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Italian Cosmetics Industry Projected to Hit €18.1 Billion Turnover by 2026
•2 min read•1 source
The Italian cosmetics sector is demonstrating remarkable economic resilience, with projections indicating a total turnover of €18.1 billion by 2026. This forecast, revealed during Milan Beauty Week 2026 by Cosmetica Italia, represents a 1% increase from 2025 levels. Domestic consumption is also expected to rise significantly, reaching €13.1 billion, which marks a 2.3% growth. Over the past decade, the cosmetics industry has consistently outperformed Italy's national GDP growth, proving to be a stable pillar of the economy even amidst complex global geopolitical shifts. This sustained growth is largely attributed to the sector's ability to innovate and adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Growth is being driven by diverse retail channels, with e-commerce leading the surge at a 9% increase. Traditional outlets are also performing well, as pharmacies and perfumeries report expected growth rates of 3.5% and 2% respectively. Geographically, the Lombardy region remains the undisputed hub of the industry, hosting 35.1% of all cosmetics companies and generating an impressive 63% of the total national turnover. The concentration of expertise in this region continues to fuel the technical and creative advancements that define Italian beauty products on the world stage. On the international front, exports are anticipated to reach €8.6 billion in 2026, a modest 0.5% increase. While the industry is experiencing some contraction in established markets like the United States and the United Arab Emirates, these shifts are being balanced by robust growth across Europe and Asia. To bolster its global standing, Cosmetica Italia is promoting the 'This is Bellezza: Say Hello To Italian Beauty' project, an initiative designed to showcase the unique characteristics of the 'Made in Italy' brand. Industry leaders emphasize that continued investment in innovation and strategic international positioning will be essential for maintaining this upward trajectory in the coming years.
