Summer Essentials: Health, Wellness, and Personal Care Trends

As we step into the sunnier months, the latest trends in health, wellness, and personal care are shaping the way we approach skincare and self-care. From ingredient-led skincare to sustainability in packaging, these trends are focused on boosting overall well-being while offering personalized, eco-friendly solutions. Let’s dive into the key summer essentials for your health, wellness, and personal care routine.

Skincare: Health Over Beauty

Gone are the days when skincare was just about cosmetics. Today, it's all about health, with consumers becoming more proactive about wellness. As Rotea Katu-Smythe, Foodstuffs North Island’s Category Manager for Beauty and Personal Care, puts it, younger consumers are focusing more on “prevention” rather than “cure.”

In line with this shift, the skincare industry has seen a surge in demand for ingredients that focus on improving skin health, such as:

• Hyaluronic Acid for moisture retention
• Niacinamide to enhance skin function
• Retinol for its anti-aging benefits

These ingredients have gained traction globally, especially on platforms like TikTok, where skinfluencers continue to drive trends. Acne remains a significant concern, with more than 80% of individuals between 11 and 30 affected by it.

Another trend gaining momentum is the rise of serums. Offering a concentrated form of active ingredients, serums are growing rapidly in grocery stores and are now one of the biggest segments in skincare. They provide targeted solutions for skin issues, delivering noticeable results over a short period.

Finally, as the summer months roll in, sunscreen as skincare or “Skinscreen” is emerging as a beauty must-have. More consumers are looking for sunscreens that not only protect their skin from UV rays but also nourish it.

Ecostore’s New Foaming Hand Wash Range

Ecostore, known for its eco-friendly approach to personal care, has launched a new range of concentrated Foaming Hand Wash refills. This range, which includes two refreshing scents—Creamy Coconut and Citrus Burst—aims to reduce plastic usage and promote sustainability. The innovative concept of concentrated refills minimizes packaging waste and reduces transportation costs by avoiding the need to ship water-filled bottles.

Each hand wash is infused with hydrating harakeke (New Zealand flax), known for its soothing properties, similar to aloe vera. The range is vegan-friendly, using plant and mineral-based ingredients that are gentle on the skin. Ecostore’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in their strict environmental standards, as the products are manufactured in an ISO-certified, carbon-neutral factory in New Zealand.

The Foaming Hand Wash is now available nationwide and online at Ecostore’s website.

Goodbye SANDFLY Rebrands to Goodbye

After 24 years of success, Goodbye SANDFLY has rebranded as Goodbye. The company, known for its natural outdoor skincare products, has been certified as a B Corp business, aligning with the growing demand for transparency and accountability in business practices.

Goodbye’s rebranding signals an exciting future, with its focus on offering effective, safe, and natural products. The brand’s growth is a testament to New Zealand's growing preference for natural products that align with sustainability and health-conscious living. Over the next year, Goodbye’s other products, such as Goodbye OUCH, will transition to the new brand.

Myrkl: The Supplement for Social Wellness

Countdown’s Health and Wellbeing Category team is excited to bring Myrkl, a revolutionary food supplement, to New Zealand after its success in the UK. Myrkl is designed to help consumers enjoy their social life without compromising the following day. The supplement contains a unique formula that activates in the gut, combining high-performing bacteria, L-cysteine, and Vitamin B12 to help individuals wake up refreshed, even after a late night.

As we approach the colder months, Countdown is also preparing for a spike in cold and flu cases, ensuring that essential products are stocked for customers to stay healthy through the season.

Embracing Wellness for the Summer

As we head into the summer, it’s clear that health, wellness, and personal care are evolving rapidly. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing their well-being, choosing products that not only benefit their skin but also align with their values—whether it's ingredient transparency, sustainability, or overall health. From ingredient-focused skincare to eco-friendly hand wash and natural outdoor protection, these trends are all about offering personalized, effective, and responsible choices for today’s conscious consumer.

Stay ahead of the curve by embracing these wellness trends, and make this summer your healthiest one yet!