Men to take control of their skin with CTRL
Following the growing trend of modern men lavishing greater care on their appearance, local consumer-products manufacturer Bio Consumer Co Ltd has launched a new range of personal-care products under the CTRL brand, to cater for young appearance-conscious men.
Managing director Suthidej Thakolsri said his company spent more than three years researching and developing the new products, which target men aged 25 to 32. "Natural ingredients and whitening properties were the concept for product development, because most personal-care products in the market do not contain pure natural ingredients," said Suthidej. He said the name CTRL was inspired by the abbreviation for "control" on computer keyboards, suggesting men could control the health and appearance of their skin. Initially, the three products are being offered: a moisturiser, whitener and anti-ageing preparation. In the belief that men are going to greater lengths with their appearance and are more likely to use products developed specifically for them, the company conducted a survey of 1,000 men in all parts of the Kingdom and found that most wanted whiter facial skin and fewer wrinkles. Suthidej said many international brands offered facial-care products for men but that they might not be appropriate for Thais, or even Asians in general. Since Bio Consumer is concentrating on the Thai market, CTRL products are tailored for Thai skin types. Recent research shows the market for men's facial moisturisers is valued at about Bt310 million per year. Suthidej said that although this was less than 10 per cent of the market for facial moisturisers, it was showing significant growth. Sales of facial foam, for example, grew as much as 80 per cent last year. Bio Consumer also produced a variety of personal-care products for teenagers and younger customers. As well, it manufactures laundry starch, liquid detergent, fabric Softener and baby-care products. The company expects Bt3 billion in sales revenues this year, or growth of 10 per cent over last year. It believes consumer confidence will recover once the country's political situation returns to normal. Meanwhile, Bio Consumer is planning to begin exporting next year to other Asian countries, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
Patcharee Lueng-uthai The Nation
|
