The cosmetics market in Brazil grew by 11 percent last year, with sales reaching R$101.7bn (US$32.5bn), according to the Brazilian Association of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Industry.

The cosmetics industry plays a key role in the Brazilian economy and represents more than 1.8% of the country’s GDP.

With a total of 9.4 percent of the world’s consumption, Brazil is the third largest consumer market for cosmetics and personal care products, behind the US and China.

Sales of perfumes totalled R$17.1bn (US$5.4), while deodorant sales reached R$11.5bn (US$3.6bn). 

The Brazilian population is becoming increasingly aware about risks linked to sun exposure, thus contributing to strong sales of sunscreen products, which reached R$ 4.1 billion (US$1.3bn) last year.

Among the main categories in which Brazil stands as the world’s 2nd largest consumer products are men’s, children’s and hair care products.

The market for men’s grooming products has doubled over the past five years and reached R$11.1bn (US$3.5bn) last year.

Hair care products such as conditioners, colourants and shampoos represented the largest segment of the Brazilian cosmetics market last year, with sales reaching R$21.2bn (US$6.8bn), an increase of 11 percent from 2013.

Sales of children’s cosmetics products reached R$ 4.5 billion (US£1.4bn). Brazil is the leading consumer of hair care products for children, representing 24% of global consumption.