India’s skincare and cosmetics imports surge: Global brands capitalize on growing demand

By Admin

10 Jul, 2025

India's beauty and personal care industry is undergoing a transformative shift. As international beauty brands increasingly dominate premium retail shelves, the country's growing appetite for high-quality skincare and cosmetics is fueling a major import boom. From makeup essentials to luxurious skincare routines, Indian consumers are embracing global trends and the numbers speak for themselves.

Massive Jump in Imports
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s import of makeup and skincare products more than doubled from $80.9 million in FY20 to $171.9 million in FY25. This surge reflects the country’s increasing demand for premium beauty products, particularly after the pandemic, as people become more brand-conscious and inclined toward higher-quality offerings. Lip and eye makeup, face creams, and moisturising lotions are among the top imported categories.

Lip and Face Products Lead the Pack
Among imported products, lip makeup preparations topped the list with imports worth $61.2 million. China led as the largest exporter with $25 million, followed by Belgium, the U.S., South Korea, and the UAE. Similarly, face cream imports saw an astonishing sevenfold rise, from $7.7 million in FY20 to $53.6 million in FY25. China and South Korea remained the top contributors, indicating a growing trust in East Asian skincare standards among Indian consumers.

Rise of Global Luxury Brands
Retail chains like Shoppers Stop have played a pivotal role in showcasing premium international brands such as Estee Lauder, Shiseido, Bobbi Brown, Mac, and Clinique. “Indians are now more aware of international brands. People with higher disposable incomes seek high-quality, premium products, which are largely imported,” said Biju Kassim, Chief Executive for Beauty at Shoppers Stop. He also highlighted the growing influence of Korean, Japanese, and even Chinese beauty products in the Indian market.

Perfumes and Eye Makeup Not Far Behind
Eye makeup imports reached $34.5 million in FY25, while perfume imports rose by a staggering 64.2%, from $104.2 million in FY20 to $171.1 million in FY25. These figures reinforce the fact that the Indian consumer is not just experimenting, but investing in premium beauty and personal care items.

Localized Strategies for Long-Term Growth
Despite this rise in imports, global players are also tailoring their strategies to meet Indian preferences. L’Oréal India, for instance, now manufactures 95% of its products locally, exporting some as well. “While we strategically import a small, niche portfolio, our focus is on category creation and adapting to Indian consumer needs,” said Aseem Kaushik, MD of L’Oréal India.

A shining example of this approach is the dermatological skincare brand CeraVe, launched in India in 2023. Initially imported, the brand shifted to local production within a year due to overwhelming demand. It now exports to 11 other countries, showing how India has become both a consumer and production hub for beauty brands.

The Future Looks Beautiful
As per a joint report by Nykaa and Redseer, India’s beauty and personal care market was valued at $21 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10–11%, reaching $34 billion by 2028. With rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization, and heightened awareness of personal grooming, global beauty brands are likely to deepen their roots in India through a blend of strategic imports and localized production.

Conclusion
India’s cosmetics and skincare landscape is entering a golden era. With global brands finding fertile ground and local consumers embracing premium offerings, the market is set for sustained growth. As more brands localize production and cater to evolving preferences, India could soon emerge not just as a key market but as a global beauty powerhouse.