Report

The Saudi Arabia Skin Care Market was estimated at USD 310.37 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 412.72 million by 2030. The market is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.63% during the forecast period 2023-2030. It is a rapidly growing industry with several factors contributing to its growth, including changing lifestyles, a growing awareness of skincare products, and a preference for premium and organic skincare brands. The market is driven by both local and international brands, offering a wide range of products such as cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, and sunscreens.
Consumers' standards for beauty are constantly changing, and some pre-existing trends have been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The need for increasingly complex skincare routines and regular treatments is also fuelled by harsh climatic conditions, poor water quality, and an increased focus on personal wellbeing. Internet usage has increased most significantly in the nation's developed regions. Thus, the e-commerce sector in the Saudi market is expanding rapidly. The country's market expansion is attributed to the rising demand for natural or organic, herbal, halal products and products with creative and eco-friendly packaging designs.
Increasing Demand for Personalised and Inclusive Products
Consumers are increasingly seeking products that are tailored to their specific skin concerns, preferences, and individual needs. Personalized skincare involves the customization of products based on factors such as skin type, age, and specific concerns like acne, dryness, or sensitivity. Inclusivity is another important aspect that is shaping the skincare market. Inclusivity extends beyond skin tone and encompasses gender, age, and specific skin concerns. Skincare brands are focusing on developing products that cater to different genders, including men's skincare lines, as well as products for various age groups, such as anti-aging formulations.
Overall, personalized and inclusive products are indeed driving the skincare market in Saudi Arabia, as they meet the evolving demands of consumers who seek products that address their individual needs and promote inclusivity and representation. For instance, in October 2021, the leading beauty retailer, Faces, collaborated with Revieve, a market-leading personalized digital brand experience company, to launch "Faces Skin Advisor". This online and digital personalized experience assists its customers in finding and buying the best products for their skin from the convenience of their homes. The experience's supporting technology is Revieve's Digital Skincare Advisor, an AI-powered self-diagnostic tool that analyses a user's skin and offers customised product recommendations in real-time .
Surge in Demand for Dermo-Cosmetics
Consumers in Saudi Arabia are becoming more educated about skincare and are seeking products that offer effective solutions for their skin concerns. The prevalence of skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, aging signs, and sensitive skin has contributed to the demand for dermo-cosmetics. Dermo cosmetics are often perceived as more potent and results-oriented, leading to their popularity among individuals looking for targeted skincare treatments. Dermatologists and skincare professionals often recommend dermo-cosmetics to their patients as part of a comprehensive skincare regimen.
These products are typically developed using advanced formulations and innovative technologies. They often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, which have been clinically proven to deliver visible results. This scientific approach appeals to consumers who are seeking more advanced and efficacious skincare solutions. For instance, in March 2022, a newly developed Bepanthen Derma skincare line from Bayer was unveiled in Saudi Arabia. It contains concentrated natural ingredients and vitamins (niacinamide and dexpanthenol). The product claims to target sensitive and dry skin issues .
Government Regulations
Government regulations play a crucial role in the skincare market in Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of skincare products. Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is responsible for regulating and supervising the safety, efficiency, and quality of skin care products in the country. It establishes guidelines and requirements for product registration, labeling, and importation. It maintains a list of prohibited and restricted ingredients in skincare products to protect consumer health and safety. Manufacturers and importers must comply with these regulations by ensuring their products do not contain banned substances.
The SFDA enforces Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations for skincare product manufacturing facilities to ensure that products are manufactured in a controlled and hygienic environment, meeting specified quality standards. In April 2023, the SFDA terminated eCosma and replaced it with the Ghad system for the registration of cosmetics.
Increase in Online Shopping Trend
Online shopping activity has been experiencing significant growth worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. The convenience, wide product selection, and ease of comparison shopping offered by online platforms have contributed to the increased popularity of online shopping. This trend has also impacted the skincare market, with more consumers opting to purchase skincare products online. Online retailers often provide competitive pricing, discounts, and promotions that attract price-conscious consumers. This enables shoppers to find skincare products at more affordable prices compared to traditional retail outlets. Because of its convenience and the wide range of brands it offers, consumers are increasingly turning to direct-to-consumer e-commerce, such as a brand's website, shoppable social media platforms, or marketplaces.
As per the report by International Trade Administration, Saudi Arabia internet users are expected to reach 33.6 million by 2024, a growth of 42% as compared to 2019. Despite the dominance of local e-commerce platforms in Saudi Arabia, new players are entering the market, such as Amazon Prime, which was launched there in January 2021. In addition, the Saudi Arabia government is strengthening the nation's e-commerce regulatory environment to protect consumers and businesses in an effort to increase Saudis' trust in e-commerce and encourage the use of e-commerce platforms.
Eco-Friendly Approach to Packaging
While cultural and market dynamics may differ across countries, the global trend towards sustainability and environmental consciousness is also influencing consumer preferences and shaping market dynamics in Saudi Arabia. Consumers in Saudi Arabia are becoming more aware of environmental issues and the importance of sustainable practices. They are actively seeking brands that prioritize eco-friendly initiatives, including packaging choices. The Saudi government has been taking steps to promote sustainable practices and reduce environmental impact. They may introduce regulations or incentives to encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions. Brands that proactively embrace these initiatives can gain a competitive advantage.
It can create a unique selling proposition that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers in Saudi Arabia. Last year, in 2022, Arkana Cosmetics from Poland made its debut at Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom's only dedicated exhibition for beauty products, hair, fragrances, and well-being that brought the local and international beauty communities together in the capital. The company had high hopes of securing business in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region as it used glass packaging and made plastic bottles from sugarcane, or biopolymer extracted from renewable sources that reduces CO2 emission by 66%.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a notable impact on the skincare market in Saudi Arabia, as it has affected consumer behaviour, supply chains, and overall market dynamics. Consumers turned to e-commerce platforms to fulfil their skincare needs, leading to a surge in online sales and a shift in shopping preferences. They sought products that could effectively sanitize and moisturize their hands, resulting in a temporary shift in product preferences within the skincare market. There were challenges in sourcing raw materials, manufacturing delays, and potential shortages of certain skincare products. However, as restrictions eased and supply chains adapted, the impact on the skincare market gradually subsided. The pandemic influenced consumer behavior and preferences in skincare. Consumers prioritized products that offered immunity-boosting ingredients, natural formulations, and stress-relief benefits. Some consumers became more cautious with their discretionary spending, which influenced purchasing decisions within the skincare market.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The skincare market in Saudi Arabia is characterized by the presence of both local and international players. Major skincare brands are engaging in mergers and acquisitions to enter new markets, acquire innovative technologies, or consolidate their position in the industry. In June 2021, Paula's Choice, a skincare brand, was acquired by Unilever Group from TA Associates Management LP.
Understanding the consumers shifting trends towards products with eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, skin care companies are focussing on bringing innovations in their product packaging line.
Recently, in December 2022, Industry experts from L�Oreal Middle East stated that by increasing energy efficiency and utilizing only renewable energy sources, all of L'Oreal's locations will be carbon neutral by 2025. By 2025, all plastic packaging for L'Oreal's product offerings will be refillable, reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and by 2030, all plastics used in packaging for L�Oreal�s products will be either recycled or bio-based.