Skin care preparations market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Romanian skin care market entered a period of sustained expansion, supported by rising sales of sun protection products. This growth was fueled by increasing consumer awareness about the importance of sunscreen, driven by dermatologist recommendations and educational initiatives. Major players like L’Oreal Romania and Farmec strengthened their presence, contributing to market development and accessibility of products.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily affected cosmetic sales but simultaneously shifted consumer behavior towards greater focus on skin health, which sustained demand for sun care items. By 2021, the market regained momentum, supported by growing interest in science-backed skincare with proven active ingredients, including SPF creams. In 2022, growth moderated, and the market stabilized around $210.9 million, reflecting adjustments in consumer lifestyles and priorities.

Market expansion continued thereafter, reaching $237.2 million in 2023 and $272.4 million in 2024. This later growth was reinforced by innovation from leading manufacturers, who introduced multifunctional products with anti-aging benefits and lightweight textures, alongside a clear consumer shift towards scientifically substantiated skin care preparations.

Production skin care preparations in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of skin care preparations declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 41 440 K $ US, down 9.6% from 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 47 807 K $ US, with the largest annual increase of 30.5% recorded that same year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.2%.

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

Exports skin care preparations from Romania

Exports in kind, K unit

Romania's exports of skin care preparations in volume terms fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 7 756 K units, a decrease of 9.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 42.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Bulgaria, Moldova, and Hungary—collectively accounted for 67.8% of Romania's total skin care preparations exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Romania's exports of skin care preparations in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 26.4 M $ US, down 11.1% from 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 34.6 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 39.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 14.3%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 6.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Hungary were the top three markets, together absorbing 53.0% of Romania's total skin care preparations exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports skin care preparations to Romania

Imports in kind, K unit

Romania's imports of skin care preparations in volume terms decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at approximately 62 771 K units, a significant drop of 10.4% compared to 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 90 061 K units, which also saw the largest annual increase of 13.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 22.2% decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Poland, and France were the leading sources, together accounting for 54.3% of Romania's total skin care preparations imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Romania's imports of skin care preparations in value terms rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 171.2 M $ US, an increase of 11.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 45.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 13.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. France, Germany, and Poland were the top three, with shares of 23.5%, 12.0%, and 10.2%, respectively, collectively making up 45.7% of total imports.

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

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