Estimated at nearly $2.1 billion in 2011, the FDMx shaving and hair removal market has been moderately impacted by the economic downturn, and is expected to post an inflation-adjusted gain of 1% from 2006-11. Because the market consists of products that people will always need or want to use, market shifts have not come from users falling out of the market, but in how much consumers have been willing to spend on them. Even within the role of a commodity product, the market is characterized by products with a value proposition at one end, and technology and luxury at the other end. Private label razors and traditional shaving cream brands compete with razors with increasing numbers of blades and built-in shave gel dispensers, while bargain-priced depilatories vie for market share against products that combine hair removal with luxury skincare.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of shaving and hair removal product performance over the past five years, and a forecast of growth for the next five. Also included:

Recent FDMx sales and market share results in the non-disposable razor, refill cartridge, disposable razor, shaving cream and depilatory segments

How trends in personal care have women and men doing more hair removal in less traditional places (for example arms, chest, back); and how the quest to look young has kept older consumers an active part of the market for longer

Major themes in new product introductions from both major players and niche manufacturers

Mintel’s own consumer research on product use, as well as the attitudes and behaviors that drive category performance