Beauty & Cosmetics Sector
Current information
Industry description
Polish beauty sector – quality, innovation and global recognition
The Polish cosmetics industry is one of the most versatile in Europe. Our manufacturers offer a full spectrum of products – from skin and hair care to make-up to specialised products created with specific skin needs in mind.
A special place among them is occupied by dermocosmetics – advanced formulas for sensitive, atopic or vascular skin, developed in accordance with the highest European standards. They combine effective care with health concerns and are mainly available in pharmacies.
Polish manufacturers skilfully combine natural ingredients with modern technology. This results in products that are safe, effective and tailored to the needs of today’s consumers. Thanks to their quality and professionalism, Polish cosmetics are exported to many countries, winning recognition in demanding markets.
The wide range of products on offer, flexibility in production and attention to every stage of creation of cosmetics have contributed to strengthening Poland’s position as one of Europe’s export leaders. Our brands are recognised for the innovation, high quality and effectiveness of everyday skincare products.
The foundation for the success of this Polish industry is intensive research and development. In state-of-the-art laboratories across the country, specialists create innovative formulations that meet rigorous safety standards, responding to the diverse needs of the skin.
Sector data
- Poland is the 5th largest exporter of cosmetics in the European Union and 9th in the world.
- According to the data for 2024, there are 1,320 cosmetics manufacturers registered and operating in Poland.
- The dominant product groups in the export structure is skin care products and manicure or pedicure products (42% of Polish exports; 45% of cosmetics exports worldwide)
- The main export markets for Polish cosmetics as of 2024 are Germany (22.2%); United Kingdom ( 8.4%); Czech Republic (6.8%) and France (5.4%).
Main industry institutions
Polish Association of the Cosmetics Industry
Operating for more than 21 years, the organisation represents the interests of companies in the cosmetics industry. It brings together more than 260 companies: cosmetics manufacturers and distributors throughout Poland, as well as laboratories, consultancies, teaching centres, as well as their partners, i.e. suppliers of packaging and raw materials.
The companies that make up the organisation include large multinational corporations, the largest Polish cosmetics companies, as well as small businesses. The Association has a statutory guarantee of participation in the law-making process.
Link: Polish Cosmetics Industry Association
Polish Association of the Cosmetic and Detergent Industry
The Association has existed since 1992 and is the only organisation in Poland working on the basis of the synergy of the cosmetics and cleaning products industry. It represents more than 300 cosmetic and detergent brands.
The Association’s mission is to promote, develop and protect the interests of cosmetic and detergent companies in Poland by creating a favourable environment for the development of the industry and companies operating in the cosmetic and detergent sectors.
The Association is also a member of international industry organisations: Cosmetics Europe, the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E.) and the European Aerosol Federation (FEA).
Events where national stands are organised as part of the program for the promotion of the cosmetics sector:
- Beautyworld Middle East 2024, Dubai (UAE)
- Cosmoprof Bologna 2025, Bologna(Italy)
- Beautyworld Middle East 2025, Dubai (UAE)
- Cosme Week Osaka 2025, Osaka (Japan)
- Cosmoprof Bologna 2026, Bologna(Italy)
- Beautyworld Middle East 2026, Dubai (UAE)
- Cosmoprof Bologna 2027, Bologna(Italy)
- Beautyworld Middle East 2027, Dubai (UAE)
- Cosmoprof Bologna 2028, Bologna(Italy)
- Beautyworld Middle East 2028, Dubai (UAE)
- Cosmoprof Bologna 2029, Bologna(Italy)
Would you like to find out more about the promotion of the rail vehicle sector as part of the Brand HUB project? Contact us:
Contact
Project coordinator
Dorota Szczytowicz
Download publications about the sector
What has allowed Poland to take a leading place in the global cosmetics industry? What strengths distinguish Polish brands on the global market? And most importantly – why is it so profitable to invest in the sector of natural cosmetics, innovative formulations and skincare products today? The Polish Investment and Trade Agency encourages you to read an industry report that provides comprehensive answers to these questions.
Supervising institution
