The beauty and cosmetics market promises substantial growth this year and in the coming years. According to an article by Cosmetic Innovation, the global cosmetics market was valued at USD 313.22 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 417.24 billion by 2030, registering an annual growth rate of 4.2% during this period. 

According to research by Euromonitor International, the four largest markets in this segment are the United States, China, Japan, and Brazil. Given this growth, ensuring efficiency and quality in all products becomes essential. With this in mind, challenges also arise for professionals working in this field. 

Discussing the subject with an industry specialist, Kapim Bagga, who currently leads a global team for Dettol personal care product development based in Singapore, shed light on this pertinent topic. “Navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of global regulations is a significant challenge. Manufacturers must ensure their products comply with the stringent requirements of different countries, including ingredient restrictions, labelling requirements, and safety standards,” he said. 

On this subject, Kapim also highlighted challenges related to sustainability. “With the growing demand from consumers for eco-friendly products, manufacturers face the challenge of sourcing sustainable ingredients, reducing their carbon footprint, and minimizing waste. Implementing sustainable practices without compromising product quality or increasing costs is a delicate balance,” added the specialist, who has over 16 years of R&D (Research and Development) experience at Reckitt, Dow Corning, and Unilever. 

Moreover, the rapid pace of change in consumer preferences requires manufacturers to be agile and innovative. Keeping up with trends such as clean beauty, personalized skincare, and multifunctional products demands continuous research and development. Kapim elaborated: “Ensuring product safety and quality is fundamental. This involves rigorous testing, quality control measures, and anticipating potential contamination issues. Any lapse in product safety can lead to recalls, legal issues, and damage to the brand’s reputation,” he explained. 

Regarding challenges, the specialist, with extensive experience in various categories within the field, including Personal Care, Hair Care, Disinfectants, Surface Cleaners, and his current focus on Germ Protection, did not overlook Labour Laws and Ethical Practices: “Adhering to evolving labour laws and ensuring ethical practices in manufacturing and sourcing is increasingly important. Companies must ensure fair labour practices, safe working conditions, and avoid exploitation in their supply chains.” 

Key Industry Requirements Today 

Discussing further about the cosmetics market, Kapim mentioned some important requirements for this industry today. These include Regulatory Adherence, Sustainability

Practices, Innovation and Research, Quality Control and Safety Standards, and Pricing Strategy. 

“Regarding Regulatory Adherence, compliance with international and local regulations related to ingredients, production processes, and labelling is crucial. This includes following guidelines set by bodies such as the FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, and other national regulatory agencies. Among the requirements are adopting sustainable and eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and packaging. This includes reducing plastic use, utilizing biodegradable materials, and ensuring ethical sourcing,” said the expert. 

Further elaborating on these topics, Kapim continued: “Continuous innovation and research investment in R&D is necessary to create innovative products that meet emerging consumer needs, such as anti-aging, pollution defense, and microbiome-friendly skincare products. And of course, implementing rigorous quality control measures to ensure product safety and efficacy, including stability testing, microbial testing, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).” 

“Considering pricing strategies, it is necessary to balance costs and pricing to remain competitive and ensure quality. This includes cost management in the supply chain, efficient production processes, and strategic pricing models that reflect the product’s value and quality,” he concluded on the current requirements. 

Meet Kapim Bagga 

A specialist in the cosmetics market, Kapim Bagga is a highly accomplished professional with over 16 years of experience, having worked in various countries including India, Japan, Indonesia, the United States, and Singapore. 

Kapim began his career at Hindustan Unilever Limited in 2007 after completing his Master’s in Pharmacy from Mumbai University. He joined Reckitt in 2012 after a two-year stint at Dow Corning. Starting as an R&D associate in Gurgaon, India, he has consistently demonstrated a strong track record of driving innovation and fostering high-performing teams, leading him to take on increasingly challenging roles within organizations. 

Mr. Bagga’s expertise spans the entire lifecycle of R&D, from upstream innovation to operations. He has delivered several innovative, consumer-winning, and commercially successful product propositions in personal and surface hygiene. 

Notable examples include a 100% plant-derived active personal hygiene range (bar soap and hand wash), sustainable powder-to-liquid hand wash, the first-ever effervescent germ-kill tablets for toilet bowl disinfection, ECOCERT In-the-Bowl (ITB) toilet cleaner, PVOH-wrapped self-sticking ITB with 99% less plastic, long-lasting clean toilet bowl cleaner, and Gemini surfactant-based makeup remover. 

Today, Kapim Bagga is the R&D Director for Dettol PC at Reckitt, leading a global team for Dettol personal care product development. 

Author: Marinara Screpanti