Forecasting is vital for anticipating trends and fluctuations in any industry, but market research in the Cosmetics & Fragrance category appears to be produced at record levels. It’s what you’d expect when the behemoth global beauty and personal care products market size is forecasted to reach $716.6 billion by 2025, according to a recent report by Grand View Research.

Stats can indicate the most meaningful and lucrative channels—or provide direction for product development dollars.

In the first quarter of 2019, sales of U.S. Prestige beauty products slowed slightly—but were still positive. While some areas dropped, others grew. At $4.1 billion, revenue was just 1% higher over Q1 2018, according to data from the NPD Group. 

“The big story for the first quarter is that, as we predicted, growth in beauty, and in each category, is softer compared to Q1 of 2018,” said Larissa Jensen, beauty industry analyst, NPD Group—and a member of Beauty Packaging’s Board of Advisors. “Despite the slowdown, there remain pockets of growth and opportunities… Identifying and winning in those areas will lead to success,” said Jensen.

In makeup, setting spray (+19%) and tinted moisturizer (+11%) were the fastest growing segments within face makeup. Lip color sales fell by 8%, but gloss gained by 4%, according to NPD’s data. Overall, the category dipped 4% to $1.8 billion

Both the men’s and women’s skincare markets grew by 5%, reaching $1.4 billion. Natural brands accounted for 27% of Q1 skincare sales and collectively grew by 8%. Sunscreen sales grew by 22% in Q1, and self-tanner sales by 20%. Fragrance juice sales grew by 4% for women and 6% for men. The sector that fared the best overall was haircare, which recorded a 14% gain, rising to $175.8 million in the quarter.

Here are a couple of other cosmetic category stats Beauty Packaging has come across in researching articles for this issue.

This month’s cover feature on Applicators and Brushes brought us to Future Market Insights, with predictions that the growth of the global market for cosmetic pencil & pen packaging is expected to reach $2,863.3 million by 2024.

Data from ResearchAndMarkets.com shows that the lip care market is expected to reach $728 million by 2024. A focus on appearance and a preference for organic lip care products and those with sun protection attributes are driving product development. For lots more stats, check out BeautyPackaging.com.

Have a great summer!