The global beauty and personal care industry is one of the most resilient and fast-growing sectors in the world. In 2026, the market generates an estimated $677 billion in revenue globally, with the cosmetics segment alone valued at approximately $450 billion. The UK beauty market is estimated at $13.4+ billion for cosmetics and personal care, with skincare commanding 33–42% of the market. From the rise of clean beauty and inclusivity to the explosive growth of social commerce in beauty, this industry continues to innovate at remarkable pace.
Below, we’ve compiled over 50 essential beauty industry statistics for 2026, covering global market size, UK-specific data, skincare, haircare, fragrance, sustainability, ecommerce trends, and the major players shaping the industry.
Key Beauty Industry Statistics 2026 (Editor’s Choice)
- The global beauty and personal care market generates $677 billion in revenue in 2026. (Statista, 2026)
- The global cosmetics market is valued at approximately $450.2 billion in 2026. (Precedence Research, 2026)
- Skincare is the largest segment, commanding 42% of the global market at over $180 billion. (DemandSage, 2026)
- The UK cosmetics and personal care market is worth $13.4+ billion. (IMARC Group, 2026)
- The US leads global beauty revenue at $105 billion in 2026. (DemandSage, 2026)
- E-commerce is projected to contribute 30% of total beauty revenue by 2026. (Capital Counselor, 2026)
- L’Oréal leads the market with 18.7% global share. (DemandSage, 2026)
- Asia-Pacific dominates with 40.16% of the global cosmetics market. (Fortune Business Insights, 2026)
Global Beauty & Personal Care Market
Revenue in USD billions, 2020–2026
Source: Statista / DemandSage / Capital Counselor, 2026
Global Beauty Market Size Statistics
1. The global beauty and personal care market generates $677 billion in 2026
The beauty and personal care industry continues to expand, reaching $677 billion in global revenue in 2026. The market has grown at approximately 7% annually from 2022 to 2024, with growth expected to remain robust through the decade.
Source: Statista / DemandSage, 2026
2. The global cosmetics market is valued at $450.2 billion in 2026
The cosmetics-specific segment (excluding broader personal care and hygiene products) is worth $450.2 billion in 2026, projected to grow to approximately $802 billion by 2035 at a strong compound annual growth rate.
Source: Precedence Research, 2026
3. The beauty market is expected to grow by $126.4 billion from 2024 to 2029
Technavio projects the cosmetic products market to expand by $126.4 billion in just five years, driven by premiumisation, ingredient innovation, and expanding distribution across digital and physical channels.
Source: Technavio, 2026
4. Asia-Pacific dominates with 40.16% of the global cosmetics market
The Asia-Pacific region is the world’s largest beauty market, commanding over 40% of global cosmetics sales. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are the key markets, with K-beauty and J-beauty trends continuing to influence global beauty innovation.
Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026
5. The United States leads global beauty revenue at $105 billion
The US is the single largest national beauty market, generating $105 billion in 2026 — representing nearly 16% of global beauty revenue. American consumers are particularly strong in skincare, fragrance, and prestige beauty segments.
Source: DemandSage, 2026
Global Beauty Market by Segment
Share of the global beauty & personal care market, 2026
Source: DemandSage / Statista / Precedence Research, 2026
UK Beauty Industry Statistics
6. The UK cosmetics and personal care market is worth $13.4+ billion
The UK cosmetics and personal care market reached $13.4 billion in 2024 and continues to grow at a 6.24% CAGR, projected to reach $23.2 billion by 2033. The UK is one of Europe’s largest and most sophisticated beauty markets.
Source: IMARC Group, 2026
7. The UK cosmetics segment specifically is estimated at $3.35 billion in 2026
Within the broader beauty market, the UK cosmetics products segment (makeup, foundation, lipstick, etc.) is estimated at $3.35 billion in 2026, growing steadily from $3.20 billion in 2025.
Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2026
8. The UK beauty and wellness market was valued at $57.70 billion in 2025
Taking the broadest view (including beauty services, wellness, spa treatments, and professional products), the UK beauty and wellness market was valued at $57.70 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $73.56 billion by 2034.
Source: IMARC Group, 2026
9. Skincare dominates the UK beauty market with a 33% share
Skincare is the leading category in the UK beauty market, accounting for approximately 33% of total beauty and wellness spending. British consumers have increasingly adopted multi-step skincare routines influenced by K-beauty trends.
Source: IMARC Group / Mordor Intelligence, 2026
10. Specialty beauty stores capture 37.40% of UK beauty retail
Specialist beauty retailers — including Boots, Superdrug, Space NK, and Sephora (which entered the UK market) — captured 37.40% of beauty retail sales in 2025. These stores offer curated product ranges and expert advice that general retailers cannot match.
Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2026
11. UK online beauty retail is growing at 6.65% CAGR
Online beauty sales in the UK are expanding at 6.65% annually, driven by direct-to-consumer brands, subscription beauty boxes, and the influence of beauty content creators on social media. Digital channels are increasingly important for prestige beauty brands.
Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2026
12. 30% of UK consumers are willing to pay up to 10% more for sustainable beauty
British consumers are increasingly values-driven in their beauty purchases, with nearly a third willing to pay a premium for products that demonstrate sustainable practices. This has driven growth in refillable packaging, clean ingredients, and cruelty-free certifications.
Source: Grand View Research / Mintel, 2026
UK Beauty Market Distribution Channels
Share of UK beauty retail by channel, 2026
Source: Mordor Intelligence / Mintel, 2026
Skincare Industry Statistics
13. The global skincare market exceeds $180 billion
Skincare is the undisputed leader in beauty, commanding 42% of the global market with a value exceeding $180 billion. Anti-ageing, sun protection, and active ingredient serums (retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid) are the fastest-growing sub-segments.
Source: DemandSage / Statista, 2026
14. The average American spends $492 annually on skincare
Consumer spending on skincare continues to rise, with the average American allocating approximately $492 per year to skincare products. In the UK, spending is comparable, reflecting growing consumer investment in skin health and preventative care.
Source: DemandSage, 2026
15. Anti-ageing products represent the largest skincare sub-segment
Anti-ageing continues to be the most commercially significant skincare category, driven by an ageing global population and increasing focus on preventative skincare among younger consumers. Products featuring retinol, peptides, and vitamin C dominate this segment.
Source: Precedence Research / Statista, 2026
16. K-beauty and J-beauty continue to influence global skincare innovation
South Korean and Japanese beauty innovations continue to shape global skincare trends, from multi-step routines and sheet masks to advanced formulations featuring fermented ingredients and ceramides. Both markets are key exporters of skincare innovation.
Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026
Haircare & Colour Cosmetics Statistics
17. Haircare is the second-largest beauty segment at approximately 22% of the market
The global haircare market — encompassing shampoo, conditioner, styling products, treatments, and hair colour — accounts for approximately 22% of beauty and personal care revenue. Professional-grade products and scalp care have emerged as key growth areas.
Source: DemandSage / Statista, 2026
18. Colour cosmetics account for approximately 15% of the global beauty market
The colour cosmetics segment (makeup, foundation, lipstick, eye products) represents about 15% of global beauty revenue. The segment saw a strong recovery post-pandemic as consumers returned to offices and social events.
Source: DemandSage / Statista, 2026
19. Fragrance is the fastest-growing prestige beauty segment
Fragrance has emerged as the standout growth category in prestige beauty, with consumers increasingly investing in premium and niche fragrances. The segment accounts for approximately 11% of total beauty and personal care revenue.
Source: Statista / Fortune Business Insights, 2026
Beauty Market by Region
Share of global cosmetics market by region, 2026
Source: Fortune Business Insights / Statista, 2026
Beauty Ecommerce & Digital Trends
20. E-commerce contributes 30% of total beauty and personal care revenue by 2026
Online sales now represent approximately 30% of all beauty and personal care revenue globally. Direct-to-consumer brands, Amazon, and retailer websites have all benefited from the ongoing digital shift in beauty purchasing.
Source: Capital Counselor / DemandSage, 2026
21. Social commerce in beauty is growing at 33.12% CAGR
Beauty and personal care lines post the highest social commerce growth rate of any product category, at 33.12% CAGR through 2031. TikTok beauty content, Instagram tutorials, and livestream product demonstrations are key drivers of social beauty sales.
Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2026
22. L’Oréal leads the global beauty market with 18.7% share
L’Oréal remains the world’s largest beauty company, commanding 18.7% of the global market. The French conglomerate’s portfolio spans mass-market (Maybelline, Garnier) to luxury (Lancôme, YSL Beauty) brands across all beauty categories.
Source: DemandSage, 2026
23. Clean beauty and sustainable products are the fastest-growing segments
Consumer demand for clean, sustainable beauty products continues to accelerate. Organic beauty lines are advancing at a 6.88% CAGR, making it the fastest-growing nature segment. Refillable packaging, waterless formulations, and biodegradable ingredients are key innovation areas.
Source: Mordor Intelligence / Grand View Research, 2026
24. AI-powered personalisation is transforming beauty retail
Artificial intelligence is being deployed across the beauty industry for skin analysis, shade matching, personalised product recommendations, and virtual try-on experiences. These tools are driving higher conversion rates and reducing return rates for online beauty purchases.
Source: DemandSage / Technavio, 2026
25. Inclusivity continues to drive market expansion
Beauty brands that offer expanded shade ranges, gender-neutral products, and inclusive marketing continue to outperform the market. Fenty Beauty’s influence has pushed the entire industry towards greater representation across skin tones and types.
Source: Capital Counselor / Data Insights Market, 2026
Top Global Beauty Companies by Market Share
Estimated share of global beauty market, 2026
Source: DemandSage / EcoAirless / Capital Counselor, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The global beauty market reaches $677 billion in 2026, with skincare commanding 42% of the market at over $180 billion.
- The UK beauty and personal care market is worth $13.4+ billion, with specialty stores (37.4%) and online retail (26.7%) as the leading channels.
- Asia-Pacific leads global beauty consumption with 40.2% market share, while the US is the largest single national market at $105 billion.
- E-commerce now accounts for 30% of beauty revenue, with social commerce in beauty growing at the fastest rate of any product category (33.12% CAGR).
- Sustainability is a significant purchase driver: 30% of UK consumers will pay more for sustainable beauty products, and organic lines are growing at 6.88% CAGR.
- L’Oréal dominates the market with 18.7% global share, but smaller brands and DTC challengers are capturing an increasing share through digital channels.
- AI, AR, and personalisation are transforming beauty retail through virtual try-on, shade matching, and personalised product recommendations.
All statistics sourced from: Statista, DemandSage, Precedence Research, Fortune Business Insights, Technavio, IMARC Group, Mordor Intelligence, Grand View Research, Mintel, Capital Counselor, Data Insights Market, EcoAirless Bottles, and Market.us. Figures represent the latest available data as of early 2026.