GCC Cosmetics Market

GCC Cosmetics Market Size and Share:

The GCC cosmetics market size was valued at USD 8.50 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 14.40 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025-2033. The market is driven by growing consumer consciousness regarding personal grooming, wellness, and beauty. Improving disposable incomes, demand for natural products, and the rising availability of international brands are also major forces behind the increasing GCC cosmetic market share.

One of the major drivers for the expansion of the GCC cosmetic market is increased consumer focus on personal well-being and self-grooming. There has been a cultural inclination towards health, appearance, and general well-being in recent times. This has not been only for skincare and beauty regimens but also encompasses lifestyle modifications focusing on enhancing overall quality of life. As shoppers increasingly look for products that promote wellness, like skincare products that feed, moisturize, and guard the skin, demand for cosmetics that embed these principles has grown. Additionally, demand for self-care products that are skin-loving, natural, and non-toxic has moved the market toward organic and clean beauty products. This health-conscious demand has not only affected individual consumers but also companies to adapt their products to satisfy this increasing desire for products that improve physical beauty as well as mental health. For instance, in November 2024, Chalhoub Group, in partnership with Meta, launched the "Gen Z's Skincare Evolution in GCC: Unfiltered" report during the Skincare Edition Summit in Riyadh, highlighting Gen Z's increased impact on skincare trends in the region.

The consistent rise in disposable income throughout the GCC region has been a major driver of the growth of the cosmetics market. As economic prosperity rises among the middle and upper classes in the region, consumers are experiencing greater purchasing power, enabling increased investment in premium beauty and cosmetic products. Increased disposable incomes enable the spending on luxury items, including personal care, skincare, and cosmetics offering higher quality and performance. Customers are more inclined to spend on high-end beauty products from global and local luxury brands because they relate these products to greater efficacy and improved performance. For example, in June 2023, GLOSSIC entered the Middle East as a cruelty-free, vegan beauty company by Sahar Zarghamian that stocks high-quality, natural makeup and body care products crafted to give women the power of ethical beauty. Furthermore, increases in disposable income have extended to higher overall lifestyle expenditures among consumers, and beauty has emerged as a key aspect of personal care and everyday routines. With the area continuing to undergo economic growth, particularly in the nations of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the market for cosmetics is poised to take advantage of this enhanced purchasing power of the consumers.

GCC Cosmetics Market Trends:

Increasing Consciousness and Demand for Wellness-Oriented Products

The GCC cosmetics industry is witnessing high growth because of growing consumer awareness regarding personal grooming, wellness, and overall beauty. In 2025, a survey indicated that 88% of UAE companies intended to make additional investments in employee wellness programs, with 94% of senior leaders recognizing that these programs have a positive effect on productivity and business performance. This increased emphasis on well-being is feeding directly into a boom in demand for cosmetic items that address aesthetic as well as health-oriented concerns. Beauty buyers are highly demanding beauty products not only to enhance their looks but also to drive skin health and well-being. The boosting trend of self-grooming and well-being among the population, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has motivated cosmetic companies to concentrate on the creation of products with ingredients that are skin-friendly, non-toxic, and in line with overall well-being. The rising trend of wellness has contributed towards transforming the GCC cosmetics market share into a strong, dynamic industry.

Rising Disposable Income and Wealth Driving Premium Product Purchases

With increasing disposable incomes in the GCC countries, the premium and high-end cosmetic products market has boomed. Customers highly feel confident about spending on high-end beauty products, thus leading to increased demand for global and premium cosmetic brands. This improved purchasing power enables consumers to choose products that guarantee higher quality, sophisticated formulation, and better aesthetics. The emerging middle and high class in nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE is driving this trend towards more high-end and high-value beauty products, leading to intensified competition between brands to cater to these changing needs. In addition, as overseas brands become more prevalent in the region, they bring with them new innovative products to serve the high-end market, thereby bringing luxury cosmetics within reach for a broader base of consumers. This will be the case as the wealth and purchasing power of the region increase, facilitating overall growth in the GCC cosmetics market.

The Move towards Organic, Sustainable, and Female-Centric Beauty Products

One major trend propelling the GCC cosmetics market growth is the amplifying demand for natural, organic, and eco-friendly products. With consumers becoming increasingly aware of the ingredients of their beauty products, there has been a switch to non-toxic, skin-friendly, and ethically sourced ingredients. Reports indicate that 41% of UAE consumers and 36.5% of Saudi consumers prefer sustainable living products, which suggests high demand for eco-friendly, organic cosmetics. Moreover, the amplified number of working women is impacting demand, with more professional women seeking cosmetics to maintain their appearance during the working day. Saudi Arabia, for instance, recorded an additional 0.8 percentage points of female labor force participation in Q3 2024, and the demand for products with a polished, professional look is therefore imperative. With this increasing demand for eco-friendly as well as female-oriented products driving the market, companies are more and more investing in clean, sustainable beauty products to meet this changing consumer landscape.

GCC Cosmetics Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the GCC cosmetics market, along with forecast at the regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type, category, gender, and distribution channel.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Skin and Sun Care Products
• Hair Care Products
• Deodorants and Fragrances
• Makeup and Color Cosmetics
• Others

Skin and sun care products are prominent in the GCC cosmetics market due to increasing skincare awareness and the harsh climate in the region. Consumers are more and more looking for products with hydration, sun protection, and anti-aging benefits. The demand for good-quality, dermatologically tested products keep on growing, further enhancing this category's market share.

Hair care products are growing strongly in the GCC market, with consumers placing high value on hair health. There is high demand for shampoos, conditioners, and treatments for hair loss, dryness, and scalp conditions. Increasing awareness of hair care solutions, along with a widening range of products, is propelling market growth in this category.

Deodorants and perfumes form a critical personal care category within the GCC market, with individuals emphasizing long-term, invigorating products. The hot nature of the environment in the GCC drives demand for high-performance deodorants as well as perfume, with both luxury and persistence being key purchasing drivers. This category's increase is fueled by ongoing innovation regarding new fragrances and product formulae.

Makeup and color cosmetics are growing strongly in the GCC cosmetics market, led by shifting beauty trends and growing interest in makeup artistry. There is a demand for high-quality foundations, lipsticks, and eye products driven by the growing emphasis on improving personal appearance. The changing makeup trends are increasing product offerings, drawing a wider customer base.

The "Others" segment, covering a range of personal care and grooming items, is also helping to drive GCC cosmetics market expansion. This encompasses products such as body lotions, shaving aids, and oral care. With consumers increasingly demanding holistic beauty and wellness solutions, demand for such products continues to grow in the region.

Analysis by Category:

• Conventional
• Organic

Traditional cosmetics remain a key segment of the GCC market due to the extensive availability, affordability, and range of offerings. Customers continue to place premium on traditional brands that are famous for their efficiency and consistency. These brands are widely opted for because of familiarity and a long-established image in the market, which commands their high share.

Organic cosmetics are also increasingly popular in the GCC region as individuals become increasingly health-aware and environmentally conscious. The use of natural, toxin-free components in beauty and skincare products continues to grow due to a heightened awareness of the advantages of organic alternatives. The rise in demand is stimulated by concerns for sustainability and a need for more environment-friendly products.

Analysis by Gender:

• Men
• Women
• Unisex

The cosmetics for men segment of the GCC market is increasing as personal grooming awareness grows. Men are now more inclined to embrace skincare regimens, opting for products such as skincare, beard care, and perfumes. The increased acceptance is fueling demand for niche products, translating to an overall growth of the market within the region.

Women's beauty products remain the key to the GCC market, spearheaded by a growing emphasis on personal grooming and health. Increased disposable incomes, coupled with the power of social media, are driving demand for skincare, makeup, and haircare products. Women are embracing premium and sophisticated products, boosting the growth of this segment.

Unisex cosmetics are picking up speed as consumers are adopting gender-free products. Unisex skincare, fragrances, and grooming solutions are increasingly being demanded due to shifting social values. These are being consumed by a wider market, making the unisex segment an increasingly dominant portion of the GCC cosmetics industry.

Analysis by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Pharmacies
• Online Stores
• Others

Hypermarkets and supermarkets serve as major distribution channels for cosmetics in the GCC region, as they provide customers with a wide assortment of products at one point of contact. They enjoy heavy traffic, which enables customers to easily shop around and buy cosmetics. Both premium and mass-market products' availability propels the growth in this category.

Specialty stores are more in vogue for cosmetics since they offer a carefully curated variety of high-quality and niche products. Customers favor these stores for their knowledge in beauty and skincare. These stores provide personalized recommendations, making them a go-to option for customers looking for specialty or luxury cosmetic products, significantly driving market growth.

Pharmacies are a significant channel of distribution in the GCC cosmetics market due to easy accessibility to skincare and personal care items. Pharmacies focus on the health and well-being of the individual, distributing products that serve specific purposes, including dermatologically tested products. The growth in this channel comes from growing trust among consumers on the health-associated benefits of cosmetics.

Online retailers are fast gaining market share in the GCC cosmetics sector, fueled by ease and availability of a greater product range. Consumers can compare prices, view reviews, and have access to global brands through e-commerce platforms. The increase in online buying coupled with door-to-door delivery improves the availability of cosmetics, further driving the market.

Other channels of distribution, including duty-free shops and department stores, are also involved in the GCC cosmetics market. These shops tend to be for high-income earners or tourists. They provide an assortment of international as well as luxury beauty items, thus making the market remain versatile and responding to all kinds of consumer tastes.

Country Analysis:

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman

Saudi Arabia is the largest market for cosmetics in the GCC, fueled by increasing population and growing disposable incomes. The growth in demand for skincare, haircare, and fragrances mirrors the country's increasing beauty-aware consumer base. Saudi Arabia's retail sector's robustness and the government's favor towards international brands also fuel market growth.

UAE is a crucial hub for cosmetics in the GCC because of its cosmopolitan culture and high-income group. There is growing demand for premium, luxury, and organic products because of increasingly discerning consumers. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major retail hubs with a wide presence of international cosmetic brands that support market growth.

Qatar has a huge demand for beauty products fueled by a young and affluent population. The rising awareness of lifestyle and personal care across Qatar has driven opportunities for personal care brands. The retail scene, ranging from malls to high-end specialty outlets, is prominent in meeting Qatar's high end consumer demand.

The Bahrain cosmetics market is on the growth as customers want quality beauty and skincare products. The local as well as global brands are both performing well in a strong retail environment. The online shopping as well as the e-commerce growing trend in Bahrain is also enhancing the accessibility as well as growth of cosmetics among younger customers.

Kuwait enjoys a strong market for cosmetics with high disposable incomes and a deeply entrenched beauty-oriented culture. Premium products, particularly fragrances and skincare, are being increasingly demanded by Kuwaitis. The retail industry in Kuwait, comprising duty-free shops and shopping malls, serves to keep up with increasing demand for cosmetics.

Oman is experiencing consistent growth in its cosmetics industry because of the growing consciousness about personal wellness and grooming. Oman's growing retail sector and rising disposable income are driving demand for haircare and skincare products. Oman's emphasis on wellness and sustainability also propel growth in organic cosmetics.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive dynamics of the GCC cosmetics market are dominated by both global and regional players competing for market share in different product segments. Firms are concentrating on broadening their product offerings covering skincare, haircare, makeup, fragrances, and wellness products to meet varied consumer tastes. It also sees the formation of indigenous brands targeting specific niche segments such as natural, sustainable, and organic beauty care. Competitive plans feature aggressive advertising, product differentiation, and going down new distributional channels like websites and specialty chains. In order to capture a competitive edge, brands also utilize influencer marketing and social media campaigns as a means of boosting brand prominence and reaching increasing millennial and Gen Z shoppers. Furthermore, the rising entry of women in the workforce of the region provides new opportunities for growth for the products that serve the grooming and beauty requirements of working women.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the GCC cosmetics market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• March 2025: Saie Beauty launched in the Middle East, marking its first global brick-and-mortar presence outside North America through Sephora. Now available across the GCC, the brand introduces its clean, skin-first beauty products, aligning with the region’s rising demand for sustainable, high-performance makeup.
• March 2025: Japan's MIRAILAB BIOSCIENCE launched its NMN supplement brand, MIRAI LAB, in the UAE. Featuring β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (β-NMN), the products target anti-aging, rejuvenation, and health benefits. The launch includes NMN supplements and cosmetics, aligning with growing global interest in longevity and wellness solutions.
• February 2025: Russian beauty retailer Golden Apple announced its entry into Saudi Arabia with plans to launch offline and online stores in the coming months. It becomes the first Russian multi-brand retailer to enter the market omnichannel. The company already operates in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Qatar, and the UAE.
• February 2025: Nysaa, part of Apparel Group, launched Kylie Cosmetics' Skin Tint Blurring Elixir at Dubai Hills Mall with a two-week activation. The event featured live demos, influencer engagements, and expert consultations, reinforcing Nysaa’s role in bringing global beauty trends and immersive retail experiences to the GCC region.
• November 2024: Clean beauty brand Kosas, founded by Sheena Zadeh, entered the Saudi market via Sephora Middle East. Kosas offers skincare-focused makeup, aligning with local beauty needs. The brand plans workshops and events to promote clean beauty while emphasizing education, authenticity, and Middle Eastern beauty traditions.

GCC Cosmetics Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the GCC cosmetics market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the GCC cosmetics market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the GCC cosmetics industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.