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Last year the value of cosmetics sold in pharmacies was 2.1 billion euros, up 7.5% compared to 2022; estimates for 2024 foresee a further increase of 7.2 percentage points. In the comparison between 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2023, the weight of the pharmacy channel on cosmetic consumption decreased slightly (in 2019 the channel represented 17.4% of cosmetic consumption, in 2023 16.7%): this data however, it must not be read as the result of lower channel competitiveness, but as the effect of lower inflation pressure compared to other distribution formulas.
Those for facial care (30%), body care products (14%) and sunscreen products (10%) are in the top 3 of the 2023 consumption basket of cosmetics in pharmacies. Facial care and sunscreen are also the product categories with the most dynamic trends recorded in 2023 compared to the previous year (+10.7% and +10.9% respectively); Also noteworthy is the trend of make-up products sold in pharmacies, which grew by 13%.
The photograph of the sector was taken by the Cosmetics in Pharmacy group of Cosmetica Italia which returns to Cosmofarma Exhibition, from tomorrow to 21 April at BolognaFiere, with the claim “Cura. Inspiration. Evolution” which highlights three key concepts: taking care, which is what healthcare professionals are called to do every day. Inspiration as a spark so that we work around a sketched idea to build a good project. Finally, evolution as a questioning, a driving force for comparison, towards personal and professional growth.
«Hygiene, self-care, well-being, prevention and protection are the daily needs, essential for each individual, to which cosmetics are able to respond. This essential trait of the product, combined with the reliability and experience of the pharmacist, make the pharmacy the third sales channel for cosmetics in our country – comments Luigi Corvi, president of the Cosmetics in Pharmacy group of Cosmetica Italia -. The pharmacy is progressively evolving towards a real hub with immediate access to which the consumer can turn to find answers and advice not only on issues related to their health, but more generally to their well-being. From this perspective, our now consolidated presence at Cosmofarma is extremely important to discuss and dialogue with the professionals and operators of the channel, interpreting future developments and needs together.”
For the entire duration of Cosmofarma Exhibition 2024 the Cosmetics in Pharmacy Group is present with an institutional space inside Pavilion 25 (stand C2). The Association’s experts and some partners will also take care of specific in-depth moments. Saturday 20 April (at 12:00) at the Innovation Space, New Line will propose a speech entitled Receipts and loyalty cards photograph the dermocosmetics customer in the pharmacy. As part of the Cosmetic Summit, however, on Saturday 20 April (2.30 pm) the opening speech will be on president of the Cosmetics in Pharmacy Group, Luigi Corvi, presenting the most recent findings on the trend of the sector, with particular attention to consumption in the pharmacy channel (The measurement of phenomena in the pharmacy channel). This will be followed by a speech by the Cosmetica Italia Study Center entitled The pharmacy channel between multi-channel and consumer engagement and by IQVIA, The main areas of innovation in the dermocosmetic market.