Similar to previous years, most common facial skin conditions consumers experienced are acne and enlarged pores are the top concerns. Females are more concerned with skin issues that affect their appearance such as dark spots whereas males care more about maintaining healthy skin.

Product safety is the top concern for consumers, and this has propelled consumers to invest in a healthy lifestyle as the first step to deal with facial skin issues, which is perceived as more natural and effective in the long term.

When choosing speciality skincare products, natural ingredients are overwhelmingly preferred and, unlike other BPC products, it is less about recommendations from others and more about consumers making their own judgements to pick the correct products suitable for their skin condition.

The impact of COVID-19 is marginal for speciality skincare products in that it does not change consumers’ continuous pursuit for healthy skin. Consumers are also willing to pay a premium for speciality skincare products as price is the least considered issue when it comes to selection factors. Although the lockdown period has limited the occasions for consumers to purchase speciality skincare products offline, those who have needs will continue to purchase products online to maintain their usual skincare routine. Also, products may also benefit from reduced visits to spas and skin management salons during the outbreak as high earners spend more time at home.

Furthermore, as wearing face masks becomes a habit for Chinese consumers, the COVID-19 outbreak has brought more opportunities to the speciality skincare market. Redness and acne caused by wearing face masks could become long-term issues, so companies and brands have started to launch products specially targeting ‘mask-face’ to catch consumers’ attention.

• The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behaviour on managing skin conditions

• How the market will react towards COVID-19 outbreak

• Different skin conditions experiences and how are consumers dealing with them

• Shopping behaviours amongst speciality skincare users and reasons for selecting

• Attitude towards managing skin conditions

This Mintel Report focuses on consumer experience and treatment of the following skin conditions (especially facial skin conditions):

• Acne and spots

• Allergic reactions

• Rosacea

• Dermatitis

• Other skin sensitivity (such as redness and itchy skin)