Natural, organic beauty exploding at mass retailers

Back in the 1970s, “natural” and “organic” conjured up images of love-beaded hippies, homemade soap and rustic bowls filled with hummus and granola. Offered by niche companies and home-based entrepreneurs, products were sold mainly in small health food stores and co-ops. In the 2000s, the picture dramatically changed. Large natural products supermarket chains, social media and online influencers began educating mainstream consumers about ingredients, sustainability and small, specialty suppliers. Sales of natural and organic foods skyrocketed, with everyone from housewives to stockbrokers embracing healthy options.