China Skincare Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Creams, Lotions, Powders, Sprays, and Others), By Packaging Type (Tube, Bottle, Jar, and Others), By Gender (Men and Women), and By Distribution Channel (Cosmetic Stores, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Online stores, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2024-2032

The China skincare market size was valued at USD 54.47 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow from USD 59.08 billion in 2024 to USD 128.61 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.75% during the forecast period.

Skincare products offer a variety of benefits for the skin and their effectiveness often depends on the specific ingredients and formulations used. Nowadays, consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of skin care in maintaining overall health and well-being. Increased awareness of the impact of environmental factors, along with rising social media and e-commerce platforms, has led to the growth of the personal care market in China. Besides, advances in beauty care technology and the development of new and innovative skincare products have led to many products addressing various skin concerns. Consumers are often drawn to products that offer advanced solutions for issues such as anti-aging, hydration, and sun protection.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on various industries, including cosmetics in China. While the beauty and personal care industry faced challenges, there were notable shifts in consumer behavior and market dynamics, affecting the sales of beauty products. Moreover, akin to many other sectors, the personal care industry experienced disruptions in the global supply chain due to lockdowns, restrictions, and factory closures. This led to delays in production, shortages of raw materials, and challenges in maintaining consistent product availability.

China Skincare Market Trends

Rapid Growth of Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Platforms to Support Market Enhancement

The rapid evolution of digital marketing and the prevalence of e-commerce platforms have transformed the skincare market in China. Brands can reach a vast audience through websites, social media, and other online platforms, increasing visibility and brand recognition. Besides, features such as live streaming events and virtual try-on features on e-commerce platforms allow consumers to experience products in real time. For instance, in May 2020, Dior, a global luxury brand, collaborated with Meitu to introduce an AI-driven skin-testing tool named Dior Skin ID. This partnership aimed to engage shoppers on Dior's Chinese e-commerce platform.

China Skincare Market Growth Factors

Growing Adoption of Brand Localization to Foster the Growth of Skincare Market

The increasing adoption of brand localization can significantly lift market growth in the Chinese personal care industry. Brands embracing localization tailor their products and marketing strategies to align with Chinese culture. This cultural relevance helps establish a stronger connection with consumers, as they see the brand recognizes and respects their values and preferences. Moreover, localized brands better understand the specific beauty needs and preferences of the Chinese consumer. This allows them to develop products that cater to these needs, ensuring that the offerings are well-received in the market. For instance, in April 2023, Shiseido, a well-known beauty brand, announced plans to intensify its presence in China by collaborating with local beauty brands of China.

Rising Demand for Clean Beauty Care Products in China to Boost Market Development

The growing demand for clean beauty products in China has the potential to significantly boost the overall growth of the personal care market in the country. There has been a rising awareness among Chinese consumers about the potentially harmful effects of certain chemicals and synthetic ingredients in skin treatment products. As consumers become more conscious of their health and well-being, they actively seek clean and transparent formulations, driving the demand for clean beauty products. Besides, the Chinese government has been taking steps to regulate the cosmetics industry. Stricter regulations and safety standards may favor clean beauty care products that adhere to these guidelines. Brands that comply with or surpass regulatory requirements are likely to gain consumer trust and regulatory approval. For instance, in January 2022, Pula, a recently introduced Chinese cosmetic brand, unveiled a collection of children's skin treatment products presenting clean-label features. These items were launched on two of China's most prominent e-commerce platforms, Tmall and Douyin.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Prevalence of Counterfeit Beauty Care Products to Hinder Market Growth

The prevalence of counterfeit beauty care products poses a significant challenge to the China skincare market growth as it undermines consumer trust. Encounters with fake or substandard products, leads to doubts about authenticity and quality of beauty care items. These trust issues can deter the growth of the market as consumers become hesitant to make purchases. Furthermore, counterfeit products often involve intellectual property violations, including trademark infringement and unauthorized use of proprietary formulations. These issues can lead to legal problems for legitimate cosmetics brands, diverting resources and attention from market expansion initiatives.

China Skincare Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type Analysis

Powders Segment to Lead owing to Propelling demand for Custom-Made Cosmetics Powders

By product type, the market has been segregated into creams, lotions, powders, sprays, and others. The powder segment is poised to be the dominating segment during the forecast period. Consumers prefer custom-made beauty care powders to address their specific skin treatment needs. Furthermore, beauty care powders offering versatile and multifunctional benefits have gained popularity. Companies' continued provision of skincare powders made of functional and customizable formulations uplifts product consumption rates across China. In addition, increasing consumers’ accessibility to powders, providing hydration and SPF protection benefits to users’ skin, fuels product demand in the country.

The creams segment has also acquired a significant China skincare market share in recent years. The rising demand from aging consumers for beauty care creams addressing skin-related concerns such as aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, and the growing aging population, drives segmental revenues in current times. Furthermore, significant Chinese youngsters' preference for prestige anti-aging creams to maintain their skincare accelerates product demand across China.

By Packaging Type Analysis

Tube Segment Dominates the Market Owing to Convenience and Portability

In terms of packaging type, the market is divided into tube, bottle, jar, and others. The tube segment dominates the market throughout the forecast period. Tube packaging offers convenience and portability, making it a preferred choice for skincare products among consumers. In addition, the squeezable nature of tubes allows for controlled dispensing, ensuring minimal product wastage and ease of use, thus driving the segment’s growth. For instance, in September 2023, L’Occitane, a France-based beauty company, partnered with Albéa, a packaging firm, to redesign its 30ml hand cream tube collection.

The bottling segment is anticipated to hold a considerable market share in the coming years. Bottle packaging provides adequate protection to cosmetics products by preventing exposure to factors that could degrade their quality. Furthermore, bottles with various dispensing mechanisms, such as pumps & droppers, facilitate precise and controlled application of skincare products, thereby fueling product demand. For instance, in April 2023, Baralan, an Italy-based packaging solutions company, launched a new glass bottle series, Lilibet, for cosmetics products.

By Gender Analysis

Women Segment Lead due to Increasing Female Working Population

On the basis of gender, the market is divided into men and women. The women segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The rising working women population in China propels demand for beauty care products among them. With an increasing number of women actively engaged in professional roles, their daily schedules become more hectic and demanding. This lifestyle shift has heightened awareness regarding the crucial role of skincare in preserving a healthy and professional appearance, especially in the workplace. Besides, working women are investing in cosmetics products to enhance their appearance, recognizing the impact of a healthy complexion on their overall image. For instance, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, a government agency, in 2022, over 320 million women were working across the country.

The men segment is predicted to capture a considerable share in the upcoming years in China. Shifting beauty standards and an increased emphasis on personal grooming have fostered awareness and adoption of beauty care routines among Chinese men. Notably, the focus on maintaining high levels of self-hygiene and enhancing personal attractiveness is significant for young men in China. Gen-Z (aged between 18 & 25), in particular, has emerged as a predominant force in the nationwide male beauty industry, constituting 59.5% of local male beauty consumers, and millennials accounted for an additional 21.3% in China, as reported by the Korea International Trade Association, a government agency, in 2021.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Interactive and Engaging Environments of the Cosmetic Stores to Boost Segment Demand

Based on distribution channel, the market has been partitioned into cosmetic stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, online stores, and others. The cosmetics store segment is likely to dominate the market from 2024 to 2032. Cosmetic stores in China are evolving into experiential retail spaces, providing interactive and engaging environments for customers. The integration of digital technology, such as Augmented Reality (AR) mirrors for virtual try-ons and interactive displays, enhancing the shopping experience is gaining significant traction.

The others (drug stores and departmental stores) segment has been anticipated to clock a significant share of the market during the coming years. Leading departmental stores often host exclusive product launches and collaborations with cosmetics brands. These exclusive offerings create excitement, drive foot traffic, and generate interest among consumers seeking unique and limited-edition products. Furthermore, these stores incorporate experiential shopping elements, including sampling stations for skincare products.

List of Key Companies in China Skincare Market

Growing Innovation in Ingredients and Formulations to Amplify Market Growth

Continuous innovation in the skincare market allows cosmetics international brands to develop products targeting prevalent skin concerns among Chinese consumers, such as hyperpigmentation, aging, acne, and sensitivity, catering to a diverse range of skincare needs. Also, new players entering the market have been focusing on addressing specific beauty care concerns or targeting niche consumer segments with specialized products. Besides, brands that introduce cutting-edge ingredients backed by scientific research can attract consumers seeking the latest and most effective solutions for their beauty care routines. For instance, in August 2023, Shiseido, an international beauty care company, sought to address the skin treatment preferences of Chinese consumers, focusing on anti-aging and whitening, including CoreXymide, Pure Retinol, and 4MSK.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• The Procter & Gamble Company (U.S.)


• REVLON Inc. (U.S.)


• KAO Corporation (Japan)


• Shiseido (Japan)


• Johnson & Johnson (U.S.)


• PROYA COSMETICS (China)


• L'Oréal S.A. (France)


• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)


• Unilever plc  (U.K.)


• Coty Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2023: Shiseido Company, Ltd., a global beauty products company, introduced two new moisturizers under SIDEKICK, targeting common skin issues in young men, particularly on the face. These products were made accessible in Japan through SHISEIDO Beauty Square and in China, primarily through e-commerce channels.


• April 2023: Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd, a well-known Chinese beauty brand, achieved a milestone on the Tmall platform, securing the top position in the essence category, fourth in the face mask category, fourth in the eye cream category, and ninth in the cream category.


• June 2022: Sephora, the global leader in luxury beauty retail, introduced "China Accelebrate," an initiative designed to nurture and expand high-end Chinese beauty brands. This initiative aimed to showcase the exceptional beauty emanating from China to a global audience.


• April 2022:  Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd, a renowned Chinese beauty brand, introduced the “YOUTH ACTIVATING EYE CREAM,” featuring two novel ingredients, NOX-AGE and BOSWELLIA SERRATA RESIN EXTRACT, touted for their effective ability to combat dark circles.


• August 2022: Curél, a brand under the Kao Corporation, unveiled its inaugural strategic product produced in China, the "Curél Anti-Wrinkle Cream", designed specifically to address the skincare concerns of young individuals with dry and sensitive skin in the Chinese market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies and product types. Besides, the report encompasses the latest market trends and market segments and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the market analysis contains several factors that have contributed to the market’s growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation