5 Things to Consider When Introducing Supplements into Your Salon

In an age where beauty is not just skin deep, wellness from within is garnering equal limelight. The UK's burgeoning vitamin and supplement market is a testament to this shift, recording an impressive value of £1.4bn last year. Add to this an astounding growth rate of 29.9%, and it becomes evident why beauty salons and clinics are considering the integration of supplements into their offerings. However, navigating this new frontier requires more than just stacking shelves with pill bottles.

So what are five key things to consider when introducing supplements into your space?

1. Celebrating Diversity with Ethical and Religious Considerations

The modern consumer is well-informed and discerning, often aligning purchases with personal values. For many, this means a close scrutiny of product ingredients against their ethical and religious beliefs. Vegan, vegetarian, Halal, and Kosher compliant supplements cater to a growing segment. Furthermore, the global trend towards halal-certified products is seeing a rise, tapping into not just religious sensibilities but also a perception of purity and quality.

2. The Power-Packed Punch of Nutrient Potency

Beyond the marketing spiel, the core of any supplement is its nutritional content. While potency is a clear marker, the paradigm is shifting towards "bioavailability" – the body's ability to absorb and utilise the nutrient effectively. This often ties back to the form in which nutrients are presented. For instance, fat-soluble vitamins in oil capsules may offer better absorption than their powdered counterparts.

3. Additional (non-active) Ingredients

The wellness-savvy consumer is discerning, often reading the "Other Ingredients" section as closely as the active ingredient list. Bulking agents, binders, or even colouring agents can impact a product's purity. It's worth noting that trends like "clean label" are gaining traction, where minimalism in formulation is seen as a marker of quality.

4. Evidence is Everything

The age-old adage, "Trust, but verify," holds true here. The supplement space is rife with lofty claims, making it imperative for businesses to anchor their offerings on robust scientific evidence. Beyond just safety and efficacy, a trend towards "transparency" in sourcing and manufacturing is gaining traction. QR codes linking to scientific studies or third-party lab test results are becoming valuable tools in building consumer trust.

5. Purity and Quality

The Twin Pillars: Natural versus synthetic, wild-caught versus farmed, organic binders versus artificial ones – the list is exhaustive. The global shift towards clean, sustainable sourcing is more than a buzzword; it's a mandate. For instance, in the realm of fish oils, a 'Friend of the Sea' certification might indicate sustainable and ethical fishing practices, ensuring that the product is not just beneficial for the consumer but also the planet.