Over the last decade, worldwide participation in organized sports—and athletic endeavors in general—has been trending upwards. We can point to many possible factors for this global increase in engagement. While universal shifts in culture have played a role, exposure to thousands of sports (old and new) continues to spread rapidly through screens & social media. Indeed, greater publicity has allowed people to cast a wider net and help popularize lesser-known sports, such as pickleball for example! Only just invented in the 1960’s (and said to have been named after a dog fondly called “Pickles”), pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in the US and is even being pursued for Olympic inclusion as it continues to gain a loyal following across the world. Beyond the popularity or lure of any one activity, we should also note the interesting shift in the way think about physical activity. What was once a weight-loss related chore is now considered a resource for improving wellbeing. The current mindset of psychological health as an integral component to overall longevity has been a clear segway to the booming self-care industry.
This is all to say that there is an ever-growing market for products geared towards athletes formulated with natural raw ingredients. Such items range from grooming-related products (deodorant for the underarms, for example) to equipment maintenance (deodorant for your sneakers) and extend all the way to cosmetics, which address the needs of athletes nearly as varied as the sports they play.
Though these categories reflect a broader sub-set of consumers than previously thought, buyers across demographics have their eye on ingredient lists, on the lookout for organic certifications, Non-GMO status, and prefer natural materials overall. This is a positive sign for smaller businesses as demand for such product formulations continues to become a priority over mere brand recognition.
So, which natural ingredients and raw materials are being used, and what types of products are being formulated? Let’s discuss!
Sun Protection: Gamma Oryzanol, Zinc Oxide – USP & Mongongo Oil
Athletes defer to makeup not only to achieve the traditional goal of cosmetics—enhancing one’s appearance—but more importantly, to improve the health of their skin through recovery and prevention. A great deal of foundations now include SPF Protection, which is achieved with ingredients Jedwards offers, such as Gamma Oryzanol and Zinc Oxide USP. While the appearance of one’s skin is largely genetic, many consumers hope to achieve clearer & softer skin and look for Mongongo oil on the ingredient label. High in linoleic fatty acid content, this material functions as a physical sunscreen rather than a chemically-derived one and contains eleostearic acid which absorbs ultraviolet light in sunlight. The virgin (unrefined) form of this oil is especially desirable to obtain the full spectrum of nutrients naturally found in Mongongo oil.
Long Lasting Power: Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Glycerin, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter
In addition to preventing damage caused by UV rays, athletes working up a sweat or performing for hours under the hot sun opt for makeup that is waterproof, sweatproof, and resistant to smudging. Foundations and eye makeup that meet this requirement contain various stabilizers, binders, and other agents working in conjunction with one another.
Fatty alcohols such as Cetyl Alcohol & Stearyl Alcohol are vital to this interplay, since they are emulsifiers that help bind the oil and water components of a formula to keep it from separating. The fatty alcohols in these materials are somewhat superior to ethanol alcohols since they are natural emollients containing the benefits of Palm oil and Palm Kernel oil from which they are derived. Natural gums such as Xanthan and Guar Gum are likewise used as binders in foundations & mascaras and add stability to a product containing emulsifiers. These natural gums in turn work well with Glycerin which disperses rather than hydrates these powders. Carefully derived from sunflower, flax, coconut, or & palm oil, glycerin is also a natural plasticizer that allows for a flexible bond and strong adhesion. As phthalates create concern among consumers for their potentially negative effects on health, we may very well see glycerin as a more trust-worthy replacement in cosmetic formulations. You will also find glycerin in products that promise to keep the skin soft & moisturized, since it is a humectant that attracts water from the atmosphere.
Like Glycerin, natural waxes are also categorized as humectants, and are widely sought-after for their non-comedogenic yet adhesive properties that help create consistent staying-power for foundations and eyeliners. Unlike carrier oils that are rich in short-chain fatty acids, waxes produced by bees and derived from plants (Carnauba and Candelilla) are completely solid at room temperature. Waxes and butters—with their short and medium-chain fatty acids—will be necessary inclusions for consumers who want to see Sweet Almond oil, Avocado oil, or any of the other beneficial carrier oils included in their products. All-in-all, there is no single ingredient that makes an enduring, high-performing product; when it comes to formulas that take first place—this is a team sport.
Deodorants: Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Orange Oil, Citric Acid, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter
Deodorants may be one of the products most closely associated with rigorous physical activity. Whether for the underarms, body, or equipment, all deodorants work in much the same manner—neutralizing odors, absorbing moisture, & masking undesirable smells. Natural deodorants rely on essential oils such as Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, & Orange oil, which may inhibit bacterial growth and add a pleasing scent to products. For Deodorant sprays intended for sneakers and other equipment, the antifungal properties of these essential oils are particularly beneficial. Natural acids (such as Citric Acid) that prevent odor-causing bacteria from flourishing on the skin are also included in body & equipment deodorizers. Natural starches and clays can help absorb sweat and keep areas too dry for moisture-loving bacteria & fungus. Additionally, the same butters and waxes that give structure to cosmetics are used to keep deodorant sticks solid.
Relief & Recovery: Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate), Ginger Oil, Aloe Vera Powder, Chamomile Oil – Blue & Lavender Oil
Beyond looking and smelling good, athletes of course want to feel good, so recovery products that relieve achy muscles are a must! Examples of such items could include loose bath salts as well as bath bombs, both of which help alleviate muscle soreness. Epsom Salt, with its high percentage of Magnesium Sulfate typically serves as the base for these products, which are further enriched with materials like Aloe Vera Powder or essential oils that may tackle inflammation while leaving a pleasant aroma. Ginger oil, with its fresh & spicy aroma, is well-known for its overall benefits in alleviating certain ailments and is increasingly included in muscle-soothing creams and bath salts. For evening relaxation, Olympic-gold-medalists trying to get cozy might instead reach for Chamomile or Lavender-centered products. While athletes might say “go hard or go home,” what they really mean is “go hard, go home & go enjoy a fizzy bath before bedtime!”
Recovery – Supplements & Powders: Pea Protein Powder 80%, Marine Oils, Honey – Raw – Organic, Manuka Honey MGO 83+ & Alternative Sweeteners
In the area of recovery, each type of athlete has unique needs due to the varying demands of their sport. While endurance athletes rely on sufficient sugar, electrolyte & carbohydrate intake to sustain long-duration activity, strength athletes require high protein intake to support muscle development. Nutrients that enhance attention and coordination are beneficial for any athlete trying to stay focused. This is where supplements and powders come into play. More and more athletes are seeking natural and unrefined forms of sugar since they are metabolized differently in the body. Such alternatives can include Honey, Coconut Sugar, or Date Syrup which all have nutrient content & composition profiles believed to be superior to traditional sugar. Vegan sources of protein have become exceptionally popular, with one of the most sought-after forms being Pea Protein Powder. This form of protein is not only preferred by animal-lovers, but also those sensitive to lactose. With respect to supplements, marine oils containing omega-3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial to athletes with a variety of overall benefits and support for physical health.
Ultimately, the convergence of sports, wellness, and product innovation in meeting the diverse needs of athletes worldwide highlights a dynamic era where athleticism is celebrated for its physical and mental benefits alike. As the market responds with solutions that blend scientific research with consumer-driven preferences, the upcoming Olympics symbolize athletic prowess as well as the spirit of continuous evolution in how we perceive and support physical activity in our daily lives.
As we look to the 2024 Olympics where professionals of the highest caliber will continue to draw worldwide attention, global demand for specialized athlete-focused products is ever-burgeoning. Between races, advertisements will surely reflect a continuous shift towards holistic health and self-care. From cosmetics fortified with natural ingredients like Mongongo oil and Glycerin—to deodorants enriched with natural butters and waxes—athletes of all levels will not only seek products that enhance performance & recovery but also add a little gold, silver & bronze-pigmented sparkle.
