U.K. Cosmetics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Category (Haircare, Skincare, Makeup, and Others), By Gender (Men and Women), By Distribution Channel (Specialty Stores, Hypermarket/Supermarket, Online Channels, and Others), and Forecast, 2025-2032

The U.K. cosmetics market size was worth USD 14.99 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 15.76 billion in 2025 to USD 23.75billion in 2032. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.03% during the forecast period. 

Cosmetic products such as makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances, are widely used to enhance personal appearance and self-expression. The cosmetic market in the U.K. is experiencing a steady growth driven by rising urban population, growing disposable income, and surging consumer awareness about personal grooming & wellness. 

• According to the Office for National Statistics, in U.K. the median household disposable from FYE 2015 to 2024 increased by 7.0% with an average rising rate of 0.8% per year for this period

U.K. Cosmetics Market Trends

Growth of Male Grooming and Unisex Product Lines to Boost Cosmetics Market Growth

The growing consumer attitudes toward self-care, inclusivity, and identity expression are the factors fueling the market growth. The male consumers are increasingly adopting skincare, haircare, and grooming routines, supported by a surge in targeted, gender-neutral products that focus on performance rather than gendered marketing. Furthermore, the unisex cosmetics are also gaining popularity, especially amongst Gen Z and millennial audiences who value minimalism, authenticity, and clean formulations. This shift is further accelerated by changing social norms, growing self-awareness, and the influence of digital media, where grooming is seen as a form of self-expression rather than vanity. Thus, the increasing consumer awareness toward self-appearance and the rising availability of unisex products are the factors boosting the U.K. cosmetics market growth.

Key takeaways

• In the by category segmentation, skincare accounted for around 37.62% of the U.K. Cosmetics Market in 2024.
• In the by gender segmentation, women is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.14% during the forecast period.
• In the by distribution channel segmentation, online channels are projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.72% during the forecast period.

U.K. Cosmetics Market Growth Factors

Growing Social Media Advertising by Manufacturers to Fuel Market growth

The growing use of social media advertising by cosmetics and personal care products manufacturers such as Beiersdorf AG, Unilever plc, Kao Corporation, and L'Oréal S.A. on platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok is significantly accelerating growth in the U.K. cosmetics market. The increasing adoption of influencer marketing, visual storytelling, and targeted digital ads enables these companies to connect with specific consumer segments, strengthen brand recognition, and foster deeper emotional engagement. In the cosmetics industry, social media also serves as a vital tool for collecting real-time insights into consumer preferences, product feedback, and buying behaviors. These insights empower brands to refine their marketing strategies, personalize content, and make data-driven decisions that align with evolving consumer expectations which further boost the cosmetics market demand.

U.K. Cosmetics Market Restraints

Strict Regulations and Testing Requirements to Restrain Market Growth

Strict regulations and testing requirements are slowing down growth owing to increasing compliance costs, extended product approval timelines, and challenges faced by local brands in meeting evolving standards. Furthermore, these factors result in delays of new product launches and increased costs, especially for smaller brands that may struggle with these demands. This environment also limits innovation, as companies become more cautious about investing in new formulations. As a result, the overall market agility and competitiveness are impacted, which further results in restricting the U.K. cosmetic industry.

U.K. Cosmetics Market Segmentation Analysis

By Category

Based on category, the market is divided into haircare, skincare, makeup, and others.

The skincare segment is expected to lead the cosmetics market throughout the forecast period, driven by growing consumer emphasis on wellness, health, and preventive care. Increasing awareness about the long-term benefits of using quality skincare products is encouraging more frequent and diverse usage. Furthermore, innovations in natural and sustainable skincare formulations are attracting environmentally conscious consumers, further boosting the segment’s growth. The haircare segment is projected to rise with the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the cosmetics market forecast period, owing to rising concerns about hair health and increasing popularity of personalized haircare products tailored to specific hair types and concerns.

By Gender

Based on gender, the market is bifurcated into men and women.

The women segment dominates the market owing to higher beauty and self-care consciousness, long-established grooming habits, and extensive use of products such as skincare, makeup, haircare, and personal hygiene categories. The growing demand for premium, organic, and specialized beauty products among women further boosts the segment's growth. The men’s segment is expected to be the fastest growing category, with a CAGR of 6.62% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing awareness of personal grooming, evolving beauty standards, and a growing acceptance of skincare and cosmetics products among male consumers.

By Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channel, the market is classified into specialty stores, hypermarket/supermarket, online channels, and others.

The hypermarket/supermarket segment dominated the U.K. cosmetics market share in 2024, owing to its extensive product variety, strong in-store brand presence, and the convenience of purchasing multiple categories under one roof. These retail formats offer an engaging shopping experience, allowing consumers to physically compare products, access exclusive in-store deals, and benefit from frequent promotions and loyalty programs, which further boost the segment growth. Similarly, department stores also play a crucial role in the cosmetics market by providing a premium shopping environment with a wide range of high-end and niche brands. The online channels segment is expected to rise with the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to increased internet accessibility, widespread smartphone adoption, and a growing consumer shift toward convenient, on-the-go shopping experiences.

List of Key Companies in U.K. Cosmetics Market

Kao Corporation, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., L'Oréal S.A., and Unilever Plc are among the leading players in the U.K. cosmetics market. Rising competition within the region is encouraging companies to reinforce brand loyalty and strengthen their market presence to stay ahead. These key companies are focusing on launching new products and broadening their distribution networks across countries to sustain their position in both national and international markets.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN THIS REPORT:

• Beiersdorf AG (Germany)
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.)
• Kao Corporation (Japan)
• L'Oréal S.A (France)
• Procter & Gamble Company (U.S.)
• The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (U.S.)
• Unilever plc (U.K.)
• Shiseido (Japan)
• Herrco Cosmetics Ltd (U.K.)
• Coty Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2025 – L’Oréal S.A., a France-based manufacturing company, launched makeup products in the U.K. The launch will likely help the company enhance its product category. 
• June 2022 - Procter & Gamble Company, a U.S.-based manufacturing company, launched a shampoo and conditioning bar with sustainable paper-based packaging. The launch will help in enhancing the company’s product depth by expanding its portfolio with hair care products.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed cosmetics market analysis and focuses on key aspects, such as competition landscape, companies’ market share, market dynamics, category, gender, and distribution channel. Besides this, it offers insights into various cosmetics market trends and highlights key market developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, the market report encompasses several other factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

To gain extensive insights into the market, Download for Customization

Report Scope & Segmentation