The word is out: Consumers favor “naturals.”

Consumer preferences have been recorded in the natural health and beauty care market as robust product sales continue through all U.S. retail channels. Sales were predicted to reach $8.5 billion in 2011, according to “Natural and Organic Personal Care Products in the U.S.,” a recently released Packaged Facts report.  The total increase since 2005 has been $3.7 billion, for a compound annual growth rate of 10% over the six-year period.

The skin care category within the overall natural HBC market grew 11% in 2011. Hair care was the fastest-growing category within the market in 2005-2011, climbing 86% over the six-year period to reach $2.1 billion, though it varied significantly from year to year. Natural makeup, valued at $455 million at retail in 2011, also achieved strong results.