The cosmetic sector: an overview

What does the 2022 annual report on the cosmetics sector and consumption tell us?

The 54th annual report on the cosmetic sector by the Centro Studi di Cosmetica in Italy is a key tool for making statistical assessments and proposing interesting solutions that can heal or revolutionize the world of cosmetics.

I find this type of reading always very fascinating as it allows me to formulate hypotheses about the future and also compare the data that comes from my activity. The small and the large, therefore, my microsystem and the national macrosystem represent for me an inexhaustible source of knowledge and ideas. 

What do we highlight compared to previous years? The cosmetic market is growing by almost 10 percentage points, reaching a result of 11.8 billion euros., an interesting statistical fact that cannot be overlooked.

As a professional in the cosmetics industry, I believe that these annual reports are essential, but often one's work lies in developing an idea and having a more specific vision: by engaging daily with market needs, it is indeed possible to grasp the nuances and develop targeted strategies. 

Another important piece of data from national and international assessments?

"Targeted and personalized strategies are becoming increasingly important for the cosmetic system: are we perhaps learning to recognize that each of us is different and has specific needs? We cannot say for sure, but the data suggests that something may be changing. I have been really happy about this, because in my own small way, this is exactly what I aim for, the philosophy with which I approach my work."

I believe that after the crisis related to the pandemic of 2020, the Italian market has seen a significant rise, and I hope to have contributed in part to this new increase in cosmetic sales. TheLang he/she did his/her part:

• committing to raising greater awareness on topics related to self-care and skincare; 
• intercepting people's interests through the production of proven effective cosmetics;
• identifying the importance of personalized cosmetics and skincare advice from industry professionals; 
• finding a point of contact with pharmacists and spreading a work method based on people and not just on e-commerce. 

As I was saying, in my small way I have chosen to proceed differently by trying to intercept different needs: online sales represent a fundamental distribution channel for about 700 million in revenue in 2021, yet they are not enough on their own to restore the Italian cosmetics market. 

Direct selling thus becomes a way to regain strength and, thanks to the innovation of formulations and the dynamics of the service of producing companies, it is possible to add a new trend to consumption methods, a trend that is difficult to reverse. 

This trend must be identified within the distribution channels and the new demographic involved. Not just e-commerce, therefore, but perfumeries, herbal shops, pharmacies, and beauty salons become competitive scenarios. Consumers therefore want to visit the point of sale, talk to experts, receive advice, and test products on their own skin, obtaining personalized consulting. 

Young people, on the other hand, find themselves involved thanks to products that are often evocative of their ideals such as attention to sustainability and the possibility of customization, as well as collection. Already in 2021, traditional distribution channels saw an increase of 8 percentage points. Online sales remain the main distribution method, capable of reaching everyone without problems. But there is a clear sudden change in purchasing habits. 

Source: 54th annual report on the cosmetics sector from the Centro Studi di Cosmetica Italia