Hair care products are products that are used to clean, condition, style, protect, or treat hair. They include shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, hair oil, hair dye, hair mask, and other products.
ZMUni will explore the market, trend, and regulatory requirements of hair care products in China, which is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2022 to 2027.
We will also discuss the classification, registration, notification, testing, and animal testing of hair care products in China according to the Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR) that came into force on January 1, 2021.
We intend to provide an overview and analysis of the current situation and future prospects of hair care products in China.
I.The Factors that Influence the Hair Care Market in China
The main drivers of the market growth are increasing consumer awareness and demand for scalp health, hair loss prevention, and hair quality improvement. According to a survey by Statista, hair loss was the most common hair problem among Chinese consumers in 2020, followed by dryness and split ends. Therefore, many consumers are looking for products that can address these issues and enhance their hair appearance and health.
Another factor that contributes to the market growth is the rising popularity of organic and natural hair care products, as well as customized and personalized products. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the ingredients and effects of hair care products on their hair and scalp, as well as on the environment. They are also seeking products that can suit their individual preferences and needs, such as hair type, color, texture, and style.
The market of hair care products in China is also influenced by the changing consumer lifestyles and trends. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in consumer behavior and preferences, such as increased online shopping, home-based hair care routines, DIY hair treatments, and low-maintenance hairstyles. Moreover, the market is also affected by social media and celebrity influences, as well as cross-cultural influences from other countries and regions.
II. The Trend of Hair Care Products in China
The trend of hair care products in China is driven by the above-mentioned factors.
One of the main trends is the increasing demand for holistic skin health, which extends from facial to whole-body care. Consumers are more concerned about scalp health, hair loss prevention, and hair quality improvement. They are looking for products that can repair and soothe their hair and scalp, especially after wearing masks and staying indoors for a long time.
Another trend is self-orientated beautification, which emphasizes inner confidence and natural beauty. Consumers are focusing on themselves and showing their unique personalities and style through their hair. They are less influenced by social norms and expectations and more by their own emotions and satisfaction. They are also seeking products that can enhance the natural glow and healthiness of their hair. For example, some consumers prefer low-maintenance hairstyles that require less styling and coloring products.
A third trend is the rising popularity of organic and natural hair care products, as well as customized and personalized products. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the ingredients and effects of hair care products on their hair, scalp, and environment. They are opting for products that are free of harmful chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, silicones, etc., and contain natural or plant-based ingredients. They are also looking for products that can suit their individual needs and preferences, such as hair type, color, texture, and style. For example, some consumers use online platforms or apps to create their own shampoo formulas based on their hair conditions.
III.The Market Share of Hair Care Products in China
The market of hair care products in China is segmented by product type and distribution channel. By product type, shampoo is the largest segment, followed by conditioner and hair spray.
By distribution channel, supermarkets/hypermarkets are the dominant channel, followed by specialty stores and convenience stores. Online retail stores are also gaining popularity due to their convenience, variety, and discounts.
The market of hair care products in China is highly competitive and fragmented, with many local and international players. Some of the leading players include Procter & Gamble (P&G), Unilever, L’Oréal, Shiseido, Henkel, Kao Corporation, Beiersdorf AG, Amorepacific Corporation, Marico Limited, and Godrej Consumer Products Limited. These players compete in various aspects such as product innovation, quality, price, distribution network, marketing strategy, and customer loyalty.
In conclusion, the trend of hair care products in China is a dynamic and diverse market that offers many opportunities and challenges for new entrants. To succeed in this market, new entrants need to understand consumer behavior and preferences, offer high-quality, safe, and differentiated products that can meet their needs and wants, and leverage online channels and platforms to reach and engage with them.
II. Regulatory Requirements of Hair Care Products in China
The regulatory requirements of hair care products in China are mainly stipulated by the Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), which came into force on January 1, 2021.
The CSAR defines cosmetics as “daily chemical products intended to be applied on human skin, hair, nails, lips, mouth, etc., by spreading, spraying or other similar ways for cleansing, protecting, beautifying, or grooming purposes”.
The CSAR classifies cosmetics into special cosmetics and general cosmetics. Special cosmetics include hair dyes, hair perms, whitening products, sunscreen products, anti-hair loss products, and products with new efficacy. General cosmetics include other cosmetic products that do not fall under special cosmetics. Special cosmetics require registration with the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and general cosmetics are subject to filing procedure with the provincial Medical Products Administration (MPA).
Therefore, hair care products that have claims of hair dyes, hair perms, and anti-hair loss products or new efficacy, fall into the category of special cosmetics and are subject to registration with the NMPA. Other types of hair care products are general cosmetics.
IV. Testings Required for Hair Care Products Exported to China
For hair products introduced into the Chinese market, substantiation is required to prove the safety and efficacy of products.
Safety testing covers microbiological testing, physiochemical testing, toxicity testing (animal testing), and safety test on humans. It is worth noting that different products are required to conduct different tests. In other words, your products might only need several of the above-mentioned tests. However, all the tests related to safety shall be conducted in China and follow the standards set in China.
As for efficacy testing, some reports of tests conducted outside China can be accepted, such as anti-hair break, anti-dandruff, etc. Efficacy testing required for hair products is listed in Table 1.
However, tests for anti-hair loss effects have to be done in China. This is because efficacy evaluation tests on humans shall be conducted under the requirements of mandatory national standards and technical specifications, and issue a report.
If the efficacy claims that the active part is only hair, real hair in vitro can be selected for evaluation. This method is commonly adopted by the claims of nourishing, repair, hair care, and anti-hair break.
Table 1: Efficacy Testing Required for Hair Care Products
Efficacy Claims | Human Efficacy Evaluation Test | Consumer Use Test | Lab Test | Literature Review |
Anti-hair loss | √ | |||
Nourishing | √ | |||
Repair | √ | |||
Anti-hair break | * | * | * | △ |
Anti-dandruff | * | * | * | △ |
Hair care | * | * | * | * |
Hair dye | The summary of efficacy claims can be exempted since they can be directly recognized through senses. | |||
Hair perm | ||||
Hair color care | ||||
New efficacy | It depends on the efficacy. | |||
1. Items marked with √ in the column are mandatory items;
2. Items marked with * in the column are optional items, but at least one item must be selected;
3. Items marked with △ in the column are optional items, but they must be used together with human efficacy evaluation tests, consumer use tests or laboratory tests.
V. Animal Testing Exemption
For hair products other than anti-hair loss, hair dye, and hair perm, they fall into the category of general cosmetics and they can be exempted from animal testing if they meet the following requirements.
Table 2: Conditions for Animal Testing Exemption
Conditions | |
A | It is general cosmetics. |
B | Manufacturers have obtained a certificate issued by the government to prove their qualification to produce qualified products, such as Good Manufacturing Practices. |
C | The safety assessment results can substantiate the safety of products. |
D | It does not involve New Cosmetic Ingredients. |
E | It is not intended for kids or infants. |
F | Domestic responsible persons, notifiers, and manufacturers of products have no bad records in China. |
In conclusion, the hair care products market in China is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for personal care products and the rising disposable income of consumers. The trend towards natural and organic products is also gaining momentum, with consumers becoming more aware of the potentially harmful effects of certain chemicals.
However, the regulatory requirements for hair care products in China are strict and complex, requiring manufacturers to comply with a range of standards and regulations. Despite these challenges, the hair care products market in China presents a significant opportunity for both domestic and international companies to tap into the growing demand for high-quality and innovative products.
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