Cosmetics industry in France: a healthy cosmetics market

Key figures for the cosmetics industry

French cosmetics industry —encompassing skin care, color cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, and personal care— remains the world leader in its market thanks to a hyper-dynamic ecosystem conducive to innovation.

Christophe Masson, General Manager at Cosmetic Valley competitiveness cluster, bringing together beauty brands, bespoke cosmetics manufacturers, research laboratories, universities and training organisations, says that “cosmetics are a fast-growing market on which France has a real lead and a real reputation.”
With over 3,200 cosmetic companies including the majority of which are located in France, the cosmetics industry in France is indeed showing skyrocketing growth rates thanks to a strong international influence.

Patrick O’Quin, FEBEA (Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté / Beauty companies federation) President underlines that beauty industry in France”is a key factor for tourist attractiveness as tourists spend 3 billion euros per year of cosmetic products!”
Distribution and sale of cosmetics is mainly spread among a wide range of small businesses as they represent 88% of the cosmetics industry. Yet, they remain positioned behind long-reigning multinational corporations such as L’Oréal, LVMH or Clarins.

This figure is confirmed by the consultancy firm Asteres, whose 2021 study on the socio-economic attractiveness of the French cosmetics market highlights key figures of this industry that irrigates the economy.

 

Cosmetics made in France: what are the perspectives?

France’s culture, industry know-how, art of living as well as its Eiffel Tower are key assets that make French brands shine beyond borders. The label “Made in France” is simply a brand within the brand.

Most products with a label, “Made in France” are valued on the international market. It “increases by 30% its value compared to an equivalent product from another country,” says Patrick O’Quin.

According to the French website “Semaine de l’Industrie”, made in France “fragrance and cosmetics are among the best ambassadors” of the country worldwide.
France’s international reputation has a major impact on consumers thanks to the quality of the “made in France” cosmetic brands and products, which is no longer to be proven.

Here’s an example with French bespoke cosmetic manufacturer ALPOL Cosmetique who believes in the high potential of the “Made in France” brand. To reach its Chinese target, the company created a body beauty scrub named “Le Français” formulated with up to 97% of French ingredients.

For cosmetics brands, the booming cosmetics industry is full of opportunities to expand internationally, especially in China.

According to Claire Vérot, French director of the marketing agency based in Shanghai, France is at the top of the podium thanks to “a historic record of 1.9 billion euros in 2021” achieved through “trade in French beauty products with China”, which “is now the leading export destination”.

Social media and social influencers largely contribute to this rapid expansion through digital channels reaching millions and millions of consumers across China.

 

FIND OUT ABOUT COSMETICS MADE IN FRANCE: HOW TO SET UP A BRAND IN CHINA?

 

What are the main trends in the cosmetics market?

Bespoke beauty or personalised cosmetics, clean beauty, holistic beauty, green beauty or natural and responsible beauty translate current trends with a “made in France” beauty touch.

These are very promising niches open to:

• innovation
• environment-friendly and consumers’ health
• sustainable consumption
• performance

However, trends are fast-changing and it becomes increasingly difficult for beauty brands to identify them.

That’s where partnering with a private label cosmetics manufacturer can be a true asset in this trend race. It can indeed help identify beauty trends and outperform competitors in the industry.

ALPOL Cosmetique provides a tangible response to keep up-to-date of the latest skincare market trends thanks to its in-depth analysis of the cosmetics industry as well as its numerous product development and innovation projects managed on a daily basis.