Report

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Skin Care Market was estimated at USD 365.27 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 589.92 million by 2030. The market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.18% during the forecast period 2023-2030. Skincare is a dynamic and expanding sector of the economy and is characterized by strong demand for high-quality skin care products and a growing awareness among consumers about the importance of proper skin care routines. The UAE is known for its cosmopolitan culture and emphasis on beauty, which further fuels the demand for skin care products. International brands, especially those from Europe and the United States, have a strong presence and are popular among consumers due to their reputation for quality and innovation. Local brands are also gaining traction by offering products tailored to the specific needs of the regional market.
Consumers in the UAE are increasingly seeking products that address specific skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and dryness. On May 22, 2023, Bepanthen Derma launched its new dry skin care line in the United Arab Emirates. The company claims that the new skincare line's eight moisturizers and cleansers for the face and body address the common dry to very dry skin conditions that many women in the area experience year-round . Natural and organic products are also gaining popularity as consumers become more conscious of the ingredients used in skincare formulations. It is important to consider the regulatory landscape in the UAE, including product registration, labeling requirements, and compliance with local regulations and standards.
Climate and Environmental Factors
The climate and environmental factors in the UAE play a significant role in shaping the skin care needs and preferences of consumers. The UAE experiences hot and arid desert-like conditions, with extremely high temperatures throughout the year. While the UAE is known for its dry climate, coastal areas can experience high humidity levels, particularly during the summer months. Exposure to such heat and humidity can lead to increased skin dryness, dehydration, clogged pores, increased vulnerability to fungal infections, and the need for products that provide hydration and moisturization. Consumers may seek products that offer oil control, pore refinement, and anti-fungal properties. Sandstorms, known as "haboobs," are occasional weather phenomena in the UAE. These sandstorms introduce fine particles and dust into the air, which settle on the skin and potentially irritate or clog pores. Consumers seek products that offer gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and anti-pollution properties. These climate and environmental factors influence the skin care needs of consumers in the UAE, prompting the demand for specific product attributes such as hydration, sun protection, oil control, anti-pollution properties, and barrier protection. Skincare brands often develop formulations and marketing strategies that address these specific needs to cater to the local market.
Blistered, Itchy Skin and Other Skin Problems
People in the UAE are likely already conscious of their skin and strive to strike the perfect balance between healthy sun exposure and protection. But the sun isn't the only factor in healthy skin. The interaction between nutrition, hormones, sleep, lifestyle, medications, and genes affects how the skin feels and looks because it regenerates itself every four to five weeks. One of the most frequent complaints seen in UAE clinics is itchy, blistered skin, which can have a variety of underlying causes. Along with ailments like eczema, psoriasis, impetigo (a bacterial outbreak), chickenpox, and shingles, these include sunburn, heat rashes, insect bites, and ageing. Research showed that peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oils, when combined with carrier oil, can effectively treat mild outbreaks. Up to 15% of people worldwide, unfortunately, suffer from the skin condition "rosacea," which gets worse by living in a warm climate like Dubai. 24 percent of adolescents and 11 percent of adults in the UAE suffer from eczema, which causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy, and bumpy.
Government Regulations
The regulatory environment for skin care products in the UAE is governed by various authorities and regulations. ESMA is the primary regulatory body responsible for standardization and quality control in the UAE. They establish and enforce technical regulations and standards for various products, including cosmetics and personal care products . Laws, regulations, inspections, and collaboration with registered brand owners are all used to enforce a "zero-tolerance" policy against importers of fake goods. In order to file a complaint, brand owners who discover counterfeit goods on the market may report incidents to the Department of Economic Development in each Emirate.
Additionally, customs officials are crucial in regulating imported and exported goods. For instance, the Dubai Customs Authority is a government organization in charge of border protection, neighborhood safety, facilitating legitimate international trade, and travel. During 2020-2022, the Dubai Customs Authority seized counterfeit cosmetics and personal care products valued at tens of thousands of dollars and held public awareness campaigns to inform the general public about the issue.
Tourism and Cosmopolitan Culture
Tourism and cosmopolitan culture play significant roles in shaping the skin care market in the UAE. The UAE is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year for business, leisure, and medical tourism. Tourists often seek skin care products during their visits to cater to their specific needs while in the country. This creates an additional market segment for skin care brands and contributes to the overall demand for products. The UAE is known for its multicultural society, with residents and expatriates representing a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds. This diversity brings together different beauty preferences, skin types, and skin care practices.
Skin care brands have the opportunity to cater to this diverse consumer base by offering a variety of products that suit different skin tones, textures, and cultural preferences. The UAE's cosmopolitan culture, social media influence, international beauty brands and global exposure have led to the adoption of Western beauty standards and trends. These factors collectively contribute to the demand for a diverse range of skin care products in the UAE, from international luxury brands to products tailored to specific cultural and skin care needs. Skin care companies often leverage the influence of tourism and the cosmopolitan culture to create marketing campaigns and product offerings that resonate with a broad consumer base.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the UAE skin care market. During the pandemic, consumers' priorities and preferences shifted due to lockdowns, social distancing measures, and increased health concerns. Many people spent more time at home, leading to a decreased emphasis on makeup and a greater focus on skin care. As a result, there was an increased demand for products such as facial cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and face masks. With the heightened emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness during the pandemic, consumers became more conscious of their skin care routines. There was a surge in demand for hand sanitizers, hand creams, and other products that promote hand hygiene while maintaining skin health. e-commerce experienced a significant surge in the UAE. There were challenges in sourcing ingredients, manufacturing, and logistics, which led to temporary product shortages and delays in deliveries.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The UAE skin care market features a diverse landscape with both international and local players. Several international skin care brands have a strong presence in the UAE market including include Estee Lauder Middle East, Unilever Gulf FZE, Shiseido Company, Limited, Huda Beauty LLC, and Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE. UAE also has a growing number of local skin care brands that cater to the regional preferences and climate. Multi-brand retailers play a significant role in the UAE skin care market, offering a wide range of products from different brands. Some popular multi-brand retailers in the UAE include Sephora, Faces, and Boots.
The outlook for the UAE skin care market remains positive. The market is expected to continue expanding, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and clean beauty. E-commerce is expected to play a crucial role, with online sales and digital engagement continuing to grow.