The beauty industry isn’t always what it seems, with hidden costs, corporate acquisitions, and ethical concerns shaping what ends up on store shelves. Understanding how the industry works can help you make more informed and value-driven choices. Check out these spooky industry secrets...
- Products typically cost 10% of the retail price, while packaging often costs more than the actual formula.
- Many indie brands, such as The Ordinary and Ouai, are now owned by the major conglomerates that run the beauty industry, such as Estée Lauder and Unilever.
- L’Oréal is the largest cosmetics company on the planet, making over $45 BILLION in 2024 alone.
- Some factories produce the same product that ends up in 2 different containers - one for a high-end brand and one for a more affordable brand. The formula can be the same, but the price tag may be dramatically different.
- Since retailers can take as much as 55% of the retail price, brands have to raise prices to maintain their profits—leading to higher costs for consumers.
- Despite their popularity, some major beauty brands are still not cruelty-free, including Maybelline, Benefit, Not Your Mother’s, Clinique, and La Roche-Posay. It’s always important to check that brands’ values align with yours!
