Analysis and Quality Control of Bio-actives and Herbal Cosmetics: The Case of Traditional Cooperatives from Fes-Meknes Region

Consumers are increasingly turning to organic cosmetic products. Faced with this enthusiasm, many cooperatives have specialized in biocosmetics. This study aims to analyze the operational strategies of 25 cooperatives involved in natural ingredient cultivation and cosmetics formulation, through extensive surveys and interviews, the study seeks to elucidate market positioning, product offerings, and consumer preferences among these cooperatives. Financial reliance on personal resources, impediments to certification processes, and consumer shopping preferences are among the primary objectives explored. The results reveal that a significant majority (66%) of cooperatives depend on personal finances, with financial constraints hindering certification efforts and impacting sales. Consumer preferences favor traditional retail outlets like supermarkets and parapharmacies over online platforms. Quality labels and dermatological advice emerge as pivotal factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Furthermore, a randomized sample assessment evaluates product quality, encompassing sensory, microbiological, and physical stability tests, alongside heavy metal contamination analysis via the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy method. Cream formulations exhibit variable stability, with water activity significantly affecting microbial growth; products with lower water content demonstrate enhanced stability. Additionally, hydrolat quality profiles display varying levels of microbiological contamination, while essential oils demonstrate moderate quality with fluctuating acidity levels. This research sheds light on the operational dynamics of cooperatives within the natural products sector, offering insights into market dynamics, product quality, and consumer preferences. The findings underscore the imperative of resource optimization, certification facilitation, and consumer education in enhancing cooperative competitiveness and sustainability within the natural products market.