Chinese suppliers reshape Russia’s cosmetics market as imports rise 74%
Russia imported $152.3 million of finished cosmetics and perfumes from China in January-May 2026, up 74% year on year. Chinese suppliers are also gaining importance in contract manufacturing, ingredients and packaging as Russian companies replace former European supply chains.
Cosmetics imports outpace broader trade
Russia’s perfume and cosmetics market is shifting rapidly toward Chinese suppliers, following the departure of several Western brands and the reorganization of production and logistics since 2022. According to an analysis published by Kapital-Rus, imports of finished cosmetics and perfumes from China reached $152.3 million in January-May 2026, an increase of 74% from a year earlier. That was nearly three times the 26% growth recorded for Russia’s total imports from China over the same period.
The strongest increase came from facial skincare products. Shipments rose 95% year on year to $54.5 million, accounting for more than one-third of finished Chinese cosmetics imports. Decorative cosmetics ranked second by value, increasing 54% to $34.4 million. Imports of oral hygiene products, shaving preparations and deodorants grew 38% to $37.6 million. Perfume remained much smaller and advanced only 10% to $1.3 million, indicating that Chinese suppliers have gained traction faster in functional and color cosmetics than in fragrance.
China moves deeper into the supply chain
The shift extends beyond finished products. China is becoming an important contract-manufacturing center for Russian cosmetics companies, offering rapid production, a broad selection of ingredients and multiple packaging options. Russian businesses are using Chinese facilities to develop and manufacture products specifically for their domestic market, shortening the path from product design to commercial launch.
Russian producers are also buying more ingredients, fragrance compositions and packaging from China as substitutes for European supplies. This can reduce manufacturing costs and exposure to disrupted legacy supply chains, although it also concentrates more sourcing in one country. For Chinese companies, the opportunity now covers branded retail products, private-label manufacturing and industrial inputs. Domestic Russian brands face stronger competition in mass-market categories but can also use Chinese production capacity and components to expand their own ranges.
Retail presence and regional demand expand
Chinese brands account for about 5% of the assortment at Russian beauty retailer Golden Apple, according to the Kapital-Rus report, with consumer interest continuing to rise. Their presence is no longer limited to inexpensive products: Chinese cosmetics are also entering premium categories through improved formulas, design and positioning. On Wildberries, unit sales of Chinese-brand cosmetics are growing at rates comparable with Russian products. Russian brands, however, are increasing turnover faster in value terms, suggesting different pricing and market positioning.
Demand is rising elsewhere in the region as well. In January-May 2026, imports of Chinese perfume and cosmetic products into Kazakhstan increased 214% to $24 million, while shipments to Turkey rose 46% to $25 million. These figures support the view that Russia’s increase reflects broader demand for Chinese beauty products rather than merely a change in transit routes. The competitive outcome will depend on whether Chinese suppliers maintain quality and adapt products to Russian preferences, while Russian manufacturers decide how far to integrate Chinese ingredients, packaging and contract production into their businesses.
