Date : January 31, 2024
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India’s Cosmetic Market Poised to More Than Double in Value Soon

India’s Cosmetic Market Poised to More Than Double in Value Soon
The affordability and expanding consumer base in India have significantly contributed to the high sales of cosmetics and beauty products. The sector has witnessed sweeping changes, with expensive international beauty brands gaining rapid traction as Indian women increasingly invest in long-term beauty solutions. However, the most notable transformation in the industry is not limited to women alone. Men are embracing structured skincare routines, moving beyond traditional grooming practices. The proliferation of men's salons highlights this shift, with specialized services now catering to male clientele. Treatments once exclusive to women, such as facials and advanced skincare, have made their way into men’s grooming regimes. Additionally, leading beauty brands have launched dedicated product lines specifically designed for men, further fueling the expansion of this segment.

According to the India Cosmetic Market Outlook, 2027-28 by Bonafide Research, the Indian cosmetics market has been growing at a CAGR of nearly 9% in recent years. The surge in urban population and rising disposable income are the primary factors driving this demand. India, being a highly price-sensitive market, sees mass-market products dominating the cosmetics segment. Urban areas lead in cosmetics consumption, accounting for more than four-fifths of the total volume. However, rural demand for basic personal care products remains substantial, with toilet soap consumption surpassing that of urban areas and hair oil sales nearly matching urban figures at the lower end of the hair care market.

As per ASSOCHAM, India's per capita consumption of cosmetics stands at approximately US$ 0.68, which remains lower than US$ 0.40 in Hong Kong, US$ 12 in Japan, and US$ 1.5 in China. The primary consumer base consists of young women aged 15–44, who contribute to around 70% of total market consumption. Interest in beauty products typically begins in the teenage years, peaks during early adulthood, and gradually declines after the age of 45, with a substantial drop after 55.

Recognizing the untapped potential in rural areas, both domestic and international brands are strategically targeting these markets to drive volume sales, particularly in lip and nail care, as well as select mass-market skincare products. Meanwhile, urban consumers are shifting towards premium and specialized beauty products, leading to higher expenditure levels. The increasing demand for men's skincare and grooming products has also contributed to market expansion, challenging the notion that skincare is exclusively for women.

Global players have established a strong foothold in India, with brands like Hindustan Unilever, L'Or?al (including Maybelline and Garnier), Revlon, Nivea, Biersdorf, Schwarzkopf, Palmolive, and Procter & Gamble (including Gillette) dominating the landscape. Among domestic brands, Lakm?, owned by Unilever, remains a market leader. Intense competition has led to continuous product innovation, with brands introducing new formulations and concepts to cater to evolving consumer preferences. The skincare segment has advanced beyond basic moisturizers and creams, now offering targeted solutions such as under-eye wrinkle removers, dark circle correctors, toners, sunscreens, and fairness creams. Similarly, the color cosmetics market has expanded with the launch of smudge-proof lipsticks and mascaras, liquid lip colors, and long-lasting formulations.

Despite the growing inclination toward premium beauty products, low and medium-priced categories continue to dominate, accounting for nearly 85–90% of the cosmetics market by volume. This trend underscores the importance of affordability in driving mass-market adoption, making budget-friendly beauty products a crucial component of the industry's growth.
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India’s Cosmetic Market Poised to More Than Double in Value Soon

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