Sales of cosmetics and perfume in the first half of 2023 exceeded pre-pandemic levels

In the first half of 2023, Russians made 14% more purchases of cosmetics and perfumes compared to the same period in 2022. Compared to the pre-pandemic half of 2019, the figure increased by 10%. About it informs RBC with reference to the data of the analytical resource “Chek index” of the OFD Platform company. Absolute sales figures are not provided in the study.

The number of purchases increased sharply in the second quarter of 2023 – by 45% compared to the same period in 2022. At the same time, in the first quarter, on the contrary, there was a decrease in the number of cosmetics sales – by 21% compared to a year earlier.

Analysts noted that the decrease in purchases in January-March was offset by an increase in sales of gift certificates during the holidays. In February and March, the number of purchases of certificates in cosmetics stores increased by 15-17% compared to 2022.

In monetary terms, sales of cosmetics and perfumes increased by 19% compared to the first half of 2022 and by 32% compared to the pre-pandemic period in 2019. RBC points to an increase in spending by Russians on cosmetics and perfumes in the first half of 2023. Average bill for one purchase amounted to about 4,000 rubles, which is 5% more than a year ago, and 21% more than in 2019.

In 2022, against the backdrop of the start of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, a number of major foreign brands announced their withdrawal from the Russian Federation. For example, supplies stopped Shiseido (brands Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab, Avene), Estee Lauder (Clinique, By Kilian, Le Labo, Tom Ford, Origins, Jo Malone, MAC), LVMH (Christian Dior, Givenchy, Kenzo, Sephora) and others. After As a result, the Ministry of Industry and Trade allowed the import of products of a number of cosmetic brands into Russia by parallel import, including Lancome, Giorgio Armani, Kerastase and Yves Saint Laurent.

In June, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Mikhail Yurin declaredthat fears associated with a possible shortage of perfumery and cosmetic products in Russia after the departure of a number of Western brands have not materialized.