GITNUXREPORT 2026

China Cosmetics Industry Statistics

China's cosmetics market is booming, fueled by strong online sales and rapid growth.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

72% of Chinese women aged 18-35 purchase cosmetics monthly.

Statistic 2

Gen Z (born 1995-2009) represents 40% of cosmetics consumers in 2023.

Statistic 3

65% of urban Chinese consumers prefer natural ingredient cosmetics.

Statistic 4

Average annual spend on cosmetics per woman: 1,200 RMB in 2022.

Statistic 5

55% of men aged 18-35 bought skincare products in 2022.

Statistic 6

Live streaming influences 68% of cosmetics purchase decisions.

Statistic 7

82% of consumers check ingredient lists before buying.

Statistic 8

Tier 2/3 cities cosmetics penetration: 75% in 2022, up 15% YoY.

Statistic 9

45% of cosmetics buyers are aged 25-34.

Statistic 10

Female consumers dominate 78% of market spend.

Statistic 11

60% prefer domestic brands for affordability.

Statistic 12

Social media drives 75% of beauty trends among millennials.

Statistic 13

50% of Gen Z willing to pay premium for sustainable products.

Statistic 14

Online reviews influence 70% of purchases.

Statistic 15

35% increase in male cosmetics use post-2020.

Statistic 16

Elderly (50+) segment growing at 12% annually.

Statistic 17

90% of urban women use skincare daily.

Statistic 18

KOL endorsements boost sales by 40% on average.

Statistic 19

62% prefer trial sizes before full purchase.

Statistic 20

Vegan cosmetics appeal to 28% of young consumers.

Statistic 21

48% shop cosmetics via Douyin/TikTok.

Statistic 22

Impulse buying rate: 55% for under-500 RMB products.

Statistic 23

Loyalty to brands: 40% repeat purchase rate.

Statistic 24

70% influenced by celebrity endorsements.

Statistic 25

Rural penetration: 45% households buy cosmetics yearly.

Statistic 26

Skincare routine products used: average 5.2 per woman.

Statistic 27

65% prioritize efficacy over price.

Statistic 28

Post-00s spend 30% more on beauty than average.

Statistic 29

52% women buy makeup for occasions only.

Statistic 30

Skincare dominates with 68% of daily routines.

Statistic 31

Perfect Diary holds 8% market share in color cosmetics.

Statistic 32

L'Oréal China revenue: 35 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 33

Proya Cosmetics: 25% YoY growth to 12 billion RMB sales.

Statistic 34

Estée Lauder sales in China: 20 billion RMB.

Statistic 35

Shiseido China market share: 5.2% in skincare.

Statistic 36

Florasis (domestic): 2 billion RMB in 2022 debut.

Statistic 37

P&G Beauty China: 15 billion RMB revenue.

Statistic 38

Winona (dermatological): 8 billion RMB, +30% growth.

Statistic 39

Chanel No.5 sales lead fragrances at 1.5 billion RMB.

Statistic 40

Colorkey: 1.8 billion RMB in mass makeup.

Statistic 41

LVMH China beauty: 25 billion RMB group sales.

Statistic 42

Pechoin heritage brand revival: +50% sales.

Statistic 43

Unilever China skincare: 10 billion RMB.

Statistic 44

ZEESEA: 1.2 billion RMB from viral products.

Statistic 45

SK-II top premium brand with 3 billion RMB.

Statistic 46

HomeFacialPro: 4 billion RMB in devices.

Statistic 47

Abby (abib): Korean import hit 800 million RMB.

Statistic 48

Beiersdorf (Nivea): 7 billion RMB mass market.

Statistic 49

Judydoll: 1.5 billion RMB color cosmetics.

Statistic 50

Sulwhasoo premium hanbang: 2.5 billion RMB.

Statistic 51

Yatsen Holding (Perfect Diary parent): 8.5 billion RMB total.

Statistic 52

Marubi: 6 billion RMB skincare leader domestic.

Statistic 53

Dior Beauty China: 4 billion RMB luxury.

Statistic 54

Naixue Beauty: Emerging with 500 million RMB.

Statistic 55

Johnson & Johnson skincare: 5 billion RMB.

Statistic 56

Carmay: 3 billion RMB mass market share.

Statistic 57

La Mer (Estée Lauder): 1 billion RMB prestige.

Statistic 58

Hapusen: 2.8 billion RMB functional skincare.

Statistic 59

Lancome China: 3.5 billion RMB top seller.

Statistic 60

New domestic brands launched: 1,200 in 2022.

Statistic 61

In 2022, China's cosmetics market reached a value of 425.4 billion RMB, marking a year-on-year growth of 12.6%.

Statistic 62

The cosmetics retail market in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2028, reaching 780 billion RMB by 2028.

Statistic 63

Online cosmetics sales in China accounted for 45.2% of total sales in 2022, up from 38.7% in 2021.

Statistic 64

China's color cosmetics segment grew by 15.3% in 2022, driven by social media influence.

Statistic 65

The skincare market in China, the largest segment, was valued at 280 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 66

From 2017 to 2022, China's cosmetics market expanded at a CAGR of 10.2%.

Statistic 67

In 2023 Q1, cosmetics e-commerce sales surged 25% YoY to 120 billion RMB.

Statistic 68

China's luxury cosmetics market hit 85 billion RMB in 2022, with 18% growth.

Statistic 69

Mass market cosmetics in China generated 310 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 70

The market share of imported cosmetics in China was 35% in 2022.

Statistic 71

China's cosmetics industry contributed 2.5% to national retail sales in 2022.

Statistic 72

Projected market size for 2025: 580 billion RMB at 9% CAGR from 2023.

Statistic 73

Hair care segment valued at 65 billion RMB in 2022, growing 7.8%.

Statistic 74

Fragrance market in China reached 25 billion RMB in 2022, +14% YoY.

Statistic 75

Clean beauty segment grew 28% in 2022 to 40 billion RMB.

Statistic 76

Men's cosmetics market expanded to 55 billion RMB in 2022, +22%.

Statistic 77

During 2022 Double 11, cosmetics sales hit 85 billion RMB online.

Statistic 78

Offline cosmetics retail recovered to 55% market share in 2022 post-COVID.

Statistic 79

Functional skincare grew 20% to 120 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 80

China's cosmetics exports reached 120 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 81

Domestic brands captured 65% market share in 2022.

Statistic 82

Market value per capita for cosmetics in China: 300 RMB in 2022.

Statistic 83

2023 forecast: 12% growth driven by Gen Z spending.

Statistic 84

Tier 1 cities account for 40% of total cosmetics spend in 2022.

Statistic 85

Organic cosmetics segment: 15 billion RMB in 2022, +30%.

Statistic 86

Sun care products market: 18 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 87

Makeup tools and accessories: 12 billion RMB, +10% in 2022.

Statistic 88

Bath and body segment: 35 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 89

Premium skincare: 150 billion RMB, dominating 53% of skincare in 2022.

Statistic 90

Total cosmetics R&D investment by top firms: 20 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 91

Color cosmetics market share: 22% in 2022.

Statistic 92

Facial skincare products account for 60% of skincare sales.

Statistic 93

Lip products grew 18% in 2022 due to viral trends.

Statistic 94

Anti-aging creams: 45 billion RMB segment in 2022.

Statistic 95

Sheet masks usage: 80% among young women weekly.

Statistic 96

Nail care market: 15 billion RMB, +12% YoY.

Statistic 97

Essence/serum segment exploded 25% to 50 billion RMB.

Statistic 98

BB/CC creams hold 30% of base makeup market.

Statistic 99

Hair coloring products: 20 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 100

Eye makeup: 25% growth from K-beauty influence.

Statistic 101

Body lotions: 18 billion RMB, focusing on whitening.

Statistic 102

Custom-blended cosmetics trend: 10% market penetration.

Statistic 103

Tech-integrated devices (e.g., LED masks): 5 billion RMB.

Statistic 104

Fragrance niche scents: +30% growth in 2022.

Statistic 105

Men's grooming kits: 12 billion RMB segment.

Statistic 106

Clean beauty products: 28% CAGR projected to 2025.

Statistic 107

Oral care crossover (whitening): 8 billion RMB.

Statistic 108

Powder makeup declining to 15% share.

Statistic 109

Multi-functional creams: 35% preference rate.

Statistic 110

Scalp care emerging: 6 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 111

Vegan lipsticks: 20% market growth.

Statistic 112

Sunscreen sprays: 10 billion RMB, +15%.

Statistic 113

Lash serums: 5x growth since 2020.

Statistic 114

Foot care creams: 4 billion RMB niche.

Statistic 115

AR try-on apps used by 40% shoppers.

Statistic 116

Probiotics in skincare: 15% segment share.

Statistic 117

Matte lip trends: 45% of lip sales.

Statistic 118

Hydrating mists: 8 billion RMB daily use.

Statistic 119

Collagen supplements topical: 12 billion RMB.

Statistic 120

Cosmetics Regulation CFDA registration: 15,000 products approved in 2022.

Statistic 121

Zero-tolerance policy banned 500+ illegal products in 2022.

Statistic 122

Import tariff on cosmetics reduced to 5% from 8% in 2018.

Statistic 123

100% pre-market registration required for special cosmetics since 2021.

Statistic 124

E-commerce platforms fined 200 million RMB for false ads in 2022.

Statistic 125

Animal testing ban for ordinary cosmetics effective 2021.

Statistic 126

Claims substantiation mandatory, 30% non-compliant recalled.

Statistic 127

Cross-border e-com imports grew 40% under positive list.

Statistic 128

RCEP reduces tariffs with ASEAN cosmetics by 5-10%.

Statistic 129

Anti-monopoly fines on beauty firms: 100 million RMB total 2022.

Statistic 130

Notification system for ordinary cosmetics: 20,000 filings in 2022.

Statistic 131

Mercury in whitening creams led to 1,200 seizures.

Statistic 132

VAT rate for cosmetics: 13% standard.

Statistic 133

GB 41700-2022 standard for microbial limits enforced.

Statistic 134

Online sales require business license verification since 2021.

Statistic 135

Export standards harmonized with ISO 22716 GMP.

Statistic 136

15 new ingredients approved for special cosmetics in 2022.

Statistic 137

Counterfeit crackdown: 10,000 cases, 5 billion RMB seized.

Statistic 138

Personal care claims regulated under Advertising Law 2021.

Statistic 139

Supply chain traceability mandatory for imports.

Statistic 140

Economic impact: Industry employs 8 million people.

Statistic 141

FDI in cosmetics: 50 billion RMB inflows 2022.

Statistic 142

Inflation adjusted growth: 10% despite 2% CPI rise.

Statistic 143

Patent filings for cosmetics formulas: 12,000 in 2022.

Statistic 144

Sustainability reporting required for listed firms.

Statistic 145

Labor costs rose 6% impacting mass market margins.

Statistic 146

RMB appreciation hurt exports by 3% in value.

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Booming past half a trillion yuan, the Chinese cosmetics industry isn't just growing—it's undergoing a digital and demographic revolution, where online sales, domestic brands, and a new generation of conscious consumers are redrawing the global beauty map.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2022, China's cosmetics market reached a value of 425.4 billion RMB, marking a year-on-year growth of 12.6%.
  • The cosmetics retail market in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2028, reaching 780 billion RMB by 2028.
  • Online cosmetics sales in China accounted for 45.2% of total sales in 2022, up from 38.7% in 2021.
  • 72% of Chinese women aged 18-35 purchase cosmetics monthly.
  • Gen Z (born 1995-2009) represents 40% of cosmetics consumers in 2023.
  • 65% of urban Chinese consumers prefer natural ingredient cosmetics.
  • Color cosmetics market share: 22% in 2022.
  • Facial skincare products account for 60% of skincare sales.
  • Lip products grew 18% in 2022 due to viral trends.
  • Perfect Diary holds 8% market share in color cosmetics.
  • L'Oréal China revenue: 35 billion RMB in 2022.
  • Proya Cosmetics: 25% YoY growth to 12 billion RMB sales.
  • Cosmetics Regulation CFDA registration: 15,000 products approved in 2022.
  • Zero-tolerance policy banned 500+ illegal products in 2022.
  • Import tariff on cosmetics reduced to 5% from 8% in 2018.

China's cosmetics market is booming, fueled by strong online sales and rapid growth.

Consumer Demographics and Behavior

  • 72% of Chinese women aged 18-35 purchase cosmetics monthly.
  • Gen Z (born 1995-2009) represents 40% of cosmetics consumers in 2023.
  • 65% of urban Chinese consumers prefer natural ingredient cosmetics.
  • Average annual spend on cosmetics per woman: 1,200 RMB in 2022.
  • 55% of men aged 18-35 bought skincare products in 2022.
  • Live streaming influences 68% of cosmetics purchase decisions.
  • 82% of consumers check ingredient lists before buying.
  • Tier 2/3 cities cosmetics penetration: 75% in 2022, up 15% YoY.
  • 45% of cosmetics buyers are aged 25-34.
  • Female consumers dominate 78% of market spend.
  • 60% prefer domestic brands for affordability.
  • Social media drives 75% of beauty trends among millennials.
  • 50% of Gen Z willing to pay premium for sustainable products.
  • Online reviews influence 70% of purchases.
  • 35% increase in male cosmetics use post-2020.
  • Elderly (50+) segment growing at 12% annually.
  • 90% of urban women use skincare daily.
  • KOL endorsements boost sales by 40% on average.
  • 62% prefer trial sizes before full purchase.
  • Vegan cosmetics appeal to 28% of young consumers.
  • 48% shop cosmetics via Douyin/TikTok.
  • Impulse buying rate: 55% for under-500 RMB products.
  • Loyalty to brands: 40% repeat purchase rate.
  • 70% influenced by celebrity endorsements.
  • Rural penetration: 45% households buy cosmetics yearly.
  • Skincare routine products used: average 5.2 per woman.
  • 65% prioritize efficacy over price.
  • Post-00s spend 30% more on beauty than average.
  • 52% women buy makeup for occasions only.
  • Skincare dominates with 68% of daily routines.

Consumer Demographics and Behavior Interpretation

China's cosmetics market is booming not because of fleeting vanity, but because a shrewd, ingredient-conscious generation—empowered by live streams and driving demand from megacities to the countryside—has collectively decided that looking good is a serious, daily investment, even if it starts with a tiny trial-size bottle.

Key Players and Brands

  • Perfect Diary holds 8% market share in color cosmetics.
  • L'Oréal China revenue: 35 billion RMB in 2022.
  • Proya Cosmetics: 25% YoY growth to 12 billion RMB sales.
  • Estée Lauder sales in China: 20 billion RMB.
  • Shiseido China market share: 5.2% in skincare.
  • Florasis (domestic): 2 billion RMB in 2022 debut.
  • P&G Beauty China: 15 billion RMB revenue.
  • Winona (dermatological): 8 billion RMB, +30% growth.
  • Chanel No.5 sales lead fragrances at 1.5 billion RMB.
  • Colorkey: 1.8 billion RMB in mass makeup.
  • LVMH China beauty: 25 billion RMB group sales.
  • Pechoin heritage brand revival: +50% sales.
  • Unilever China skincare: 10 billion RMB.
  • ZEESEA: 1.2 billion RMB from viral products.
  • SK-II top premium brand with 3 billion RMB.
  • HomeFacialPro: 4 billion RMB in devices.
  • Abby (abib): Korean import hit 800 million RMB.
  • Beiersdorf (Nivea): 7 billion RMB mass market.
  • Judydoll: 1.5 billion RMB color cosmetics.
  • Sulwhasoo premium hanbang: 2.5 billion RMB.
  • Yatsen Holding (Perfect Diary parent): 8.5 billion RMB total.
  • Marubi: 6 billion RMB skincare leader domestic.
  • Dior Beauty China: 4 billion RMB luxury.
  • Naixue Beauty: Emerging with 500 million RMB.
  • Johnson & Johnson skincare: 5 billion RMB.
  • Carmay: 3 billion RMB mass market share.
  • La Mer (Estée Lauder): 1 billion RMB prestige.
  • Hapusen: 2.8 billion RMB functional skincare.
  • Lancome China: 3.5 billion RMB top seller.
  • New domestic brands launched: 1,200 in 2022.

Key Players and Brands Interpretation

While giants like L'Oréal dominate the total revenue landscape with 35 billion RMB, the Chinese beauty market's real drama is in the domestic trenches, where heritage revivals like Pechoin surge by 50%, dermatological brands like Winona grow at 30%, and 1,200 new hopefuls elbow in, proving that local innovation is not just a splash of color but a serious foundation for the future.

Market Size and Growth

  • In 2022, China's cosmetics market reached a value of 425.4 billion RMB, marking a year-on-year growth of 12.6%.
  • The cosmetics retail market in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2028, reaching 780 billion RMB by 2028.
  • Online cosmetics sales in China accounted for 45.2% of total sales in 2022, up from 38.7% in 2021.
  • China's color cosmetics segment grew by 15.3% in 2022, driven by social media influence.
  • The skincare market in China, the largest segment, was valued at 280 billion RMB in 2022.
  • From 2017 to 2022, China's cosmetics market expanded at a CAGR of 10.2%.
  • In 2023 Q1, cosmetics e-commerce sales surged 25% YoY to 120 billion RMB.
  • China's luxury cosmetics market hit 85 billion RMB in 2022, with 18% growth.
  • Mass market cosmetics in China generated 310 billion RMB in 2022.
  • The market share of imported cosmetics in China was 35% in 2022.
  • China's cosmetics industry contributed 2.5% to national retail sales in 2022.
  • Projected market size for 2025: 580 billion RMB at 9% CAGR from 2023.
  • Hair care segment valued at 65 billion RMB in 2022, growing 7.8%.
  • Fragrance market in China reached 25 billion RMB in 2022, +14% YoY.
  • Clean beauty segment grew 28% in 2022 to 40 billion RMB.
  • Men's cosmetics market expanded to 55 billion RMB in 2022, +22%.
  • During 2022 Double 11, cosmetics sales hit 85 billion RMB online.
  • Offline cosmetics retail recovered to 55% market share in 2022 post-COVID.
  • Functional skincare grew 20% to 120 billion RMB in 2022.
  • China's cosmetics exports reached 120 billion RMB in 2022.
  • Domestic brands captured 65% market share in 2022.
  • Market value per capita for cosmetics in China: 300 RMB in 2022.
  • 2023 forecast: 12% growth driven by Gen Z spending.
  • Tier 1 cities account for 40% of total cosmetics spend in 2022.
  • Organic cosmetics segment: 15 billion RMB in 2022, +30%.
  • Sun care products market: 18 billion RMB in 2022.
  • Makeup tools and accessories: 12 billion RMB, +10% in 2022.
  • Bath and body segment: 35 billion RMB in 2022.
  • Premium skincare: 150 billion RMB, dominating 53% of skincare in 2022.
  • Total cosmetics R&D investment by top firms: 20 billion RMB in 2022.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

While China's cosmetics market grows with a sumptuous 12.6% annual appetite, nourished by a 45% online diet and turbo-charged by social media, the real story is a fierce, painted battle where domestic brands are winning 65% of the face, proving that in the quest for beauty, national pride is the most potent serum of all.

Product Segments and Trends

  • Color cosmetics market share: 22% in 2022.
  • Facial skincare products account for 60% of skincare sales.
  • Lip products grew 18% in 2022 due to viral trends.
  • Anti-aging creams: 45 billion RMB segment in 2022.
  • Sheet masks usage: 80% among young women weekly.
  • Nail care market: 15 billion RMB, +12% YoY.
  • Essence/serum segment exploded 25% to 50 billion RMB.
  • BB/CC creams hold 30% of base makeup market.
  • Hair coloring products: 20 billion RMB in 2022.
  • Eye makeup: 25% growth from K-beauty influence.
  • Body lotions: 18 billion RMB, focusing on whitening.
  • Custom-blended cosmetics trend: 10% market penetration.
  • Tech-integrated devices (e.g., LED masks): 5 billion RMB.
  • Fragrance niche scents: +30% growth in 2022.
  • Men's grooming kits: 12 billion RMB segment.
  • Clean beauty products: 28% CAGR projected to 2025.
  • Oral care crossover (whitening): 8 billion RMB.
  • Powder makeup declining to 15% share.
  • Multi-functional creams: 35% preference rate.
  • Scalp care emerging: 6 billion RMB in 2022.
  • Vegan lipsticks: 20% market growth.
  • Sunscreen sprays: 10 billion RMB, +15%.
  • Lash serums: 5x growth since 2020.
  • Foot care creams: 4 billion RMB niche.
  • AR try-on apps used by 40% shoppers.
  • Probiotics in skincare: 15% segment share.
  • Matte lip trends: 45% of lip sales.
  • Hydrating mists: 8 billion RMB daily use.
  • Collagen supplements topical: 12 billion RMB.

Product Segments and Trends Interpretation

The Chinese cosmetics industry is meticulously painting a future where every pore, strand, and nail is a battleground for innovation, proving that looking flawless is serious business with a 45-billion-yuan smile.

Regulatory and Economic Factors

  • Cosmetics Regulation CFDA registration: 15,000 products approved in 2022.
  • Zero-tolerance policy banned 500+ illegal products in 2022.
  • Import tariff on cosmetics reduced to 5% from 8% in 2018.
  • 100% pre-market registration required for special cosmetics since 2021.
  • E-commerce platforms fined 200 million RMB for false ads in 2022.
  • Animal testing ban for ordinary cosmetics effective 2021.
  • Claims substantiation mandatory, 30% non-compliant recalled.
  • Cross-border e-com imports grew 40% under positive list.
  • RCEP reduces tariffs with ASEAN cosmetics by 5-10%.
  • Anti-monopoly fines on beauty firms: 100 million RMB total 2022.
  • Notification system for ordinary cosmetics: 20,000 filings in 2022.
  • Mercury in whitening creams led to 1,200 seizures.
  • VAT rate for cosmetics: 13% standard.
  • GB 41700-2022 standard for microbial limits enforced.
  • Online sales require business license verification since 2021.
  • Export standards harmonized with ISO 22716 GMP.
  • 15 new ingredients approved for special cosmetics in 2022.
  • Counterfeit crackdown: 10,000 cases, 5 billion RMB seized.
  • Personal care claims regulated under Advertising Law 2021.
  • Supply chain traceability mandatory for imports.
  • Economic impact: Industry employs 8 million people.
  • FDI in cosmetics: 50 billion RMB inflows 2022.
  • Inflation adjusted growth: 10% despite 2% CPI rise.
  • Patent filings for cosmetics formulas: 12,000 in 2022.
  • Sustainability reporting required for listed firms.
  • Labor costs rose 6% impacting mass market margins.
  • RMB appreciation hurt exports by 3% in value.

Regulatory and Economic Factors Interpretation

China's cosmetics market is meticulously primed for both safety and sophistication, where a spate of regulatory scalpels—from pre-market approvals and animal testing bans to hefty fines for false ads—are carefully excising bad actors to cultivate a landscape where quality, innovation, and cross-border trade can bloom, albeit within a tightly controlled and ever-watched garden.

Sources & References