HABA, HBC and Body Care

Health & Beauty or Health & Body Care, the acronyms of HABA and HBC cover the products and categories that are topical. The categories cover cosmetics; hair, nail, and oral care; topical remedies for pain and various skin conditions; and all manner of lotions and oils. In 2013, HBC categories generated over 13% of total sales in the natural product industry growing by 9.5% over the previous year. Consumer interest is surging in these categories due to concerns about the safety and efficacy of ingredients found in almost all body care products and the movement toward consensus definitions of natural and organic label claims. This section will give store staff an overview of the products found in this department, their uses and list several of the controversial ingredients many experts say should be avoided. What you will learn in this section: The structure and function of skin - the largest organ of the body. Basic skin cleansing regimens and attributes of natural soaps and gels. The causes and effects of sunburn and the meaning behind all the SPF numbers. Government oversight and certifications of products in these categories in both the United States and Europe. Basic information about animal testing and environmental damage caused by the use of products in these categories. Negative effects of conventional ingredients and preferred more natural ingredients of various body care products.