Clean Makeup is Ready for the Spotlight

The fastest growing prestige makeup sector in 2022 was lip products, per NPD, with sales surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by double-digits.
The fastest growing prestige makeup sector in 2022 was lip products, per NPD, with sales surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by double-digits.
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According to NPD data, 34% of consumers believe it is important for makeup brands to be socially responsible. Furthermore, about 80% of consumers reference vegan, cruelty-free and natural ingredients in online reviews.

Meanwhile, Euromonitor International’s “Voice of the Consumer: Beauty Survey 2022” found that, between September 2019 and March 2022, “the number of makeup SKUs with at least one environmentally or ethically friendly attribute has increased by 55%.”

That same report found that 25% of respondents want brands to be transparent regarding ingredients, a 5% jump between 2021 and 2022. At the same time, “38% of consumers say they prefer natural or botanical ingredients to a lower price,” signaling the primacy of “clean” over “cheap.”

No doubt, color cosmetics have boomed post-pandemic, yet the category has been forever changed by increased levels of clean, natural and sustainable formulations, multifunctional skin care-inspired claims, sustainable packaging, and inclusive positioning. As we survey the rebounding category, we break down the top trends shaping makeup for the years to come, offering insights for R&D and marketing teams, product developers and brand management, founders, and more.

For the full article, check out Global Cosmetic Industry's April 2023 digital magazine

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