Panel discussion on...

Beauty from within and holistic trends

Dr. Anu Turpeinen
Research Manager, Valio

Member of AgroFOOD Industry Hi Tech's Scientific Advisory Board

Questions

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The New Era of Beauty Claims

Where do you see the next cycle of beauty claims heading? What specific benefits are consumers searching for today, and where do you predict the market will move over the next five years? Any exciting innovations you want to share in this regard?

The intersection of GLP-1 with Hair & Skin

With the global rise of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, consumers are experiencing rapid metabolic shifts that often trigger hair loss and "Ozempic skin". How do you see the nutricosmetic segment evolving to support the intersection of beauty and weight management/metabolic health?

Holistic Beauty & The "Well-Beauty" Journey

Real beauty isn't just skin deep. What innovations are you developing to bridge beauty and wellness (e.g., neuro-beauty, mood/stress support, beauty sleep, or the gut-skin axis)? Which ingredients or concepts are currently shifting from other health categories into the nutricosmetic space?

Redefining Beauty Rituals

Topical beauty influencers have set a high bar for self-care beauty rituals—how is the nutricosmetic segment catching up? From delivery formats and flavor profiles to fragrance and texture, what is needed to evolve ingestible solutions into a truly joyful daily ritual? And where do you experience the most challenge in this respect?

The K-Beauty Influence

South Korean trends continue to redefine topical skincare. How are these K-Beauty principles being translated into the nutricosmetic industry?

Integrated "In & Out" Journeys

We are moving away from isolated products toward "integrated journeys." What evidence supports the superior efficacy of oral-topical pairings? Furthermore, how can nutricosmetics be better integrated into the dermatology space, accompanying at-home or in-clinic procedures? Is there a difference between different regions in the world?

Nutricosmetics as a Platform for Inclusivity

Skin is the most visible representation of our diversity. How do you research, develop, and market ingredients in a way that thoughtfully addresses differences in gender, ethnicity, and life stages? Any trends you are seeing or innovations you are excited about?

AI & The Feasibility of Hyper-Personalization

In the era of AI, how close are we to truly personalizing "beauty from within"? What are the greatest challenges and opportunities you see in developing ingredients and creating supplements truly tailored to an individual’s unique needs and biological data? Any other uses of AI in this space that you are excited about?

Sustainability & Clean Beauty 3.0

How is your organization addressing the demand for upcycling and "Clean Beauty 3.0"? Are there specific innovations in ingredients, technologies, or research methodologies that you believe the industry must adopt to meet the next generation of eco-conscious consumers?

The Next Phase of "Skinification"

We have seen the "skinification of hair," but where is the future of haircare headed? What "root cause" claims are consumers most seeking, and what is the next category you anticipate will undergo a similar "skinification" transformation?

Precision Solutions for Menopause

With the surge in perimenopause and menopause-specific products, how can we more accurately tailor solutions to women in these stages? What has the industry missed, and how can we better serve this demographic?

References and notes

Beauty from Within and the Rise of the “Well-Beauty” Paradigm: Towards Integrated In & Out Strategies for Healthy Longevity

2) We believe the nutricosmetics segment is moving beyond single beauty ingredients toward more foundational nutritional solutions that support wellbeing and appearance from within. High-quality dairy protein is a particularly interesting, beauty-critical nutrient in this context: the rise of GLP-1 medications has renewed interest in the role of protein during periods of rapid weight loss and metabolic change, particularly as consumers experience side effects such as hair thinning and loss of skin elasticity. Milk proteins provide the amino acids needed to support collagen, elastin and keratin production, while also delivering naturally occurring micronutrients such as zinc, calcium and vitamins B and D that support skin structure, hair health and overall nutritional resilience.

3) We believe the category is moving beyond single ingredients toward more complete, inside-out nutritional solutions that support both wellbeing and appearance. Four particularly interesting trends are emerging at the intersection of beauty and wellness.

First, MFGM phospholipids, traditionally linked to digestive and brain health, are now gaining attention for their ability to moisturize, repair and reinforce the natural protective barriers of skin and hair. Second, probiotics are expanding into nutricosmetics through the gut-skin and gut-brain-skin axes, helping support both skin wellbeing and stress-related skin concerns. Third, fermented dairy products containing naturally occurring GABA are increasingly linked to relaxation, stress management and better sleep, all important contributors to overall skin health. Finally, alpha-lactalbumin-rich milk proteins are attracting interest because their naturally high tryptophan content supports serotonin and melatonin production, essential for adequate sleep that maintains beauty.

11) The industry needs to move beyond single-benefit menopause products toward more holistic solutions that address the interconnected effects of hormonal change on metabolism, muscle mass, bone health, mood and skin ageing. High-quality proteins, calcium, vitamin D and naturally occurring B vitamins can support lean muscle maintenance, stable blood sugar, bone health and cognitive wellbeing during this life stage. We also see growing interest in high-protein, lower-sugar and low-GI dairy-based solutions, as awareness increases around the link between inflammation, hormonal balance and visible skin ageing.

References and notes