Product categories can be mostly grouped as follows, each of them encompassing a broad range of product types: fragrances, body care, skin care, face or facial care, hair care, and decorative cosmetics, commonly referred to as make-up. As far as the latter is concerned, in Germany the most popular decorative cosmetics product among women in 2021 was mascara. Other top three items included blush and lipstick. Men tended to use various shaving and aftershave products the most.
Cosmetics users are no strangers to seeking out sustainable consumption. Established companies in the industry are consequently either changing and communicating environmentally friendly production practices, or facing competition from other cosmetics brands who declared themselves green from the beginning. Generally, definitions of natural cosmetics state that a product labeled as such must include an overwhelming majority of natural ingredients. In Germany, the term natural cosmetics is not protected by law, which means that the final indicator of whether the product fulfills the appropriate criteria are certain types of seals on the packaging. These seals are issued in accordance with EU regulations. Natural cosmetics revenue only grew in Germany, amounting to 1.48 billion euros in 2021.
