Moving up two places in the global rankings and surpassing both France and Germany, China is now the third-largest market for cosmetics and toiletries. Sales in China grew by more than 13% from 2005 to 2006, according to data just released from Kline & Company, a global management consulting and market research firm.

Kline’s interactive online service, Global Cosmetics & Toiletries 2006, shows that only Japan and the U.S. are larger markets, making China’s gain particularly noteworthy. Russia has also moved up in the ranks, posting growth of more than 15% and passing South Korea for the ninth spot in the global rankings. France, long known for the manufacture of cosmetics and toiletries, is now ranked fourth worldwide in terms of sales, while Germany is currently ranked fifth.