The beauty industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving market that spans cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and personal care. Whether you're an entrepreneur, student, or industry professional, conducting thorough research is essential for understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities.
This guide provides key resources to help you navigate the beauty industry, including:
Use this guide to find authoritative sources, stay informed about industry shifts, and gain a competitive edge in the beauty business.
The United States Census Bureau created a classification system for business entities called the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Several company databases and industry research databases use these to organize their information, and it is useful to know the codes for adjacent industries as well as the codes for the businesses that you are selling to B2B. These codes start at 2 numbers to identify broad industry group and move to 6 to identify specific industries.
The U.S. Census Bureau makes the entire NAICS database open on this website and it is searchable by keyword. You can search the most updated version of the NAICS database, which is 2017, using the search bar on the left hand side of this page.
Search NAICS codes here or search the tabs for Cosmetics, Personal Care, and Salon & Spa.
325620 - Makeup (i.e., cosmetics) manufacturing
325620 - Toilet preparations (e.g., cosmetics, deodorants, perfumes) manufacturing
424210 - Cosmetics merchant wholesalers
456120 - Cosmetics stores
423620 - Personal care appliances, electric, merchant wholesalers
424210 - Toiletries merchant wholesalers
812199 - Color consulting services (i.e., personal care services)
713940 - Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers
713940 - Fitness salons
812112 - Beauty salons
812112 - Cosmetology salons or shops
812112 - Facial salons
812112 - Hair stylist salons or shops, unisex or women's
812112 - Hairdressing salons or shops, unisex or women's
812112 - Makeup (except permanent) salons
812113 - Manicure and pedicure salons
812113 - Nail salons
812113 - Pedicure and manicure salons
812199 - Day spas
812199 - Depilatory (i.e., hair removal) salons
812199 - Electrolysis (i.e., hair removal) salons
812199 - Makeup salons, permanent
812199 - Sun tanning salons
812199 - Tanning salons
Several market research firms produce reports covering key beauty industry insights, including market size, growth projections, consumer trends, competitive analysis, and major brand strategies. These reports typically require a purchase, but the library provides access to select databases that include industry research and analysis. Read the descriptions for each link below to learn more about the reports available and how to access them.
One exception is the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, which offers many of its reports, articles, and insights for free on its website. For example, explore their "How Beauty Players Can Scale Gen AI in 2025" report.
Bizminer - Compare your company’s financial performance to local and national companies of similar size by industry. Download BizMiner’s Industry Financial Profiles and Industry Market Reports; view the reports as HTML in order to input your company’s data.
Cision Communications Cloud - Media outlets and contacts. Share your news release via email with journalists, bloggers and social influencers via Cision.
Gale Business: Insights - Company and industry profiles, including brand information, investment reports, market research reports, rankings and news.
Gale Directory Library - Searchable business directories.
Mergent Intellect - Access to public & private U.S. and international business data, executive contact information, First Research industry profiles, current D&B Key Business Ratios, job search, residential look-ups, and Census demographics.
Mintel Reports Academic - Market research reports with analysis of consumer markets, companies, and brands.
Plunkett Research Online - Market research, industry analysis and company profiles; Job seeker resources.
Reference Solutions - Business, physician, dentist, and residential directory listings; job postings; data for entrepreneurs to research target customers, competitors and suppliers.
RKMA Consumer Market Research - Richard K. Miller & Associates publishes handbooks focused on marketing and the consumer marketplace. Each handbook includes market assessments and forecasts, sector trends, profiles of market leaders, and statistics. Industries include the internet & mobile web, entertainment, media & advertising, healthcare, restaurants, food & beverage, retail, sports, and travel.
Simply Analytics - Demographic, business, and marketing data on a local level; users may create reports and maps with hundreds of demographic, business and marketing variables.
Statista - Quantitative data categorized into 21 market sectors such as media, business, finance, and politics.
Winmo - Previously known as Redbooks, Winmo provides background on advertisers - their brands, media spending, campaigns, and contacts, and detailed profiles of advertising agencies - their clients, market specialization, and contacts.
WWD Archive - Fashion and beauty business news and key trends from 1994 through today from WWD, “the fashion bible”. For retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, Wall Street analysts, international moguls, media executives, ad agencies, socialites, and trend-makers.
Cosmetics & Toiletries - Cosmetics & Toiletries is a leading resource for beauty and personal care professionals, offering in-depth articles, research, and insights on cosmetic science and formulation. It covers topics such as ingredient innovations, regulatory updates, market trends, and product development strategies. This platform is particularly valuable for formulators, R&D professionals, and beauty entrepreneurs looking to stay informed about advancements in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic technology.
McKinsey & Company - McKinsey & Company reports provide in-depth analysis and insights on global business, economic trends, industry transformations, and strategic challenges.
IBISWorld (available at NYPL) - IBISWorld is the largest collection of industry and market research including specialized industries for small business research.
Trade Associations are organizations that are created to ensure the success of a particular industry. These organizations, generally, advocate for laws that legislation that help grow or protect businesses in that industry, but they also usually have webinars, in person trainings, research, and business or service directories that are designed to help people in the industry. Some of these resources and this content is free, but a lot of the services are either paid for or only open to individuals or companies that pay to become members of the organization.
Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) - An international association supporting women in the beauty industry through networking, education, and leadership opportunities.
Associated Hair Professionals (AHP) - Provides educational resources like instructional videos, newsletters, and liability insurance support for hairstylists and students.
International Spa Association (ISPA) - Focuses on the spa industry, offering resources like career centers, research tools, and educational courses through its ISPA Academy.
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) - Specializes in esthetics and skincare professionals at all career stages, providing liability insurance, education, and marketing tools.
International Association of Professional Makeup Artists - Supports makeup artists with certifications, professional directories, discounts on products/services, and business development resources.
Society of Cosmetic Chemists - A professional organization dedicated to advancing the science of cosmetic and personal care products through education, research, and collaboration among industry professionals.
CIDESCO International - A prestigious global association for esthetics and beauty therapy professionals offering certifications recognized worldwide.
Intercoiffure America/Canada - A global network of elite salon owners promoting high standards in hairdressing.
Beauty trend forecasting agencies specialize in analyzing emerging trends, consumer behaviors, and industry innovations to predict the future of beauty. These agencies track global influences, including cultural shifts, social media, fashion, technology, and sustainability, to provide insights that help brands stay ahead of market demands. By leveraging data, expert analysis, and creative intuition, they identify upcoming trends in skincare, cosmetics, haircare, and wellness, shaping product development, branding, and marketing strategies. Leading agencies like Mintel, WGSN, Beautystreams, and Trendalytics offer reports, consumer insights, and consulting services to guide beauty brands in making informed decisions. Their forecasts influence everything from product formulations and packaging to advertising campaigns, ensuring businesses remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry.
*Tip: Sign up for free newsletters if a membership is cost-prohibitive.
Mintel Reports Academic - Market research reports with analysis of consumer markets, companies, and brands.
BeautyMatter - With a focus on data-driven intelligence, cultural context, and business strategy, Beauty Matter delivers expert perspectives on emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and industry transformations.
BEAUTYSTREAMS - BEAUTYSTREAMS is the global beauty industry reference. It is a B2B market insights and trend platform specialized in the cosmetics sector. The company helps product development and marketing teams stay ahead with category forecasts, color predictions, product innovation, and consumer analyses.
Spate - Spate specializes in beauty trend forecasting by using AI-driven analysis of consumer search data to identify emerging trends in skincare, haircare, makeup, and wellness.
Trendanalytics - Trendalytics is a data-driven trend forecasting platform that uses AI and predictive analytics to track emerging beauty, fashion, and consumer trends.
WGSN Beauty – Trend forecasting platform covering skincare, cosmetics, wellness, and fragrance.
Trade publications and magazines focused on the beauty industry are essential resources for staying informed about the latest trends, innovations, and business strategies. Online trade publications WWD's Beauty Inc. provide daily updates on product launches, market shifts, and emerging brands, while print and digital magazines offer in-depth analysis of consumer trends and industry developments. Advertisements from major beauty brands in these publications can also offer insight into trending products and marketing strategies. In addition to the links below, library databases provide access to beauty trade journals, which can be valuable for researching product sourcing, pricing, and best practices.
*Tip: Subscribe to publications' social media accounts to stay up-to-date.
The New York Times (1985 - Present)
The Salesman's Guide - The Salesman's Guide Retail Buyers Database is for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking national buyers for their products in business categories like fashion, specialty foods, home furnishings, and more. Find and download contact information for store buyers.
ODAC Dermatology, Aesthetic, and Surgical Conference
Dermatology and aesthetic skincare, offering lectures and workshops on the latest treatments and product lines.
The International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS)
Special effects makeup artistry with live demonstrations by industry experts.
Leading B2B trade show for the beauty industry, featuring brand launches and product innovations.
International Beauty Show (IBS)
Educational classes and networking opportunities for beauty professionals.
Largest beauty show in the U.S., offering educational classes and hands-on workshops.
Medical aesthetics with educational sessions and hands-on training.
Celebrates the beauty industry with education and networking opportunities.
World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show
Over 250 exhibitors, live panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and the latest products in hair care, beauty, and wellness.
200+ exhibitors from across the world, focusing on multicultural beauty, with over 4,000 attendees expected.
Explore the College Navigator for a complete listing of education providers or the curated selections below.
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) - Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing BS
Highlights: Only program of its kind in the U.S., features a professional-level fragrance lab on campus.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - B.F.A. in Business of Beauty and Fragrance
University of Toledo - Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design BS
De Montfort University - Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science BSc
Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Florence - Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science BSc
University of Economics and Human Sciences - BA in Cosmetology
SMK College of Applied Sciences - Professional Bachelor in Aesthetic Cosmetology
Institute of Personal Care Science - A leading online training organization that offers internationally recognized courses in cosmetic science, formulation, and brand management for professionals in the beauty and personal care industry.
Explore the Beauty School Directory, Associated Skin Care Professionals, and American Massage Therapy Institute for a complete listing of education providers or the curated selections below.
Cosmetology
Highlights: Award-winning cosmetology course focusing on modern techniques and soft skills.
Highlights: Offers esthetics training with a focus on natural ingredients and sustainable practices.
Massage Therapy
Nail Technician
Esthetics
Makeup Artistry
PerfumersWorld Perfumery School
Offers intensive courses on the business, marketing, technology, and art of perfumery. Their approach is systematic and accessible to beginners and professionals alike.
Grasse Institute of Perfumery (GIP)
Located in Grasse, France, this school provides training that combines traditional and modern techniques. Courses are tailored for both beginners and advanced learners.
Pratt Institute’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies
In collaboration with Cinquième Sens, Pratt offers a Certificate Program in Advanced Perfumery. This program provides hands-on training in fragrance creation and sensory evaluation.
An acclaimed perfumery school with locations in Paris, Dubai, Shanghai, and Brazil. It offers comprehensive training in perfumery and fragrance creation.
Offers a Natural Perfumery Intensive Course, which includes online classes focused on creating natural botanical perfumes. The course is structured in multiple parts, culminating in a certificate of completion.
The Institute of Art and Olfaction
A non-profit organization devoted to access, education and experimentation with scent.
Vacation: Known for their creative approach to sunscreen, including the viral Classic Whip Glow SPF 30, a shimmering sunscreen mousse.
Megababe: Addressing taboo body issues with products like the Bidet Bar and Butt Stuff hemorrhoid cream.
E.l.f. Beauty: Making high-end beauty trends accessible and affordable, with successful "dupes" of prestige products.
Rōz: Focusing on clean beauty with a growing retail presence and celebrity backing.
Delavie Sciences: Utilizing space-tested bacteria in their Aeonia skincare line, offering advanced protection against various types of radiation.
Bubble Skincare: Catering specifically to Gen Z with community-driven product development.
Ciele: Expanding their "complexion wardrobe" with new innovations planned for 2025.
Cult Beauty: Known as the insider's guide to the world's best beauty products, Cult Beauty offers a curated selection of skincare and makeup items from various brands.
Soko Glam: Specializes in Korean beauty products, offering a curated selection of skincare and makeup items popular for their innovative ingredients and formulations.
The Detox Market: Focuses on natural and organic beauty products, providing a curated selection of skincare and makeup items that align with a clean lifestyle.
Ayla Beauty: Offers a curated selection of skincare and makeup products, focusing on high-quality, niche brands that are often harder to find elsewhere.
BLK + GRN: A marketplace for all-natural, Black-owned beauty brands, offering a curated selection of skincare and haircare products.
Space NK: Known for offering cult beauty finds, Space NK provides a curated selection of high-end skincare and makeup products with a satisfaction guarantee.