Beauty Spending Plans Split as Consumers Tighten Budgets
NielsenIQ says sustainability alone does not drive beauty product sales as rising food and energy costs weigh on consumers worldwide.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Spending
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At the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Paris on 28 October 2026, NielsenIQ's Tom Patton said sustainability does not by itself drive beauty product sales. Global beauty product sales grew 8% in value year-over-year, but consumer spending intentions are mixed.
Why it matters
Rising living costs are pushing consumers to prioritize essentials, and beauty buyers expect products that meet their needs at the right price. Brands relying on sustainability messaging alone may struggle to convert shoppers facing tighter budgets.
Global beauty product sales grew 8% in value year-over-year, while 24% of consumers worldwide plan to cut beauty spending over the next twelve months compared with 20% planning to increase. The survey does not show whether stated spending intentions will hold through the period.
The players
NielsenIQ
NielsenIQ is a global consumer intelligence company that measures retail sales and consumer behavior across markets.
Tom Patton
Tom Patton is a NielsenIQ executive who spoke on sustainability and beauty product sales at the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit.
The details
Rising food prices are the top consumer concern at 31%, followed by rising energy and water bills at 20%, while global warming ranks tenth at 10%. Patton noted that some money Gen Z would have saved is now being spent on beauty, even as 21% of Gen Z are less interested in milestones such as buying a home.
Timeline
28 October 2026: Tom Patton speaks at the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Paris.
Next twelve months: consumers plan to increase or reduce beauty product spending.
Market Landscape
The results show beauty spending increasingly tied to affordability rather than brand values alone, as consumers weigh rising food and energy costs against discretionary purchases. TikTok Shop purchases by 22% of consumers worldwide point to social commerce gaining share alongside traditional retail.
Shoppers weighing beauty purchases against food and energy bills may find more value in products that clearly meet a need at a fair price. Comparing prices and checking reviews before buying can help stretch a limited budget.
The takeaway
Budget pressure is reshaping beauty spending, so consumers may benefit from focusing on products they truly need. Tracking monthly expenses can help identify where discretionary spending can be trimmed without losing essentials.
Further reading
Explore more on Spending to see how household budgets are shifting across categories.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CosmeticOBS.
Live Poll
Do you plan to spend more or less on beauty products this year?
