Selling drugs like Viagra and similar products to boost erections has long been a profitable venture for pharmaceutical companies. But the latest economic climate and the rise of natural supplements have caused a paradigm shift in the way we think about getting hard. Gone are the days of shelling out hundreds for a pill that might give you a decent night’s sleep; instead, we’re seeing an increase in the number of people seeking out cheaper, more natural solutions.
What’s more, along with the rise of the “me generation,” more and more men are waking up with low testosterone, creating an ideal market for solutions like Viagra. The rise of the “MensHealth” market also helps explain the continued growth of the organic foods industry and the increased acceptance of natural supplements.
The Rise of the Anti-Aging Market
Thanks to innovations in science and technology, the anti-aging market is booming. Boasting products to combat everything from wrinkles to gray hairs, there’s a cream for almost every skin complaint. But for all the promise these products hold, there’s one large problem: when you boil it down, much of what’s available in the anti-aging market is junk science. As a result, many experts are speaking out against the rise of the anti-aging market, warning that we’re being sold snake oil.
In his book, The Happiness Curve, Dr. Ericcson recounts the example of a 57-year-old woman who tried several anti-wrinkle products with great, albeit expensive, promise. But upon closer inspection, it turned out that the creams and gels she was using had more fillers and preservatives than active ingredients. In the end, she was left with more wrinkles and, in some cases, even a slight enlargement of her liver and kidneys due to the toxic nature of the products.
The Rise of the Eco-friendly Industry
For those seeking more natural products, there are now alternatives that don’t just avoid the pitfalls of traditional pharmaceuticals but actively promote sustainability.
Let’s take a quick detour to the cosmetics industry, which, as you may imagine, is heavily influenced by consumer demand for “clean” and “sustainable” products. It’s easy to understand how getting rid of toxins is the new “it” factor when it comes to skincare, and many companies have responded by developing eco-friendly products. While some are still reliant on toxic chemicals, many manufacturers have reduced the amount of dangerous substances in their products by employing more natural and sustainable methods, such as using renewable energy sources and recyclable packaging.
Reduced Toxicity = Increased Appetite
In the same way that you might avoid eating chemicals by buying organic foods, you can reduce your toxicity by opting for “green” products. With more people seeking alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals, many companies have seen an opportunity and are working to meet consumer demand by providing safer and more natural products. One example is Cenovar, a vegan skincare line that uses plant-based ingredients and avoids all forms of animal testing.
“In today’s world, people are becoming more conscious of their health and the health of the planet, so they’re more likely to be looking for products without chemicals,” says Cenovar CEO Erika Choksi. “From our experience, we know that men are less likely to talk about their health concerns with their doctors, but they are very open about what skincare products they use. So, we decided to develop a vegan line with natural and organic skincare ingredients because we wanted to create a product that men could feel confident using.
Natural Ingredients = More Effective
Instead of producing a product with harmful chemicals that may be tested on animals, many companies are creating plant-based alternatives that are safer for the environment and more effective at giving the user the results they’re looking for. Whether you’re seeking to improve your sexual health or just want to try and avoid toxins, there are now alternatives that can help you get what you want, with fewer side effects.