Interest in beauty and personal care hasn’t faltered, but what consumers are buying is evolving as are where and how they do so. In-store shopping is still the most preferred method for most types of purchases, but the digital experience is increasingly important, especially for pre-purchase research. Consumers also have seemingly unlimited options as to where they shop for BPC needs, putting pressure on category experts and creating loyalty challenges for all competitors.

The focus of this Report is on the retail shopping experience for beauty and personal care categories.

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel defines the beauty and personal care category to include the following: cosmetics – color cosmetics and nail care products; haircare – shampoo, conditioner and hairstyling products; home hair color; skincare – lotions; deodorants/antiperspirants; soap, bath, shower products; sun block, sunless tanners, suntan oils; facial skincare and anti-aging products; other – fragrances; shaving/hair removal products; hair, bath/shower, and makeup accessories. Medicated skincare and foot care are not included in this Report, rather covered in Mintel’s specific Reports on these topics.

This Report builds on the analysis presented in Mintel’s Beauty Retailing – US, September 2018, 2017 and January 2016. For more detailed information about any of the aforementioned beauty categories, please refer to specific Report titles in the Beauty and Personal Care library.