GITNUXREPORT 2026

South Africa Beauty Industry Statistics

South Africa's thriving beauty industry continues strong growth across all segments.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

L'Oréal holds 22% market share in SA beauty, leading multinational.

Statistic 2

Unilever dominates deodorants with 35% share in South Africa 2023.

Statistic 3

Clicks private label grew 12% in beauty sales, 15% store share SA.

Statistic 4

Black-owned Ohlolly brand sales up 40% to ZAR 150 million in 2023.

Statistic 5

Procter & Gamble 18% share in hair care segment South Africa.

Statistic 6

Dis-Chem pharmacies 28% of retail beauty distribution in SA 2023.

Statistic 7

Estée Lauder luxury skincare 25% premium segment share in SA.

Statistic 8

Local Nude Skincare brand 8% growth in natural segment SA.

Statistic 9

Shoprite Checkers beauty aisle sales ZAR 2.8 billion, 14% market.

Statistic 10

The Body Shop SA stores 45% sales from eco-products 2023.

Statistic 11

Revlon makeup 12% share in color cosmetics South Africa.

Statistic 12

Cape Kingdom Naturals exports 20% of SA organic beauty abroad.

Statistic 13

Woolworths Foods beauty counter 10% luxury sales share SA.

Statistic 14

Maybelline New York leads mass-market mascara at 19% SA.

Statistic 15

Skin Functional local brand 25% e-com growth in 2023 SA.

Statistic 16

Johnson & Johnson skincare 16% in baby-adult crossover SA.

Statistic 17

Spar Group beauty sales ZAR 1.2 billion, independent stores key.

Statistic 18

Sorbet salons 15% nail care service market in urban SA.

Statistic 19

Yardley London 22% budget fragrance share South Africa.

Statistic 20

65% of South African women aged 18-34 use skincare daily, highest demographic engagement.

Statistic 21

Black women represent 42% of beauty product purchasers in SA, spending avg ZAR 450/month.

Statistic 22

52% of SA consumers prefer natural/organic beauty products, up from 38% in 2020.

Statistic 23

Urban millennials in SA spend 28% more on beauty than national average, ZAR 620/month.

Statistic 24

71% of SA beauty buyers influenced by social media influencers in purchase decisions 2023.

Statistic 25

Men aged 25-44 account for 35% growth in grooming product usage in SA.

Statistic 26

48% of low-income SA households prioritize hair care over other beauty segments.

Statistic 27

Loyalty to local brands at 62% among SA consumers aged 35+, per 2023 surveys.

Statistic 28

Online reviews sway 67% of SA beauty purchases, TikTok leading platform.

Statistic 29

55% of SA women over 40 seek anti-aging products, avg spend ZAR 380/month.

Statistic 30

Gen Z (18-24) in SA 73% experiment with makeup trends weekly.

Statistic 31

39% of rural SA consumers access beauty via informal markets, lower price point.

Statistic 32

Vegan beauty preference at 29% among urban SA professionals 2023.

Statistic 33

Average SA household beauty spend ZAR 250/month, 12% of discretionary income.

Statistic 34

61% female vs 22% male regular beauty shoppers in SA supermarkets 2023.

Statistic 35

Post-COVID, 44% SA consumers increased sunscreen usage daily.

Statistic 36

50% of SA beauty consumers trial products via samples before buying.

Statistic 37

High-income earners (>ZAR 50k/month) 80% use premium imports in SA.

Statistic 38

36% of SA teens (13-17) use hair relaxers, declining trend.

Statistic 39

SA beauty market projected to reach ZAR 60 billion by 2028, CAGR 5.8%.

Statistic 40

Skincare segment forecast to grow 7.1% annually to ZAR 22 billion by 2028 in SA.

Statistic 41

E-commerce beauty sales expected 25% of total by 2028, ZAR 15 billion in SA.

Statistic 42

Natural products to capture 40% market share by 2028 in South Africa beauty.

Statistic 43

Men's grooming projected ZAR 6.5 billion by 2028, 9% CAGR SA.

Statistic 44

Hair care natural shift to 45% share by 2028, ZAR 12 billion SA.

Statistic 45

Luxury fragrances to grow 6.2% to ZAR 8.1 billion by 2028 in SA.

Statistic 46

K-beauty imports projected 15% of cosmetics by 2028 SA market.

Statistic 47

Organic certifications to boost exports to ZAR 3.5 billion by 2028 SA.

Statistic 48

AI-personalized beauty tech adoption 30% by 2028 in SA retail.

Statistic 49

The South African beauty and personal care market reached a value of ZAR 45.2 billion in 2023, marking a 6.8% year-on-year growth driven by premium skincare demand.

Statistic 50

South Africa's cosmetics market segment grew by 7.2% in 2023 to ZAR 12.4 billion, fueled by social media influence on makeup trends.

Statistic 51

The hair care market in South Africa was valued at ZAR 8.9 billion in 2023, with natural hair products capturing 28% market share.

Statistic 52

Fragrances segment in SA beauty industry hit ZAR 5.6 billion in revenue in 2023, up 4.5% from previous year due to luxury imports.

Statistic 53

Skin care products accounted for 35% of total beauty market sales in South Africa in 2023, totaling ZAR 15.8 billion.

Statistic 54

Overall beauty market CAGR in South Africa from 2019-2023 stood at 5.1%, projected to accelerate post-COVID recovery.

Statistic 55

E-commerce sales in SA beauty sector surged 22% in 2023 to ZAR 4.2 billion, representing 9% of total market.

Statistic 56

Black-owned beauty brands contributed ZAR 2.1 billion to SA market in 2023, a 15% increase from 2022.

Statistic 57

SA beauty exports reached ZAR 1.8 billion in 2023, primarily to SADC countries and Europe.

Statistic 58

Retail beauty sales through hypermarkets grew 8.3% in 2023 to ZAR 18.7 billion in South Africa.

Statistic 59

Men's grooming products market in SA expanded to ZAR 3.4 billion in 2023, with 12% YoY growth.

Statistic 60

Organic beauty products sales in South Africa hit ZAR 1.9 billion in 2023, up 18% due to health trends.

Statistic 61

SA beauty industry employed over 120,000 people directly in 2023, with 45% women in manufacturing.

Statistic 62

Inflation-adjusted beauty market growth in SA was 4.2% in 2023 despite economic pressures.

Statistic 63

Luxury beauty segment valued at ZAR 6.7 billion in 2023, imported brands holding 62% share.

Statistic 64

Color cosmetics market in SA reached ZAR 4.8 billion in 2023, boosted by K-beauty influences.

Statistic 65

SA beauty market penetration rate stood at 78% of adult population in 2023.

Statistic 66

Private label beauty products grew 9.1% to ZAR 2.3 billion in SA retail in 2023.

Statistic 67

Beauty retail footfall recovered to 92% of pre-COVID levels in 2023 across SA malls.

Statistic 68

SA beauty industry R&D investment totaled ZAR 450 million in 2023, focusing on local botanicals.

Statistic 69

Skincare segment dominated with ZAR 15.8 billion in 2023, 35% of total beauty market in South Africa.

Statistic 70

Hair care products generated ZAR 8.9 billion in revenue in SA 2023, with relaxers declining 5%.

Statistic 71

Fragrances sales volume reached 45 million units in South Africa in 2023.

Statistic 72

Makeup segment saw lip products lead with 28% share, ZAR 1.35 billion in 2023 SA sales.

Statistic 73

Men's grooming beard care sub-segment grew 15% to ZAR 450 million in SA 2023.

Statistic 74

Nail care products market in SA valued at ZAR 1.2 billion in 2023, gel polishes up 20%.

Statistic 75

Sun care products sales hit ZAR 1.1 billion in 2023, driven by high UV awareness in SA.

Statistic 76

Deodorants segment revenue ZAR 2.8 billion in South Africa 2023, sprays 55% dominant.

Statistic 77

Oral care, part of personal care extension, ZAR 7.2 billion in SA 2023 beauty adjacency.

Statistic 78

Body care lotions grew 6% to ZAR 3.5 billion in South Africa beauty market 2023.

Statistic 79

Premium skincare serums captured 22% of skincare sales, ZAR 3.5 billion in SA 2023.

Statistic 80

Natural hair care products 28% market share in SA hair segment, ZAR 2.5 billion 2023.

Statistic 81

Eyeshadow sales volume 12 million units in SA cosmetics 2023.

Statistic 82

Anti-aging creams ZAR 2.1 billion in SA skincare 2023, 13% growth.

Statistic 83

Perfume eau de parfum 60% of fragrance value in SA, ZAR 3.4 billion 2023.

Statistic 84

Facial cleansers ZAR 1.8 billion, 45% foam-based in SA 2023.

Statistic 85

Hair styling products ZAR 1.4 billion in SA, gels leading at 35% 2023.

Statistic 86

Moisturizers with SPF ZAR 950 million sales in SA skincare 2023.

Statistic 87

Lip gloss overtook lipstick with 52% share in SA color cosmetics 2023.

Statistic 88

Shampoo market ZAR 4.2 billion in SA hair care 2023, anti-dandruff 25%.

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From booming ZAR 45.2 billion revenues to a surging demand for natural hair care and premium serums, the South African beauty industry is a dynamic landscape of growth, cultural expression, and evolving consumer power.

Key Takeaways

The South African beauty and personal care market reached a value of ZAR 45.2 billion in 2023, marking a 6.8% year-on-year growth driven by premium skincare demand.
South Africa's cosmetics market segment grew by 7.2% in 2023 to ZAR 12.4 billion, fueled by social media influence on makeup trends.
The hair care market in South Africa was valued at ZAR 8.9 billion in 2023, with natural hair products capturing 28% market share.
Skincare segment dominated with ZAR 15.8 billion in 2023, 35% of total beauty market in South Africa.
Hair care products generated ZAR 8.9 billion in revenue in SA 2023, with relaxers declining 5%.
Fragrances sales volume reached 45 million units in South Africa in 2023.
65% of South African women aged 18-34 use skincare daily, highest demographic engagement.
Black women represent 42% of beauty product purchasers in SA, spending avg ZAR 450/month.
52% of SA consumers prefer natural/organic beauty products, up from 38% in 2020.
L'Oréal holds 22% market share in SA beauty, leading multinational.
Unilever dominates deodorants with 35% share in South Africa 2023.
Clicks private label grew 12% in beauty sales, 15% store share SA.
SA beauty market projected to reach ZAR 60 billion by 2028, CAGR 5.8%.
Skincare segment forecast to grow 7.1% annually to ZAR 22 billion by 2028 in SA.
E-commerce beauty sales expected 25% of total by 2028, ZAR 15 billion in SA.

South Africa's thriving beauty industry continues strong growth across all segments.

Competitive Landscape

L'Oréal holds 22% market share in SA beauty, leading multinational.
Unilever dominates deodorants with 35% share in South Africa 2023.
Clicks private label grew 12% in beauty sales, 15% store share SA.
Black-owned Ohlolly brand sales up 40% to ZAR 150 million in 2023.
Procter & Gamble 18% share in hair care segment South Africa.
Dis-Chem pharmacies 28% of retail beauty distribution in SA 2023.
Estée Lauder luxury skincare 25% premium segment share in SA.
Local Nude Skincare brand 8% growth in natural segment SA.
Shoprite Checkers beauty aisle sales ZAR 2.8 billion, 14% market.
The Body Shop SA stores 45% sales from eco-products 2023.
Revlon makeup 12% share in color cosmetics South Africa.
Cape Kingdom Naturals exports 20% of SA organic beauty abroad.
Woolworths Foods beauty counter 10% luxury sales share SA.
Maybelline New York leads mass-market mascara at 19% SA.
Skin Functional local brand 25% e-com growth in 2023 SA.
Johnson & Johnson skincare 16% in baby-adult crossover SA.
Spar Group beauty sales ZAR 1.2 billion, independent stores key.
Sorbet salons 15% nail care service market in urban SA.
Yardley London 22% budget fragrance share South Africa.

Competitive Landscape Interpretation

While L'Oréal may wear the multinational crown, the true spirit of the South African beauty industry is a fiercely competitive blend of savvy retailers, rising local brands, and niche leaders all vying for a piece of the nation's soul, shelf space, and shopping baskets.

Consumer Insights

65% of South African women aged 18-34 use skincare daily, highest demographic engagement.
Black women represent 42% of beauty product purchasers in SA, spending avg ZAR 450/month.
52% of SA consumers prefer natural/organic beauty products, up from 38% in 2020.
Urban millennials in SA spend 28% more on beauty than national average, ZAR 620/month.
71% of SA beauty buyers influenced by social media influencers in purchase decisions 2023.
Men aged 25-44 account for 35% growth in grooming product usage in SA.
48% of low-income SA households prioritize hair care over other beauty segments.
Loyalty to local brands at 62% among SA consumers aged 35+, per 2023 surveys.
Online reviews sway 67% of SA beauty purchases, TikTok leading platform.
55% of SA women over 40 seek anti-aging products, avg spend ZAR 380/month.
Gen Z (18-24) in SA 73% experiment with makeup trends weekly.
39% of rural SA consumers access beauty via informal markets, lower price point.
Vegan beauty preference at 29% among urban SA professionals 2023.
Average SA household beauty spend ZAR 250/month, 12% of discretionary income.
61% female vs 22% male regular beauty shoppers in SA supermarkets 2023.
Post-COVID, 44% SA consumers increased sunscreen usage daily.
50% of SA beauty consumers trial products via samples before buying.
High-income earners (>ZAR 50k/month) 80% use premium imports in SA.
36% of SA teens (13-17) use hair relaxers, declining trend.

Consumer Insights Interpretation

South Africa's beauty landscape is a study in vibrant contrasts: while Gen Z relentlessly experiments with new trends online, their grandmothers loyally support local anti-aging potions, proving that whether it’s a ZAR 450 monthly ritual for Black women or a man’s growing grooming cabinet, the nation’s obsession with self-expression is both deeply personal and powerfully influenced by a single TikTok review.

Future Projections

SA beauty market projected to reach ZAR 60 billion by 2028, CAGR 5.8%.
Skincare segment forecast to grow 7.1% annually to ZAR 22 billion by 2028 in SA.
E-commerce beauty sales expected 25% of total by 2028, ZAR 15 billion in SA.
Natural products to capture 40% market share by 2028 in South Africa beauty.
Men's grooming projected ZAR 6.5 billion by 2028, 9% CAGR SA.
Hair care natural shift to 45% share by 2028, ZAR 12 billion SA.
Luxury fragrances to grow 6.2% to ZAR 8.1 billion by 2028 in SA.
K-beauty imports projected 15% of cosmetics by 2028 SA market.
Organic certifications to boost exports to ZAR 3.5 billion by 2028 SA.
AI-personalized beauty tech adoption 30% by 2028 in SA retail.

Future Projections Interpretation

The South African beauty industry is shrewdly evolving beyond the surface, forecasting a future where radiant skin and natural hair are increasingly tended to online by men spritzing luxury scents, all while K-beauty algorithms and certified organic exports quietly count their billions.

Market Overview

The South African beauty and personal care market reached a value of ZAR 45.2 billion in 2023, marking a 6.8% year-on-year growth driven by premium skincare demand.
South Africa's cosmetics market segment grew by 7.2% in 2023 to ZAR 12.4 billion, fueled by social media influence on makeup trends.
The hair care market in South Africa was valued at ZAR 8.9 billion in 2023, with natural hair products capturing 28% market share.
Fragrances segment in SA beauty industry hit ZAR 5.6 billion in revenue in 2023, up 4.5% from previous year due to luxury imports.
Skin care products accounted for 35% of total beauty market sales in South Africa in 2023, totaling ZAR 15.8 billion.
Overall beauty market CAGR in South Africa from 2019-2023 stood at 5.1%, projected to accelerate post-COVID recovery.
E-commerce sales in SA beauty sector surged 22% in 2023 to ZAR 4.2 billion, representing 9% of total market.
Black-owned beauty brands contributed ZAR 2.1 billion to SA market in 2023, a 15% increase from 2022.
SA beauty exports reached ZAR 1.8 billion in 2023, primarily to SADC countries and Europe.
Retail beauty sales through hypermarkets grew 8.3% in 2023 to ZAR 18.7 billion in South Africa.
Men's grooming products market in SA expanded to ZAR 3.4 billion in 2023, with 12% YoY growth.
Organic beauty products sales in South Africa hit ZAR 1.9 billion in 2023, up 18% due to health trends.
SA beauty industry employed over 120,000 people directly in 2023, with 45% women in manufacturing.
Inflation-adjusted beauty market growth in SA was 4.2% in 2023 despite economic pressures.
Luxury beauty segment valued at ZAR 6.7 billion in 2023, imported brands holding 62% share.
Color cosmetics market in SA reached ZAR 4.8 billion in 2023, boosted by K-beauty influences.
SA beauty market penetration rate stood at 78% of adult population in 2023.
Private label beauty products grew 9.1% to ZAR 2.3 billion in SA retail in 2023.
Beauty retail footfall recovered to 92% of pre-COVID levels in 2023 across SA malls.
SA beauty industry R&D investment totaled ZAR 450 million in 2023, focusing on local botanicals.

Market Overview Interpretation

While the nation may debate the merits of a twelve-step skincare routine, South Africa's ZAR 45.2 billion beauty industry, with its booming e-commerce and surging demand for premium, natural, and Black-owned products, proves that looking good is not just a frivolous pursuit but a serious economic engine of self-expression and recovery.

Segment Analysis

Skincare segment dominated with ZAR 15.8 billion in 2023, 35% of total beauty market in South Africa.
Hair care products generated ZAR 8.9 billion in revenue in SA 2023, with relaxers declining 5%.
Fragrances sales volume reached 45 million units in South Africa in 2023.
Makeup segment saw lip products lead with 28% share, ZAR 1.35 billion in 2023 SA sales.
Men's grooming beard care sub-segment grew 15% to ZAR 450 million in SA 2023.
Nail care products market in SA valued at ZAR 1.2 billion in 2023, gel polishes up 20%.
Sun care products sales hit ZAR 1.1 billion in 2023, driven by high UV awareness in SA.
Deodorants segment revenue ZAR 2.8 billion in South Africa 2023, sprays 55% dominant.
Oral care, part of personal care extension, ZAR 7.2 billion in SA 2023 beauty adjacency.
Body care lotions grew 6% to ZAR 3.5 billion in South Africa beauty market 2023.
Premium skincare serums captured 22% of skincare sales, ZAR 3.5 billion in SA 2023.
Natural hair care products 28% market share in SA hair segment, ZAR 2.5 billion 2023.
Eyeshadow sales volume 12 million units in SA cosmetics 2023.
Anti-aging creams ZAR 2.1 billion in SA skincare 2023, 13% growth.
Perfume eau de parfum 60% of fragrance value in SA, ZAR 3.4 billion 2023.
Facial cleansers ZAR 1.8 billion, 45% foam-based in SA 2023.
Hair styling products ZAR 1.4 billion in SA, gels leading at 35% 2023.
Moisturizers with SPF ZAR 950 million sales in SA skincare 2023.
Lip gloss overtook lipstick with 52% share in SA color cosmetics 2023.
Shampoo market ZAR 4.2 billion in SA hair care 2023, anti-dandruff 25%.

Segment Analysis Interpretation

South Africa's beauty market clearly prioritizes a radiant complexion and a polished scent above all, yet the spirited rise of men's beards, defiant natural hair, and glossy lips proves that self-expression is the true profit driver in every bottle and tube.

Sources & References

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