UK Managing Skin Conditions and Allergies Market Report 2021

Providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information and analysis of the UK Managing Skin Conditions and Allergies market, including the behaviours, preferences and habits of the consumer.

Experience of skin conditions remained steady from 2019 to 2021, whilst experience of non-food allergies declined; the most prevalent allergy – seasonal – fell from 45% in 2019 to 39% in 2021. Although the wearing of masks has given rise to irritation and skin breakouts (termed ‘maskne’), when it comes to seasonal allergies, face coverings have contributed to a reduction in symptoms through 2020 by reducing exposure to pollen.

As such, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in smaller than usual growth for the allergy medication market value of OTC allergy remedies, but stronger growth is expected in following years as social restrictions ease and pollution levels again rise to pre-pandemic levels – exacerbating the symptoms of hay fever, the leading nonfood allergy in the UK.

A threat to the allergy remedy segment comes from reduced innovation. There will likely be a number of first-time hay fever sufferers, or experience of more severe symptoms driving existing sufferers of hay fever towards remedies, and yet product innovation in this area has slowed significantly and may not meet the needs of a new audience. Interest in prevention and natural formulas is high and could be an opportunity for brands.

Opportunities for brands operating in the skin conditions space come from the wearing of face masks. The new normalcy of mask-wearing (expected to continue for some even after the pandemic has subsided) has already given rise to launches from high-end brands that specifically target ‘maskne’, and future innovation is expected from mass market and discount brands as awareness grows to broaden appeal.

Read on to discover more details or take a look at all of our UK Beauty, Personal Care and Toiletries market research.

Quickly understand

• Impact of COVID-19 on skin conditions and allergies.
• Experience of skin conditions in the last 12 months.
• Treatment and management of skin conditions in the last 12 months.
• Triggers for skin conditions.
• Experience and treatment of non-food allergies in the last 12 months.
• Attitudes towards allergies and allergy remedies.

Covered in this report

Skin Condition Brands: Piriteze, Benadryl, Beconase, Clarityn, Stérimar, Pirinase, Opticrom, Phenergan, 111 Skin, Disciple, Beauty Kitchen, Miaderma, E45, Dermalex, Doublebase, SLMD.

Expert analysis from a specialist in the field

Written by Lucy Cornford, a leading analyst in the Food & Drink sector, her extensive knowledge delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

The pandemic has had a direct effect on the experience of both allergies and skin conditions. Whilst both segments are needs-driven, lockdowns and the wearing of masks has reduced exposure to pollen – reducing need for OTC hay fever remedies – but face coverings are causing skin irritation and breakouts (ie ‘maskne’). As society reopens, increased movement will impact pollen levels and drive demand for OTC allergy relief, and brands would benefit from igniting NPD in this area; particularly for more natural-based solutions that can alleviate content concerns. Growing acceptance and conversation around skin conditions is expected to fuel interest in dedicated BPC products, and more expert-led launches can add credence to the segment.
Lucy Cornford
BPC Content Manager EMEA