Circana report: New factors are influencing wellness trends
While traditional physical factors such as exercise and nutrition continue to rank as the leading factors contributing to health and well-being among U.S. consumers, mental factors including sleep quality, work/life balance and a healthy home environment are growing in importance, according to a Circana survey.
“As well-being practices touch all aspects of our lives, maximizing these opportunities is a win-win across many industries,” said Kristin Hornberger, executive vice president of wellness, beauty and homecare at Circana. “Identifying unique ways your industry can support the consumer journey for total well-being and exploring collaborations and co-branding partnerships are strategies that will resonate with an open and eager consumer base.”
The physical side of wellness has many focus areas, most of which are growing. Weight control, digestion, pain management, deodorant, oral care and vitamins and supplements tied to energy all grew in 2024, versus the prior year. Circana data also finds that consumers are supplementing beyond meal occasions for more protein; sales of protein drinks, powders and supplements grew 18% in 2024.
[Read more: What is self-care?]
In the pursuit of emotional well-being, Circana finds that 77% of Americans prioritize their mental health including stress, sleep, mood and motivation. Beauty is one industry that is intrinsically tied to this aspect of wellness. When analyzing the percentage of women incorporating beauty into their wellness routine, 46% dedicate time to skincare, over 30% apply makeup or style their hair more often to make themselves feel good and more than one-quarter wear fragrance to lift their mood.
“The evolution of wellness has provided a boost to the beauty industry, which has products that provide both the tangible benefits that affect our bodies such as skincare and suncare, but also the more ethereal intangible benefits that affect our mood like fragrance, makeup and hair styling,” said Larissa Jensen, senior vice president, global beauty industry advisor at Circana.
Fuel for the soul, seeking community and social engagement is the third element of well-being and it manifests in various forms. Circana survey data shows that keeping mentally fit is a leading reason for sports participation – and the number one reason among women. The books consumers are buying also reflect a shift in attitudes around wellness; books on mental health, menopause, healthy cooking and diseases and conditions experienced double- to triple-digit growth in 2024.
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“Wellness is a constantly shifting paradigm of practices that work together to make the individual feel empowered,” Hornberger said. “As the landscape of consumer priorities continues to evolve, companies that align with the principles of well-being will be well-positioned to thrive.”