Prestige and male facial products give big boost to UK skin care market

Sales of prestige facial skin care in the UK rose by 9 percent between 2011 and 2012, according to the latest figures from the market research company.

That figure underlines a significant up-tick in expenditure on the prestige segment of the overall facial skin care market in recent years, with Mintel’s data showing that in the last five years up to 2012 the value of the overall category has risen 20 percent to £1.1bn (€1.26bn).

Prestige facial skin care gains as the mass market falls​

Breaking this figure down to mass market and prestige, the figures demonstrate how the prestige end of the market is gaining ground at the expense of mass market facial care products.

The mass women’s market for facial skin care sales was £615m by the end of 2012, which represented a decline of 0.3 per cent during the year, while the prestige market rose by 9 per cent during the same period, to reach £449m.

Likewise, the data also underlined the more steady of growth of the still small men’s facial skin care market, which rose by 3.6 per cent during 2012 to reach a value of £58m.

Male grooming remains niche, but continues growth​

Although the male grooming category has promised significant growth over the years, it has never really materialised, but this figure might underline the fact that growth is really on the way this.

Supporting this, Mintel says that its survey data shows that as many as 7 per cent of men now admit to spending a lot of time on their facial skin care routine, with 42 per cent of men admitting to using facial moisturiser.

But the data on men’s facial care habits reveals that men are becoming increasingly adventurous with the products they use, with 22 per cent admitting to using a facial cleanser, 23 per cent using lip balm and 7 per cent using eye creams and gels.

Put prestige and make facial skin care on your radar​

“The facial skincare market performed well in 2012, with the prestige and men’s markets displaying particular strength,”​ said Charlotte Libby, household and personal care analyst at Mintel.

“Prestige products have benefited from the so called ‘Lipstick Effect’ which has seen sales of luxury beauty products remain strong despite the economic downturn, as consumers treat themselves to small items. Additionally, increased and improved distribution channels will have no doubt buoyed the prestige sector.”​

The figures come from Mintel’s latest research entitled Facial Skincare UK – 2013 report. Although the UK is a relatively small market, it is also a very fast paced and rapidly evolving market, with UK cosmetic consumers often picking up on trends before other markets, making it interesting for industry observers.