The global nutricosmetics market is expected to Reach US$4.24bn (2.9bn euro, £2.6bn) by 2017, according to a new report by US-based research company Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

Growing urbanization, aging populations, greater spending power and the need to look youthful and attractive through safe and natural methods are being attributed to the growth in popularity of the products.

In its Nutricosmetics: A Global Strategic Business Report GIA describes nutricosmetics as being in an "embryonic stage", but forecasts the market to witness robust growth over the long term.

The report shows that nutricosmetics products have until recently been primarily targeted at women aged 40 or above. However, lately the products are also gaining popularity among younger women in the age group 25 to 35, due to desire to stay youthful and start early with remedial measures.

Nutricosmetics comprising of antioxidants, PUFAs and specific carotenoids are a particularly rapidly growing category within the industry, and according to GIA offer "huge promise in the immediate future". For more details and the full report, Click here for the GIA website.

IMAGE: Nutricosmetics suppliers such as Shiseido are expected to prosper