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The cosmetics industry: a sector for the future

Martin Baelden
|
August 28, 2024

From specific skin care to the latest natural anti-wrinkle cream, the cosmetics industry is a dynamic economic sector, both in terms of the profits generated and the diversity of its market segments.

The sector alone generates sales of close to 20 billion euros, with over 3,000 companies employing around 180,000 people. France is Europe's second-largest cosmetics market after Germany, and the world's fourth-largest. It includes: skin care products; hair care products; make-up products; fragrances; hygiene and body care products. In recent years, the sector has enjoyed steady growth, with a constant annual rate of around 5% over the last 5 years. 65% of sales are exported.

Innovation lies at the heart of the French cosmetics industry, with the sector constantly seeking new technologies to meet customer needs, using natural and organic ingredients, or adapting to market trends such as clean beauty or zero waste.

Professionals in the French cosmetics industry are highly qualified and benefit from a long tradition of know-how in formulation, research and development, as well as creativity and a sense of aesthetics.

International competition is on the increase, and the sector must continually adapt to market developments.