GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Cosmetics Industry Statistics

Diversity improves engagement, loyalty, innovation; industries still underrepresent minorities significantly.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Only 18% of new product launches in the cosmetics industry feature inclusive shades for darker skin tones

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52% of women of color report feeling underrepresented in mainstream beauty advertising

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40% of cosmetic brands have faced criticism for lack of diversity and representation

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82% of Millennials believe that companies should actively promote diversity and inclusion

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15% of beauty product packaging now explicitly mentions or promotes diversity and inclusion

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58% of consumers feel that beauty brands should do more to promote racial and ethnic diversity

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20% of beauty advertising campaigns in 2023 featured models from diverse backgrounds

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68% of consumers believe brands should address social issues like racial inequality

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48% of beauty consumers have noticed more inclusive marketing in recent years

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54% of dark-skinned consumers feel that mainstream commercial beauty products do not meet their needs

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67% of beauty workers believe that inclusive hiring practices can lead to better business outcomes

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70% of consumers say diversity in advertising influences their shopping decisions

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45% of Gen Z consumers consider brands’ inclusivity efforts when purchasing cosmetics

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60% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that showcase diversity in their product range and marketing

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Brands with diverse representation in their advertising saw a 15% increase in consumer engagement

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65% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that advocate for social justice causes

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47% of consumers say they would be willing to switch to a beauty brand that is more inclusive and diverse

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55% of beauty professionals believe that diversity and inclusion improve brand loyalty

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78% of respondents in a survey say diversity in the workplace enhances innovation

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90% of beauty industry executives agree that diversity and inclusion are crucial for long-term success

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In 2023, 38% of beauty brands have implemented DEI initiatives, up from 20% in 2020

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33% of cosmetics brands worldwide have a dedicated DEI team

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40% of beauty companies have increased their investment in DEI initiatives post-2020 protests

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Only 23% of leadership roles in the global beauty industry are held by women from underrepresented backgrounds

Statistic 25

Only 30% of beauty social media influencers are from minority backgrounds

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Key Highlights

70% of consumers say diversity in advertising influences their shopping decisions
Only 23% of leadership roles in the global beauty industry are held by women from underrepresented backgrounds
45% of Gen Z consumers consider brands’ inclusivity efforts when purchasing cosmetics
60% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that showcase diversity in their product range and marketing
Brands with diverse representation in their advertising saw a 15% increase in consumer engagement
Only 18% of new product launches in the cosmetics industry feature inclusive shades for darker skin tones
52% of women of color report feeling underrepresented in mainstream beauty advertising
In 2023, 38% of beauty brands have implemented DEI initiatives, up from 20% in 2020
65% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that advocate for social justice causes
40% of cosmetic brands have faced criticism for lack of diversity and representation
55% of beauty professionals believe that diversity and inclusion improve brand loyalty
82% of Millennials believe that companies should actively promote diversity and inclusion
15% of beauty product packaging now explicitly mentions or promotes diversity and inclusion

In a rapidly changing industry where 70% of consumers say diversity in advertising influences their purchasing decisions, the cosmetic sector is at a pivotal crossroads—embracing inclusion not only for morality but for business success.

Consumer Attitudes Toward Diversity and Inclusion

Only 18% of new product launches in the cosmetics industry feature inclusive shades for darker skin tones
52% of women of color report feeling underrepresented in mainstream beauty advertising
40% of cosmetic brands have faced criticism for lack of diversity and representation
82% of Millennials believe that companies should actively promote diversity and inclusion
15% of beauty product packaging now explicitly mentions or promotes diversity and inclusion
58% of consumers feel that beauty brands should do more to promote racial and ethnic diversity
20% of beauty advertising campaigns in 2023 featured models from diverse backgrounds
68% of consumers believe brands should address social issues like racial inequality
48% of beauty consumers have noticed more inclusive marketing in recent years
54% of dark-skinned consumers feel that mainstream commercial beauty products do not meet their needs
67% of beauty workers believe that inclusive hiring practices can lead to better business outcomes

Consumer Attitudes Toward Diversity and Inclusion Interpretation

Despite mounting consumer demand and a majority of industry workers recognizing that inclusivity fuels better business, only a fraction of new launches and advertising campaigns currently celebrate diversity, revealing that the beauty world still has a long way to go before truly reflecting the rich tapestry of its audience.

Consumer Preferences and Purchasing Behavior

70% of consumers say diversity in advertising influences their shopping decisions
45% of Gen Z consumers consider brands’ inclusivity efforts when purchasing cosmetics
60% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that showcase diversity in their product range and marketing
Brands with diverse representation in their advertising saw a 15% increase in consumer engagement
65% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that advocate for social justice causes
47% of consumers say they would be willing to switch to a beauty brand that is more inclusive and diverse

Consumer Preferences and Purchasing Behavior Interpretation

In a beauty industry where 70% of consumers are swayed by inclusive advertising, it's clear that embracing diversity isn't just ethical—it's a lucrative beauty secret for brands aiming to stay relevant and resonant.

Impact of Diversity on Brand Perception and Campaigns

55% of beauty professionals believe that diversity and inclusion improve brand loyalty
78% of respondents in a survey say diversity in the workplace enhances innovation
90% of beauty industry executives agree that diversity and inclusion are crucial for long-term success

Impact of Diversity on Brand Perception and Campaigns Interpretation

These compelling figures underscore that in the beauty industry, embracing diversity and inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative but a strategic one—fueling innovation, fostering brand loyalty, and securing long-term success.

Industry Initiatives and Responses to Diversity

In 2023, 38% of beauty brands have implemented DEI initiatives, up from 20% in 2020
33% of cosmetics brands worldwide have a dedicated DEI team
40% of beauty companies have increased their investment in DEI initiatives post-2020 protests

Industry Initiatives and Responses to Diversity Interpretation

With nearly two-fifths of beauty brands bolstering their DEI efforts post-2020 protests, the cosmetics industry is seemingly blending inclusivity into its palette—though there’s still plenty of room for all shades on the runway.

Representation and Leadership in the Beauty Industry

Only 23% of leadership roles in the global beauty industry are held by women from underrepresented backgrounds
Only 30% of beauty social media influencers are from minority backgrounds

Representation and Leadership in the Beauty Industry Interpretation

Despite the industry's glossy image, the statistics reveal that true diversity and inclusion remain a challenging shade to achieve, with only a quarter of leadership and a third of social media influence reflecting the rich mosaic of global beauty.