The Vitality of the Beauty Industry in Spain
The cosmetics and perfume consumption in Spain remains robust, with Spaniards spending an average of EUR 221.60 per person on beauty products in 2024. According to market research firm Circana, the prestige segment experienced a remarkable 11% growth. This robust market performance can be attributed to the growing demand for high-end beauty products. The national market generated EUR 11.2 billion in sales in 2024, representing a 7.7% increase from the previous year. The cosmetics industry’s contribution to Spain’s GDP has increased from 0.9% to 1.03% over the past four years. This rise in contribution indicates a positive impact of the beauty sector on the national economy.
Perfumes and Makeup: The Driving Forces Behind Demand
Men in Spain use an average of 5.7 cosmetic products daily, compared to 8.5 for women. The most commonly used products are toothpaste (94%), soap and shower gel (93%), deodorants (83%), shampoos (82%), perfumes (59%), and facial care products (49%). These statistics highlight the importance of daily beauty routines for Spaniards. Perfume sales exceeded 2.2 billion euros, with an 11.3% increase, making it the most dynamic category in the Spanish beauty market. Makeup sales also grew, with a 9.8% increase, reaching 1.1 billion euros. Face makeup saw a significant rise, with a 18.8% increase, while lip makeup experienced a 11.6% increase.
Export Success: A Record-Breaking Year
Perfume and cosmetics exports from Spain reached a record EUR 9.59 billion in 2024, with a 23% increase compared to the previous year. This represents a significant milestone for the Spanish beauty industry. The cosmetics and perfume sector now accounts for 2.5% of total Spanish exports. Exports increased across all categories, with a 43% rise in fragrances, followed by makeup (+7.18%), skin care (+5.6%), personal care (+3%), and hair care (+2.54%). The European Economic Area (EEA) was the primary destination for Spanish beauty product exports, accounting for 52% of sales, with an additional 10% going to the rest of Europe.
Regional Trade and Beyond
The Spanish beauty product exports also expanded beyond the continent. Latin America accounted for 11% of exports, followed by North America (10%), Asia-Pacific (8%), the Middle East (4%), Africa (3%), and Oceania (2%). This demonstrates the growing importance of international trade in the cosmetics industry. The sector’s trade balance remains positive, with imports increasing by 11% to reach 5.8 billion euros. This positive trade balance is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Spanish beauty industry.
Statistics and Data
| Category | 2024 Sales (EUR billion) | 2023 Sales (EUR billion) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfumes and Makeup | 5.3 | 4.7 | 11.3% |
| Perfume | 2.2 | 1.9 | 11.3% |
| Makeup | 1.1 | 1.0 | 9.8% |
| Face Makeup | 0.5 | 0.4 | 18.8% |
| Lip Makeup | 0.4 | 0.3 | 11.6% |
Key Figures and Figures of Merit
- Perfume and cosmetics exports: EUR 9.59 billion (2024)
- Perfume and cosmetics imports: EUR 5.8 billion (2024)
- Perfume and cosmetics trade balance: EUR 3.81 billion (2024)
- Spanish beauty product exports: 2.5% of total Spanish exports (2024)
- Export growth: 100% over the past five years (2024)
- Export destinations: European Economic Area (52%), Latin America (11%), North America (10%), Asia-Pacific (8%), the Middle East (4%), Africa (3%), and Oceania (2%)(2024)
Definitions
The Spanish beauty industry is a vibrant and dynamic sector that is driving growth and innovation. With a strong focus on high-end products, the sector is expected to continue its upward trend, driven by increasing demand for prestige products.