Adaptogens: the trend with multiple benefits for innovation in nutraceuticals 1024 512 admin-pyc
Adaptogens golden mind

Adaptogens: the trend with multiple benefits for innovation in nutraceuticals

To manage increased stress as well as sleep disorders, consumers are looking for natural solutions to support their wellbeing. Adaptogens are now emerging as trendy ingredients to meet this demand. Combining effectiveness and naturalness, they make it possible to create distinctive products that are pleasant to consume and suited to different profiles.

In this article, discover how Laboratoire PYC puts its expertise at the service of brands to innovate with adaptogens and offer formulations that are both effective and sensory.

Adaptogens: a strategic lever in response to new wellness expectations

Adaptogens and wellbeing: a direct response to consumer expectations

Today, stress has become a central concern, particularly among the younger generations.

According to the McKinsey study, people under 35 are now the most concerned with issues of stress management and the search for emotional balance [1]. Globally, 48% of consumers plan to reduce their stress over the next twelve months and are turning to natural and accessible solutions [2].

Sleep and wellbeing disorders are amplifying this trend. In France, nearly 40% of individuals report suffering from sleep difficulties, with more than half experiencing persistent fatigue and nearly one in two citing high stress levels [2].

Faced with this situation, consumers are becoming fully aware of the impact of stress on
their health, which reinforces the importance of helping the body adapt. In this context, adaptogens appear to be a solution that meets consumer expectations. These ingredients are now finding their place in new formats that are more in line with daily consumption habits.

Adaptogens and consumer segmentation : meeting the needs of each profile

The benefits of adaptogens go beyond stress management: rhodiola, cordyceps, lion’s mane, ashwagandha, and/or ginseng are often included in formulations designed to support vitality or concentration.

This diversity makes it possible to target different consumer profiles:
● Active urbanites are looking for more energy and mental clarity.
● Athletes are interested in recovery and endurance.
● Seniors prioritize immunity and maintaining cognitive function.

This multifunctional positioning is perfectly aligned with current market trends, where wellbeing is viewed holistically, combining physical and mental dimensions. For brands, addressing mental and emotional health is becoming an essential strategic focus.

Adaptogens and expert formulation: maximizing their effectiveness

A rigorous selection of standardized extracts for reliable results

Reishi, rhodiola, ashwagandha, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and ginseng are among the most commonly used ingredients in innovative adaptogen-based formulations.

The credibility of adaptogen-based products depends on the quality and traceability of the extracts.

The use of standardized extracts guarantees a consistent content of active compounds, which is essential for ensuring product reliability and performance.

For brands, this is a guarantee of credibility and differentiation, presented to consumers who are increasingly attentive to transparency, effectiveness, and the origin of ingredients.

Adaptogens and innovative dosage forms: towards new rituals

Innovation is not limited to ingredients: it also extends to how adaptogens are consumed. While capsules and powders remain essential classics, brands are now exploring alternatives to coffee or traditional stimulants by incorporating adaptogens into more experiential formats such as adaptogenic lattes.

By playing with textures, flavors, and colors, brands can transform adaptogens into true wellness rituals, combining sensory pleasure with functional benefits.

This rapidly expanding segment represents a major opportunity for innovation and differentiation in the market.

Adaptogens in synergy with other functional ingredients

Today’s holistic wellness trend encourages the creation of products that combine several active ingredients, capable of supporting different aspects of daily health and wellbeing. Adaptogens, often in association with each other to maximize their effectiveness, can be combined with other functional ingredients to create innovative and differentiating formulations.

Some brands are already exploiting these synergies by combining adaptogens with vitamins and minerals, collagen, or nootropics to support cognitive performance.

Other avenues remain to be explored, such as the integration of electrolytes, enabling the design of practical products that are perceived as effective and tailored to consumers’ daily needs.

These combinations pave the way for true “all-in-one” products that are easy to use and integrate into daily routines, offering brands a strong potential for innovation in a highly competitive market.

Adaptogens and product innovation: PYC’s expertise at the service of brands

Golden Mind and Purple Chill: inspiring concepts

Laboratoire PYC illustrates this dynamic with innovative concepts that broaden the scope of possibilities for brands:

  • Golden Mind is a formula that combines turmeric, rhodiola, cordyceps, and lion’s mane. According to the EFSA, rhodiola helps the body adapt to emotional stress and physical exertion, stimulates the nervous system, is beneficial in cases of fatigue or stress-related headaches, helps maintain performance at work, and helps improve perception and state of mind. In addition, turmeric contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system, helps maintain resistance to allergies, has significant antioxidant properties, and supports the functioning of the nervous system. Cordyceps, known as the “vital energy mushroom” in traditional Chinese medicine, and lion’s mane, an innovative functional mushroom, complete this premium synergy. Golden Mind also offers the sensory experience of a Golden Latte.
  • Purple Chill, which combines ashwagandha, L-theanine, and chaga, fits perfectly into formulas aimed at balance and relaxation. According to the EFSA, ashwagandha improves the body’s resistance to stress, supports sleep, contributes to recovery after stressful events, and helps maintain mental balance and emotional stability. This blend also offers a unique sensory experience thanks to its creamy texture, floral notes of lavender, and velvety purple color.

These concepts demonstrate Laboratoire PYC’s ability to combine scientific expertise and marketing creativity.

Adaptogens and sensoriality: a PYC signature

One of Laboratoire PYC’s strengths lies in its emphasis on sensoriality. Each innovation incorporates careful consideration of texture, aroma, and visual appearance. This approach reconciles effectiveness and pleasure, two expectations that are now inseparable for consumers.

PYC formulations do not just deliver functional benefits: they also offer a multisensory experience, transforming consumption into a truly emotional ritual.

The combination of taste and visual sensations reinforces consumer loyalty and makes each dose a moment of wellbeing in its own right.

Tailor-made solutions to capture a booming market

The adaptogen market is still in the discovery phase for the majority of consumers, but its potential is immense.

In the United States, approximately 7% of consumers use products containing adaptogens, but interest is growing, particularly for products that promise stress reduction, energy support, relaxation, and mental clarity [4].

Brands that can educate, reassure, and appeal through sensory experiences will have a head start.

Laboratoire PYC supports its partners in this process with tailor-made formulations adapted to the specific expectations of each target audience. Adaptogens are thus becoming a real growth driver, capable of strengthening brand identity and attracting new communities.

SOURCES :

  • [1] McKinsey & Company. The $2 trillion global wellness market gets a millennial and Gen Z glow-up, 2025
  • [2] Synadiet. 2024 barometer of dietary supplement consumption in France
  • [3] FMCG Gurus. Unlocking Natural Resilience: The Rise of Adaptogens in Wellness, 2025
  • [4] Mintel. Adaptogens are a natural fit with holistic wellness, 2022
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