Cosmetics that undergo no animal testing are classified as cruelty-free cosmetics. The cruelty-free label specifically denotes that neither the final product nor its ingredients have been subjected to animal testing. However, it's important to note that these products may still contain ingredients of animal origin. Various regulations are in place to ensure that businesses refrain from conducting animal testing. In today's market, consumers are increasingly mindful of their product choices, considering the sourcing and origins of raw materials.
The demand for cruelty-free cosmetics is rising as consumers become more aware of the adverse environmental impacts of animal testing. The growing demand for personal care products and heightened consciousness about cruelty-free beauty is expected to propel market growth. Additionally, the market for naturally derived products is expanding as eco-friendly product popularity increases. Nevertheless, consumers remain concerned about potential exposure to harmful toxins or chemicals, which could dampen the demand for cruelty-free cosmetics due to health-related apprehensions.
The Global Cruelty-Free Cosmetics market was valued at US $6.2 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach ~US $12 Bn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period 2023-2032.
The increasing recognition of the inhumane practices involved in cosmetic testing on animals is fuelling the demand for cruelty-free makeup. Traditionally, cosmetics have been tested on animals, often involving rats, rabbits, mice, and other lab animals, to assess their potential for harm, irritation, and adverse reactions. This process exposes these animals to chemical substances, resulting in inhalation and skin burns. In contrast, cruelty-free makeup products offer advantages like reduced skin irritation, absence of side effects, and natural fragrances, driving the demand for such products. Consumers are now more willing to invest in cruelty-free makeup, and this willingness is a significant driver of market growth.
Stringent regulations imposed by animal welfare and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have increased public awareness. People are becoming more informed and prefer supporting companies with similar values. The escalating pollution levels and their detrimental effects on skin, hair, and eyes have led to a surge in demand for organic makeup products free from harsh chemicals. Consequently, consumers are meticulously scrutinising product labels to verify ingredients, enabling them to make more informed purchasing decisions.
COVID-19 Impact on Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Market
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics industry, leading to several notable trends and changes. The cosmetics industry relies on a complex global supply chain, which was disrupted due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and factory closures during the early stages of the pandemic. This led to delays in the production and distribution of cruelty-free cosmetics. With economic uncertainty and job losses, many consumers scaled back their discretionary spending, including cosmetics. This resulted in a decline in overall cosmetics sales, including cruelty-free products. The pandemic prompted a shift in consumer priorities towards health, hygiene, and essential products. While some consumers continued to prioritise cruelty-free cosmetics, others may have temporarily shifted their focus away from such products.
On the positive side, e-commerce significantly boosted during the pandemic as consumers turned to online shopping. Many cruelty-free cosmetics brands adapted by expanding their online presence, which helped mitigate some of the sales declines experienced in physical retail stores. The pandemic raised awareness about health and environmental issues, leading some consumers to become more conscious of the ingredients and sourcing of their beauty products. This could benefit cruelty-free cosmetics in the long run as consumers seek more sustainable and ethical options.
Some regulatory bodies and governments temporarily relaxed certain testing requirements during the pandemic to expedite the developing and producing essential products like hand sanitisers. This may have had implications for animal testing regulations specific to cosmetics. While the cruelty-free cosmetics market may have experienced a dip during the pandemic, it's worth noting that consumer interest in ethical and sustainable products remains a strong trend. As the global situation stabilises, the market may rebound as consumers return to their pre-pandemic preferences.
Factors Driving the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Market
Drivers
Rising awareness of the product
The market's growth is propelled by heightened consumer awareness of the benefits of vegan products. These products are crafted from natural ingredients, free from chemicals, and are recognised for their absence of side effects, making them a safe choice for consumers. Moreover, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential drawbacks of chemically-based cosmetics and their adverse effects on the skin.
The market is also expanding due to a growing concern for animal welfare, as vegan cosmetics are completely cruelty-free, never undergoing animal testing. They offer a healthier and more compassionate alternative by avoiding animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, collagen, gelatin, honey, carmine, cholesterol, milk, lanolin, shellac, etc. Additionally, various cosmetics, including skincare, colour cosmetics, and hair care, are gaining popularity among consumers, especially within the Gen Z demographic. Sales are expected to rise due to these factors and the increasing consumer understanding of the benefits of vegan cosmetics, free from chemicals and environmentally friendly.
Furthermore, the rising popularity of veganism has prompted manufacturers to invest in research and development, introduce new products, and adapt existing ones to cater to the growing demand for vegan options. For example, in January 2022, the beauty company Colorbar launched a "Vegan Nail Lacquer" line featuring 128 different shades as part of its expanded focus on vegan and natural beauty. This Vegan Nail Lacquer was promoted as providing a clean and eco-friendly makeup experience due to its non-toxic Patented 20 free formula, coupled with a double-patented design said to be enriched with biotin and calcium.
However, it's important to note that the growth of authentic vegan cosmetic brands may be hindered by the widespread circulation of counterfeit products across all cosmetic categories.
Trends
Green Cosmetics
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the market for cruelty-free (not tested on animals), vegetarian (free from animal by-products), and vegan (completely devoid of animal ingredients) beauty products. The production and testing of conventional beauty items have involved the distressing mistreatment of certain animals, such as rabbits, dogs, hamsters, and mice. This has led consumers to increasingly favour vegan cosmetics, as these products are seen as ethically produced, with no reliance on animal-derived components.
For example, a 2021 survey by The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom revealed that more than 38% of beauty consumers associate the "vegan" label with products completely devoid of animal ingredients. In response to the growing demand for vegan skincare, brands have started introducing vegan skincare lines to cater to Gen Z customers. For instance, in November 2022, NYX Professional Makeup launched a vegan makeup collection inspired by the film "Avatar: The Way of Water." Not only did this collection offer vegan and cruelty-free products, but the company also tried to reduce its environmental footprint by using recyclable materials for palettes, lipsticks, face spray, and packaging, thereby minimising waste.
Furthermore, consumers are increasingly interested in understanding the science and components behind cosmetics. Eventually, consumers are expected to prefer vegan cosmetics over non-vegan alternatives due to the potential skin health benefits they offer. Vegan cosmetics are known to positively impact the skin, helping to mitigate damage caused by environmental changes and rising pollution levels. For instance, the antioxidants found in vegan cosmetics are naturally derived from plants and can help combat skin dryness. Consequently, the demand for plant-based ingredients is on the rise, further propelling the growth of the vegan cosmetics market.
Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Market Segmentation
By Product Type
By product type segment cater to consumers seeking products not tested on animals. Skincare category includes a wide range of products such as cleansers, moisturizers, serums, masks, and treatments designed to nourish, protect, and enhance the skin. Consumers often seek cruelty-free options to ensure these products are developed without harming animals during testing. Haircare products cover shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and treatments aimed at maintaining healthy and styled hair. Cruelty-free alternatives in this segment ensure that the development and testing processes don’t involve animal testing. Makeup and Colour Cosmetics includes a broad spectrum of products like foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, and more. Given the extensive variety within this segment, consumers are increasingly demanding cruelty-free options, ensuring that the colors, textures, and finishes are achieved without harming animals. Fragrances are products designed to give a pleasant scent and include perfumes, colognes, and body sprays. Cruelty-free fragrances are made without testing on animals and are often created using alternative methods to ensure safety and quality without animal harm. In each segment, companies develop products that omit animal testing and use alternative testing methods, such as in vitro testing, computer modeling, and using existing safe ingredients, to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products. This not only meets the ethical demands of consumers but also aligns with regulatory requirements in various regions that prohibit or discourage animal testing in the cosmetics industry.
By Form
The form segment of the cruelty-free cosmetics market into different product types is based on their physical forms and formulations. Gel-based cosmetics encompass a variety of products such as gel moisturizers, gel cleansers, and even gel-based makeup like blushes or eyeliners. These products have a gel-like consistency and are often preferred for their lightweight feel and suitability for various skin types. Cream-based cosmetics include a wide range of skincare and makeup products, such as moisturizers, foundations, and eyeshadows. Cream formulations are thicker and offer moisturizing properties, making them ideal for dry skin or for individuals seeking longer-lasting hydration. Powder segment involves products like powder foundations, blushes, and eyeshadows. These formulations are dry and are applied with brushes or applicators, offering a matte finish and often preferred for their oil-absorbing properties. Others category encompasses various products that might not fit specifically into the gel, cream, liquid, or powder classifications. It could include innovative formulations like mousse-based products, stick formats, or hybrid formulations that combine multiple textures for unique cosmetic applications.
By Customer Orientation
The segmentation of the cruelty-free cosmetics market based on demographics reflects the specific consumer groups targeted by cosmetic companies. Women segment caters to cosmetic products designed specifically for women. It includes a vast array of makeup, skincare, and hair care products formulated to address the needs and preferences of female consumers. These products are tailored to suit various skin types, tones, and beauty routines commonly associated with women. The men's segment in the cruelty-free cosmetics market focuses on grooming products tailored for men's needs. This includes skincare products designed for men's skin concerns, like aftershaves, facial cleansers, moisturizers, and hair care products.
Companies often market these items with scents and packaging that appeal to male preferences. Kids segment involves skincare and personal care products specially formulated for children. These products are typically milder, hypoallergenic, and free from harsh chemicals, addressing the delicate nature of children's skin. Items like gentle shampoos, soaps, and lotions fall into this category. Unisex or gender-neutral products are formulated for use by anyone, regardless of gender. These products are designed to be versatile and appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers. They often feature neutral scents, packaging, and formulations that can be used by both men and women.
By Nature
In the cruelty-free cosmetics market, by nature segment is segmented based on their production methods, distinguishing between organic and conventional formulations. Organic segment comprises products made from organically grown or harvested ingredients. Organic cosmetics are formulated without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These products emphasize natural, plant-based, and sustainably sourced ingredients. They're often certified by regulatory bodies to ensure the authenticity of their organic claims. Conventional cosmetics, on the other hand, encompass a broader spectrum of products. These may contain a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients. While they might not adhere to the strict guidelines of organic production, they still avoid animal testing and focus on meeting safety and quality standards outlined by various regulatory bodies.
By Distribution Channel
The offline segment has steadily increased market share and continues to grow through 2032. Offline shopping formats excel at establishing consumer trust through product demonstrations. Delays in receiving online shipments present a significant challenge for online vendors. Consumers generally prefer offline shopping formats for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and cosmetics. Leading retailers are establishing new stores in both local and regional markets.
Because cosmetics heavily rely on attributes like colours and aesthetics, which are challenging to convey effectively through online sales channels, cosmetics companies often opt to open brand outlets in major urban areas. These outlets frequently offer free samples to potential customers, as consumers tend to purchase new cosmetics in physical retail stores initially. Once they find the products highly satisfactory, they may buy them online to take advantage of promotional discounts. These dynamics have contributed to the dominance of the offline sales channel segment in the global cruelty-free cosmetics market.
By Regions
By region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, APAC, and Others. Others are further divided into the Middle East and South America.
In the European region, there has been a notable increase in the demand for natural and organic products, primarily driven by growing consumer awareness regarding the potential harm associated with certain compounds like parabens and aluminium compounds found in skincare, hair care, and deodorants. Many European consumers now favour specific brands over others based on their natural and ethical formulations.
The United Kingdom, in particular, has experienced a significant surge in sales of vegan beauty products in recent years. This surge is a response to the heightened awareness of potential long-term harm caused by chemical-based brands, leading to an increased demand for safe, natural, and organic vegan cosmetics. For instance, in a 2021 survey by The Vegan Society, over 39% of beauty consumers in the United Kingdom emphasised the importance of third-party approval for companies offering vegan cosmetics products.
The market reflects a clear preference for vegan ingredients, with purchasing decisions driven by effectiveness, prolonged protection, and clinical properties. As a result, most companies have introduced vegan brands and products featuring nature-inspired ingredients, including plant-derived and premium botanical components that offer multifunctional benefits. As an illustration, in February 2022, the fast-fashion clothing company Boohoo launched a vegan beauty line comprising more than 50 items. Boohoo's Beauty line includes products designed for eyebrows, lips, eyes, and the face, catering to a wide range of skin tones and complexions.
Competitive Landscape of Cruelty-Free Cosmetics market
Intense competition by numerous domestic and international companies marks the cruelty-free cosmetics market. Leading figures in this industry include Loreal SA, Coty Inc., MuLondon, Billy Jealousy, and Beauty Without Cruelty. These companies are actively expanding their presence globally by operating in various countries.
Manufacturers are expected to include comprehensive product information on their packaging. Companies that prioritise transparency by providing detailed formulation information on their packaging will likely boost their revenue generation.
Cruelty-free companies are deeply committed to addressing pressing global issues, including animal species extinction and global warming. Many companies have established partnerships and programs with various animal welfare organisations. Leading companies have committed to donating a percentage of their sales towards the noble cause of sheltering and feeding animals. With a history of steady revenue growth, these companies are poised to become even more profitable in the years ahead as consumer awareness continues to rise.
Key players in the market are directing their efforts towards launching innovative products to meet consumer demands and strengthen their positions within the industry. Additionally, emerging market contenders are strategically acquiring established market leaders with a focus on addressing consumers' more advanced and refined requirement
Recent Developments in the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Market
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