Cosmetics

Drugs regulator says beauty creams from across the border are not registered, and contain excessive, toxic heavy metals

Regulators, companies and multinational entities have for years tried to coordinate efforts to take these products off shelves and websites

To acquire the remaining 40% stake over the next three years

Packaging major EPL Ltd expects its beauty and cosmetics business to emerge as the key growth engine going forward, even as its oral care segment continues to deliver steady growth, said its Global CEO Hemant Bakshi. EPL sees the growth momentum continuing in July after reporting 25 per cent topline growth in the June quarter, and has raised its revenue guidance for the near term to 16-18 per cent and has retained its margin guidance at 20 per cent. On the proposed merger of EPL with Indovida, which according to reports will create a consumer packaging major with a combined valuation of around USD 2 billion, Bakshi said the transaction aligns closely with EPL's long-term strategy. "We want to become a global leader in consumer packaging, focused on emerging markets. Rather than just being a supplier, we have to become an innovation partner for our customers," Bakshi told PTI in an interview. EPL (earlier known as Essel Propack Ltd), now promoted by the Blackstone Group through Epsi

India's beauty and personal care (BPC) products market is projected to reach USD 39 billion by 2030, driven by a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour, according to a report by e-commerce major Flipkart. Once an aspirational segment, beauty is increasingly being viewed as a daily essential for self-care and identity rather than an occasional indulgence, the report said. According to the 'Flipkart GlamUp Annual Beauty Trends Report 2026', the Indian beauty market, currently valued at approximately USD 27 billion, is identified by industry experts as one of the most attractive growth markets globally. "India's beauty market is at an inflexion point. What was once an aspirational category has become a daily expression of self-care, confidence, and identity. The opportunity is significant. India's beauty market is valued at USD 27 billion today and is expected to reach USD 39 billion by 2030, making it one of the world's most attractive growth markets," Priyanka Bhargav, Senior Direct

Cosmetic products supplied in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics under the law and are not permitted for use by consumers, professionals or aesthetic clinics, the central drug regulator has made it clear. The advisory by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's (CDSCO) comes amid the growing popularity of injectable aesthetic procedures being promoted as "cosmetic" treatments in beauty clinics and wellness centres across the country. The clarification is aimed at preventing misuse of cosmetic products for treatment purposes and ensuring consumer safety, particularly as non-surgical aesthetic procedures gain popularity in urban centres and through social media promotion, a source said. The move also seeks to curb misleading advertising and unauthorised cosmetic practices by clinics and individuals. In the public notice issued on May 18, the regulator said that cosmetics are intended only to be "rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed" on the body fo

Doctors caution against cosmetic misuse of GLP-1 drugs as cheaper generics boost access, raising risks of unsupervised use and short-term weight-loss trends

Experts warn that blindly following beauty trends or celebrity favourites can harm your skin, and understanding ingredients is the safest way to choose skincare products

French cosmetics major L'Oreal is "not satisfied" with its performance in the Indian market, where it has not gained any market share in 2025 despite recording high single-digit growth, said its global CEO Nicolas Hieronimus. India, which currently contributes roughly one per cent of L'Oreal's turnover, is very small and needs a lot of effort, both financial and human, to change gears in India, Hieronimus said while responding to a query on the fourth-quarter earnings call last week. "India, though, is not meeting expectations, and we have a new setup there starting this year," said Hieronimus in his opening remarks. Hieronimus said he is "optimistic, ambitious" that the company will start doing better in 2026. L'Oreal, which last year appointed a new team, with Jacques Lebel as its India country manager, expects a growth revival in India, where beauty products are witnessing faster growth, riding on tailwinds as a growing economy, rising disposable income, and an expanding number

The company has partnered with Bengaluru-based Bilberry Brands under a licensing deal, starting with an online launch before expanding into physical stores

Reliance Retail on Monday announced to bring 'essence', Europe's leading cosmetics brand by units sold, to the Indian market, a move which will help the growing beauty business of country's leading retailer. It has entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with cosnova Beauty, the Germany-based global cosmetics company, said a statement from Reliance Retail. "The collaboration strengthens RRL's growing beauty portfolio and will introduce essence's vibrant range of high-quality, affordable, and cruelty-free makeup products to consumers across India," it said. It will available on the Reliance Retail's integrated omnichannel ecosystem, making the essence range of products accessible across online platforms, beauty stores, and partner retail formats. "As the official distributor, RRL will expand the brand's reach across premier beauty destinations throughout India," it said. Founded in Germany in 2002, essence is sold in around 90 countries. Its over 80 per cent products are

H&M is launching its beauty line in India on October 2 with 200 products across make-up, fragrances, and beauty tools as it marks 10 years of operations in India

FSN's UK push for Kay, which will be across 13 stores and Space NK's online platform, faces the challenge of increasing brand awareness in a very competitive cosmetics and skin care market

The FMCG segment is witnessing a significant 'consumer shift' towards newer and regional brands, as consumers are increasingly seeking value and opting for localized preferences, Honasa Consumer Chairman and CEO & Co-founder Varun Alagh has said. Regional brands are giving tough competition to the large established players with their aggressive pricing and better margins for the distributors, impacting the growth of large brands in the industry. "Overall, there is a consumer shift happening towards newer brands, regional brands... as large FMCG (companies) are not growing as strongly," Alagh told PTI. The new FMCG brands are younger with new propositions and are working on strong vernacular strategies, he said. After the latest June quarter results, large FMCG companies such as Britannia, Dabur, Marico, HUL, etc have acknowledged competition from small regional brands in their pockets of influence in some of their product categories. When asked about the overall FMCG industry ...

With growth steady in beauty and improving in fashion, Nykaa targets stronger margins, offline expansion, and breakeven in fashion by FY26, say analysts

Mercury-based products like skin-lightening creams and eye makeup pose serious health risks, prompting India to consider a full ban to align with global norms

Brands catering to wealthier Indians have weathered a high cost-of-living-led slowdown in consumer spending, as the affluent continue to splurge on comforts and luxuries

"This strategic expansion follows Birla Cosmetics' launch of Contraband earlier this year," the company said in a release

Seoul, long a destination for beauty services, last year became the top exporter of cosmetics to America, overtaking France, according to the US International Trade Commission

Experts attribute this growth to several factors, including US FDA- approved imports from international markets