Talcum powder and other powders for cosmetic use market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for cosmetic powders in Russia stood at around 39.4 million units in 2018 but was vulnerable due to reliance on imported raw materials. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the closure of many retail channels and increased raw material prices, causing a sharp drop in market volume to 30.2 million units. In 2021, declining household incomes and inflation further reduced sales, bringing the market down to 28.0 million units. Sanctions in 2022 halted a significant portion of imports, yet a rapid rise in domestic producers—from 15 new companies in 2019 to 45 in 2022—helped stabilize the market at 28.0 million units.

From 2023 onward, the market recovered, reaching 31.9 million units in 2023 and growing to 34.6 million units in 2024. This expansion was driven by a shift in consumer preference toward natural and eco-friendly powders, with demand for such products rising by 22% in 2023. The emergence of over 80 new brands in 2023, many locally produced, broadened market supply. Government grants totaling RUB 1.2 billion for modernizing production in regions like Tula and Smolensk also supported manufacturing capacity.

Throughout the period, regulatory changes played a key role. The introduction of mandatory labeling under the 'Chestny Znak' system, starting with Government Resolution No. 1949 in July 2020 and expanding with new codes in 2022 and 2023, required manufacturers to invest in tracking systems. Stricter technical regulations, such as TR TS 009/2011-2023, imposed higher microbiological purity standards, forcing producers to upgrade production lines.

Production talcum powder and other powders for cosmetic use in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Russia's production of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, production reached 7 821 thousand units, showing a significant decrease of 15.2% compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 16.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.7%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 9 930 thousand units, with the largest annual increase of 6.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Exports talcum powder and other powders for cosmetic use from Russia

Exports in kind, K unit

Russia's exports of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 2 583 thousand units, reflecting a sharp rise of 26.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 79.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main buyers of Russian talcum powder and other cosmetic powders were Belarus, accounting for 24.5% of exports in volume, Kazakhstan with 16.0%, and Uzbekistan at 12.7%. Together, these three countries represented 53.2% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Russia exported talcum powder and other cosmetic powders worth 5 180 thousand US dollars, up by 44.1% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value increased by 91.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 12.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 50.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the largest shares of Russia's export value for talcum powder and other cosmetic powders went to Belarus with 24.6%, Kazakhstan with 20.0%, and Hong Kong with 9.8%. Combined, these three destinations accounted for 54.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports talcum powder and other powders for cosmetic use to Russia

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year decline, Russia's imports of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders have started to recover. In 2021, imports amounted to 23 613 thousand units, remaining stable compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 24.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 9.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 23 495 thousand units, which also saw the largest annual decline of 22.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the primary sources for Russia's imports of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders in volume terms were Italy with 22.5%, Thailand with 16.3%, and China with 16.0%. Together, these three countries made up 54.8% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year reduction, Russia's import value for talcum powder and other cosmetic powders has increased. In 2021, imports stood at 41 425 thousand US dollars, marking a robust rise of 23.8% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value decreased by 19.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 33 470 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 32.5%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, the main destinations for Russia's import value of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders were Italy with 37.4%, France with 11.2%, and China with 10.1%. Collectively, these three accounted for 58.7% of total import value.

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

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