistry, veterinary, and numerous other verticals before it, dermatology consolidation will reach a tipping point at roughly 10% and acquisition activity amongst privately owned practices will increase significantly. Many believe this tipping point will be reached by 2025, which would trigger a period of merger and acquisition activity extending for 15 to 20 years.  

Josh Swearingen has over 15 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry, most recently serving as a director at TUSK Practice Sales, a healthcare mergers and acquisitions firm located in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also the co-founder of Reverse Aesthetics in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to that Swearingen was director of corporate development for American Dental Partners and quarterbacked several of their largest transactions during his tenure there. He appears at multiple healthcare tradeshows across the country and has become an industry thought leader in the healthcare mergers and acquisitions space. Learn more about him and TUSK Practice Sales a tuskpracticesales.com