One-third of consumers plan to gift beauty products this holiday season

CHICAGO, November 18, 2025 – The U.S. beauty industry grew across all metrics through the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, according to Circana, LLC. From January through September 2025, prestige market sales increased by +4% to $24.1 billion and units sold were also up +4%, over the same period last year. Sales in the mass market increased +5% to $54.5 billion and units sold grew +2%. Below are the key highlights and takeaways across the beauty landscape stepping into the holiday season.

Prestige fragrance sales increased by +6% to $5.9 billion. High concentrations including eau de parfums and parfums continued to make the greatest impact. Consumers continue to drive sales on both the higher and lower sides of the pricing spectrum: luxury fragrance brand sales rose by double-digits, while mini/travel size juices grew by +12% in units and mini/discovery fragrance sets were up +41%. Fragrance was the fastest-growing category in the mass market, up +17% based on dollar sales and also double digits on a unit basis.

The makeup category within prestige retail posted $7.9 billion in sales through September, up +3% versus the prior year, and also experienced a lift in terms of units sold. A particularly strong Q3 ushered a positive performance across all makeup segments – eye, face, lip, nail, and sets. Lip products continued to outperform the other segments – and in the mass market, as well – while prestige eye makeup returned to growth after a decline in 2024.

Prestige skincare sales reached $6.7 billion, posting a year over year increase of +1%. It is the only category where units are growing at a faster rate than dollars. Facial skincare, the largest segment, experienced a modest lift, driven primarily by e-commerce. Body and sun care grew at the fastest rates, with gains across both the brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels, though faster online. Skincare sales also fared well in the mass market, with face serums and facial moisturizers two of the fastest growing areas of the market. Masstige brands continue to outpace the growth of both mass and prestige brands, increasing by +14% through September. 

The prestige hair category showcased an +8% increase to $3.5 billion and units sold were also up. All prestige hair segments reported growth, ranging from a single digit increase for shampoos and conditioners to a double-digit lift in styling and treatment products. The hair segment also posted healthy results in the mass market, where it accounts for the largest piece of the mass beauty business.

“The beauty industry had a really stellar third quarter and, in fact, the growth rate has ramped up when we compare the past three quarters of 2025, which bodes well stepping into the holiday season,” said Larissa Jensen, global beauty industry advisor at Circana. “Beauty is in a position to shine this holiday, with one-third of consumers planning to gift beauty products — a meaningful increase from last year. The momentum is especially strong among higher-income households and those with children, Millennials, and Gen Z – who are not only buying for others but also indulging in self-gifting. These groups are more likely to associate holiday shopping with bringing joy or practicing self-care, signaling a prime opportunity for beauty brands and retailers to craft messaging that celebrates both giving and personal wellness.”

About Circana Circana is a leader in providing technology, AI, and data to fast-moving consumer packaged goods companies, durables manufacturers, and retailers seeking to optimize their businesses. Circana’s predictive analytics and technology empower clients to measure their market share, understand the underlying consumer behavior driving it, and accelerate their growth. Circana’s Liquid Data® technology platform is powered by an expansive, high-quality data set, and intelligent algorithms trained on six decades of domain expertise. With Circana, clients can take immediate action to future-proof and evolve their growth strategies amid an increasingly complex, fast-paced, and ever-changing economy.   

Public Relations Contact

Marissa Guyduy

Senior Manager, Public Relations

Circana