Skin care preparations market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The skin care preparations market in Portugal, encompassing sunscreens, showed mixed dynamics from 2018 to 2021. Early growth in consumer awareness of the importance of sunscreen use and the launch of new product ranges focused on family protection and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid supported market activity. After a period of stabilization, the market contracted sharply in 2020 before recovering in 2021, supported by the global expansion of anti-aging ingredients which boosted demand for sunscreens combining protection with skin care benefits.

From 2022 onward, the market entered a phase of robust expansion. The introduction of advanced UV filtration technology, such as L'Oréal's UVMune 400 protecting against long UVA rays, and the entry of new brands with natural formulations stimulated imports and consumption. Growing consumer preference for high SPF 50+ protection, multifunctional products offering hydration and oil control, and heightened awareness of skin cancer risks drove market growth. This was further supported by strategic acquisitions by major companies expanding their skin care portfolios. Innovation continued through 2025 with a focus on private-label manufacturers offering advanced formulations and products combining sun protection with additional benefits against environmental stress.

Production skin care preparations in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output of skin care preparations in Portugal was valued at 6 246 thousand US dollars, marking a 25.2% decrease from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 48.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -20.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 41.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020, at 17.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports skin care preparations from Portugal

Exports in kind, K unit

In 2021, skin care preparations exports from Portugal reached 13 572 thousand units, down by 13.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 5.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 12 121 thousand units, while the maximum was in 2020 at 15 619 thousand units. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 15.4%, and the largest increase was in 2020, at 28.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, the main markets for exports in kind were Spain, accounting for 44.4% of exports, Angola at 10.8%, and the Netherlands at 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 63.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Skin care preparations deliveries from Portugal increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal exported 65.6 million US dollars worth of skin care preparations, showing a sharp improvement of 29.8% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 50.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 38.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 12.6%, while the largest increase was in 2020, at 32.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the partner landscape for exports in value terms was diverse. Spain accounted for 26.4% of exports, Angola for 9.0%, and Hong Kong for 5.8%, together forming only 41.1% of total flows. A substantial 58.9% was supplied to many other countries, indicating a wide distribution of export markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports skin care preparations to Portugal

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year drop, skin care preparations imports into Portugal increased. In 2021, imports totaled 77 262 thousand units, corresponding to a gradual rise of 4.9% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 7.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 73 646 thousand units. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Spain, France, and Germany—together accounted for 81.8% of total imports in kind of skin care preparations to Portugal.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the volume of skin care preparations imports into Portugal amounted to 219.6 million US dollars, showing an improvement of 17.0% versus the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 187.6 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 221.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 15.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and Germany formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 46.5% of imports, France for 24.7%, and Germany for 8.0%, with a combined share of 79.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021