50+ Beauty packaging statistics showing innovation in a changing industry

Written By Katheriin Liibert

The beauty packaging market continues to experience strong global growth, driven by demand for innovative, sustainable, and premium cosmetic products. We found some key statistics that reflect this ongoing expansion.

Image source: Statista

The beauty packaging market is expected to grow over 50%, from $38.2 billion in 2025 to $59.8 billion by 2034, with steady annual growth of around 5%.¹

  • Another research company estimates the market will grow from $37.8 billion in 2025 to $56.2 billion by 2034, a rise of nearly 50% with annual growth of 4.5%.²

  • Straits research estimates the beauty packaging market is to grow from $38 billion in 2025 to $57.3 billion by 2033, with steady annual growth of 5.2%.³

  • Similarly, Skyquest forecasts the market will grow from $56.7 billion in 2024 to $78.4 billion by 2032, a nearly 40% increase driven by a projected annual growth rate of 4%.⁴

  • In 2024, Asia-Pacific held 42% of the cosmetic packaging market, making it the leading region globally.⁵

  • In 2025, the Asia-Pacific market was worth $17.2 billion and is expected to grow steadily at about 5.2% annually.¹

  • Coherent Market Insights has shared that in 2025, Asia-Pacific accounted for 38% of the makeup packaging market share.⁶

  • In 2024, the North American market was valued at $14.2 billion, fueled by strong consumer demand.⁷

  • By 2032, the U.S. market is expected to reach $15.5 billion, boosted by demand for premium and sustainable packaging.⁵

  • 68% of the market in 2024 was held by plastic packaging, making it the most-used material type.¹

  • The paper material segment is expected to grow at 7% annually from 2025 to 2034, driven by sustainability trends.¹

  • Approximately 53% of the market share in 2024 was held by the skin care segment, making it the leading application.¹

  • Between 2025 and 2034, the makeup segment is forecast to grow at 6.3% annually, showing strong demand.¹

The cosmetics industry is experiencing steady growth worldwide, with customers in the Asia-Pacific region leading regional demand. But what about the future of beauty packaging? The key forces of sustainability, innovation, and a shift toward more premium offerings will shape how makeup is delivered in the years to come.

Popular beauty packaging types and materials

Consumer preferences for sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal drive the cosmetic packaging industry.

Understanding the prevalent materials and packaging types is crucial for brands aiming to meet market demands and environmental considerations.

  • Plastic accounted for 64.5% of the cosmetic packaging market share in 2024. Its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred choice for various products.⁸

  • Paper and paperboard packaging are expected to grow at a 5.9% annual rate from 2024 to 2030, reflecting the industry's move toward more sustainable solutions.⁸

  • Glass packaging is favoured for premium products, offering recyclability and a high-end appearance. It’s popular in the luxury segment.⁹

  • Tubes are the second-most popular packaging type, offering convenience and protection for products such as creams and gels.⁵

  • Jars and containers are widely used for products requiring easy access, such as moisturisers and masks, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal.⁵

  • Airless packaging is gaining popularity, especially in skincare. It protects products from oxidation and contamination, ensuring longer shelf life.¹⁹

The cosmetic packaging industry relies on a variety of materials in different shapes, each offering unique benefits in terms of consumer appeal and practicality. While plastic remains the most popular choice, sustainable alternatives such as paper and glass are gaining traction.

Embracing innovative, environmentally-friendly materials is essential for meeting the goals and expectations of environmentally conscious consumers.

Smart and interactive beauty packaging

Smart and interactive packaging is revolutionising the beauty industry by enhancing consumer engagement, ensuring product authenticity, and providing real-time information.

Technologies such as QR codes, NFC tags, and augmented reality (AR) are being integrated into packaging to offer personalised experiences and build stronger brand-consumer relationships.

  • The global smart packaging market is set to grow from $26 billion in 2025 to $40 billion by 2032, with annual growth of about 6.3%.⁵

  • In 2024, Asia-Pacific held the largest market share in smart packaging at 37%, indicating significant adoption in the region.⁵

  • The smart packaging market is expected to grow from $23.9 billion in 2024 to $25.5 billion in 2025, showing strong annual growth of 6.9%.¹⁰

  • The smart packaging market is projected to reach $32.95 billion by 2029, with steady annual growth of 6.6%.¹⁰

  • AI and connected packaging are transforming consumer engagement, with innovations like digital packaging solutions being showcased at industry events such as Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025.¹¹

  • 90% of younger shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, according to a McKinsey study, while 50% of all consumers overall are also willing to pay a higher price.¹¹

  • The global cosmetic packaging market is expected to grow from $57.6 billion in 2025 to nearly $80 billion by 2032, growing at nearly 5% each year.¹¹

  • Custom packaging is being used as a tool to consistently advertise and effectively spread brand messages across all channels, integrating social media to improve consumer interaction.¹¹

Consumer demand for personalised unboxing experiences, combined with the need for sustainable packaging solutions, has greatly driven innovation across the industry. Technology is also becoming increasingly integrated into packaging, giving brands that adopt solutions like NFC a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market.

Consumer behaviour and packaging impact

Statistics ²¹ Value
Packaging design influences purchase 72%
Packaging materials impact buying choices 67%
Packaging design is critical in personal care product selection 66%
Consumers are more likely to repurchase luxury products with premium packaging 61%

Packaging plays a pivotal role in influencing consumer purchasing decisions, especially in the beauty industry. From design aesthetics to sustainability, various packaging elements can significantly sway consumer preferences.

  • Among younger demographics, 73% of Gen Z consumers express a willingness to pay a premium for products with sustainable packaging, reflecting their environmental consciousness.¹²

  • 94% of consumers are more likely to remain loyal to brands that offer clear and accurate product information, highlighting how transparency in product labelling fosters brand loyalty.¹²

  • In the Asia-Pacific region, 50% of consumers prefer packaging that’s easy to open, indicating a demand for user-friendly designs.¹³

  • Additionally, 52% of consumers in Asia-Pacific favour packaging that’s easy to close or reseal, emphasising convenience in product usage.¹³

  • 51% of consumers value product preservation and protection, highlighting the importance of packaging in maintaining product integrity.¹³

These statistics demonstrate the impact of packaging on consumer behaviour in the beauty industry. Brands would do well to prioritise thoughtful, sustainable, and user-friendly designs because these are key to attracting and retaining customers.

Sustainable beauty packaging trends in 2025

Sustainable packaging has become a central focus in the beauty industry, driven by consumer demand, regulatory pressures, and environmental concerns. Brands are increasingly adopting environmentally friendly materials and practices to meet these evolving expectations.

  • The global sustainable packaging market is expected to grow from $305.2 billion in 2025 to $552.5 billion by 2033, with strong annual growth of 7.7%.³

  • Over 54% of consumers reported deliberately choosing products with sustainable packaging in the past six months.¹⁵

  • Approximately 40% of the market share is accounted for by paper and board materials, which dominate the sustainable packaging landscape.⁸

  • In the beauty industry, 46% of shoppers are willing to pay more for products with sustainability features, and 43% specifically seek recyclable packaging.¹⁵

  • Approximately 65% of beauty brands and retailers have reduced their virgin plastic packaging output since 2018 by increasing the use of post-consumer recycled plastics.¹⁸

  • With an annual growth rate of 8.3%, Asia-Pacific is leading the global sustainable packaging market.³

  • By 2025, 69% of consumers expect the brands and retailers they support to offer sustainable packaging.¹⁵

  • In 2023, North America accounted for 27.4% of global revenue in the sustainable packaging market, with strong growth expected as single-use plastic bans expand.²⁰

The statistics make it clear that sustainable packaging is becoming increasingly important in the beauty industry. Brands that make the shift to employing sustainable materials and practices will be well-positioned to face the future while also meeting consumer expectations.

Challenges and innovations in beauty packaging

Statistics source: ResearchGate

The beauty packaging industry is facing mounting pressure to reduce waste, improve sustainability, and meet rising consumer expectations.

At the same time, brands are investing in innovation to remain competitive and environmentally responsible.

  • 120 billion units of packaging are produced by the beauty industry every year, and 95% of it isn’t recycled.¹⁶

  • Only 14% of plastic waste is collected for recycling, and just 9% is actually recycled.¹⁶

  • By 2025, 80% of beauty brands are expected to prioritise sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing.¹¹

  • Paper-based cosmetic packaging is growing at the highest CAGR among material types due to its environmentally friendly appeal.¹¹

  • 100% aluminium containers designed for durability and recyclability are being adopted by companies like Cloud Beauty, as refillable packaging gains traction.¹¹

  • 30% of packaging demand comes from mini-size cosmetic products, driven by consumer interest in portability and trial sizes.¹¹

  • The personalised beauty industry is expected to reach over $51 billion by 2026, driving demand for custom packaging.¹¹

  • The beauty giant L’Oréal is adopting carton-plastic hybrid packaging, leading the way among brands looking to reduce plastic usage and improve recyclability.¹⁹

  • AI-powered personalisation tools like Dcypher are enabling custom foundation shades, which help reduce overproduction and excess packaging.¹⁴

These cosmetic packaging waste statistics highlight some of the key sustainability challenges the industry faces today.

The beauty packaging industry may be struggling with high amounts of non-recyclable waste, but interest in refillable solutions, smart technologies, and sustainable materials shows that the future looks promising. Brands that get on board earlier with creative sustainable packaging will be able to capitalise on changing customer preferences sooner.

We at Woola offer postal packaging for beauty products that’s protective, sustainable and leaves a great first impression. Request Woola packaging samples today or get in touch with our team to learn more.

Sources

Katheriin Liibert
Previous

8 Reasons to invest in creative sustainable packaging
Next

How to reduce plastic in packaging — and why it matters more than ever