Skin care preparations market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The market for skin care preparations in Belgium opened the period at USD 383 million in 2018, supported by growing consumer demand for sustainable and natural products and the entry of innovative local brands focusing on ethical and organic formulations. However, the market size declined to USD 362 million in 2019 and fell more sharply to USD 304 million in 2020, a period coinciding with the onset of a health crisis that affected consumer behavior and market dynamics.

In 2021, the market recovered to USD 366 million, a rebound facilitated by the strengthening of European cosmetic regulations, including stricter oversight under EU Regulation 1223/2009, and heightened consumer awareness regarding product safety, sustainability, and transparency. The following year, the market stabilized at USD 359 million, as enduring trends toward natural, vegan, and SPF-integrated skincare products continued to shape consumer preferences.

By 2023, the market contracted to USD 297 million, even as the broader Belgian cosmetics sector reported revenue growth and the dermocosmetics segment expanded due to increased skin health awareness. In 2024, the market volume dropped sharply to USD 121 million, a period marked by the impending implementation of European restrictions on toxic substances like TPO in cosmetics—affecting formulations—alongside ongoing innovation, such as the launch of prolonged-release retinol products aimed at reducing irritation.

Production skin care preparations in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Belgium's production of skin care preparations declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 62 802 K $ US, which represents a 21.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 27.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 94 268 K $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports skin care preparations from Belgium

Exports in kind, M unit

Belgium's cross-border shipments of skin care preparations increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 175.1 M units, marking a 6.5% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 34.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, M unit

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium supplied skin care preparations to a diverse range of markets. Even the top three destinations—the Netherlands, France, and Poland—collectively accounted for only 42.8% of total exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's skin care preparations export volume reached 794 M $ US, showing a 2.4% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 10.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 804 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 11.8%. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline of 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, Belgium's skin care preparations exports were distributed across a broad portfolio of buyers. The top three markets—the Netherlands (13.8% of exports in value terms), France (10.6%), and China (9.2%)—together contributed only 33.6% of total export value, while numerous other countries held smaller but notable shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports skin care preparations to Belgium

Imports in kind, M unit

After two years of growth, Belgium's imports of skin care preparations in volume terms declined. In 2020, the country imported 344.2 M units, reflecting a substantial 12.1% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 391.8 M units, while 2018 saw the largest annual increase of 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, M unit

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (38.5% of imports in volume terms), France (20.9%), and the United Kingdom (14.6%) remained the leading suppliers of skin care preparations to Belgium, collectively accounting for 74.1% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Belgium's imports of skin care preparations in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 035 M $ US, indicating a slight contraction of 2.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 22.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 093 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 29.2%. In 2019, imports saw the most significant decline of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the United Kingdom (28.9% of imports in value terms), the United States (17.8%), and France (15.9%) played dominant roles in Belgium's skin care preparations imports, jointly representing 62.5% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020