The Lip Care Market: Exploring Consumer Preferences and Trends
Let’s take a look at what our Beauty Buddies have to say on the subject.
Lip care has evolved far beyond its roots as a basic solution for chapped lips. Today’s consumers view their lip care routines as an essential part of overall beauty and self-care, demanding products that not only deliver hydration but also align with their values and lifestyle.
Lips are unique compared to other skin areas—they lack oil glands and are more prone to dryness and damage. As a result, consumers prioritize products that address these issues while offering additional benefits like SPF protection, anti-aging properties, and repair from environmental damage.
Today’s consumers seek products that combine hydration, protection, and cosmetic appeal, reflecting the evolving expectations in the beauty industry. Whether it’s a basic balm or a multi-functional lip serum, the demand for tailored lip care solutions continues to grow.
Hydration remains the top priority for most consumers. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and natural oils such as coconut or almond oil are highly sought after. Beyond basic moisturization, there is a rising interest in products that provide additional benefits, such as SPF protection, anti-aging properties, or repair from environmental damage. Multi-functional products, like tinted balms and glosses with built-in UV protection, have gained traction among consumers who value convenience and versatility in their routines.
Preferences in lip care products vary widely, with lip balms and glosses competing for consumer attention. Traditional lip balms remain a staple for everyday use, particularly during colder months when dry lips are more common. On the other hand, glosses and tinted products are appealing to individuals seeking a blend of hydration and cosmetic enhancement. These products, available in various shades and finishes, offer a stylish way to maintain lip health.
Packaging also plays a significant role in consumer decision-making. Additionally, unique scents and flavors—ranging from fruity to herbal—offer a personalized touch that many customers appreciate.
Emerging trends in lip care highlight the growing sophistication of this market. The demand for SPF-infused products reflects greater consumer awareness about sun protection, while gender-neutral marketing is expanding the appeal of lip care across all demographics. Innovations like lip masks and scrubs cater to consumers who want to elevate their routines with specialized treatments.
As the lip care market continues to evolve, brands that prioritize quality, sustainability, and versatility are poised for success. By understanding consumer needs and staying ahead of trends, companies can create products that resonate deeply with today’s beauty-conscious shoppers. Lip care is no longer an afterthought—it’s a key part of self-care that consumers are investing in more than ever.
Let’s delve into the Beauty Buddy inhouse survey results and check the consumer preferences on this topic.
Lip Care Frequency
Most people in the survey, 77%, stick to a daily lip care routine, showing how important it is to them. Another 14% follow their routine a few times a week, and 5% do it just once a week.
Only 3% said they take care of their lips occasionally, while 0% chose rarely or never. It’s clear that regular lip care is a top priority for almost everyone!
Top Lip Products
Lip balm is by far the most popular lip care product, with 93% of participants using it regularly.
Lip oil follows at 67%, and lip scrub is used by 62%. 50% use lip masks, while 48% prioritise lip sunscreen/SPF for protection.
39% regularly use lip treatments or serums, showing a well-rounded approach to hydration, exfoliation, and sun care in lip care routines.
Lip Concerns
Dryness is the top concern for participants, with 87% identifying it as a primary issue.
Chapped lips come in next at 61%, followed by cracking or peeling at 57%.
53% worry about a lack of smoothness, while 42% are concerned with fine lines and wrinkles.
Sun protection is a priority for 44%, reflecting the variety of lip care concerns people are addressing in their routines.
Preferred Lip Care Ingredients
Natural oils, such as coconut and jojoba oil, are the most preferred ingredients in lip care products, with 80% of participants selecting them.
Vitamin E follows closely at 77%, while SPF protection is chosen by 73%.
Hyaluronic acid is favoured by 68%, and Shea butter is preferred by 69%.
Beeswax is used by 51%, reflecting a strong preference for natural and hydrating ingredients in lip care.
SPF Importance in Lip Care
57% of participants consider SPF to be very important in their lip care products, highlighting a strong awareness of sun protection.
28% think it's somewhat important, while only 12% are neutral on the matter.
A small percentage, 1%, say it's not important, and just 1% are unsure.
This shows that most people prioritise SPF for their lips to protect against sun damage.
Lip Exfoliation Frequency
When we asked how often participants exfoliate their lips, 21% said they do so daily, while 52% exfoliate weekly.
11% exfoliate occasionally, and 7% do it monthly.
A smaller group, 4%, exfoliate rarely or never, indicating that regular exfoliation is common but not universally practiced.
Lip Product Scent Preferences
The majority of participants, 56%, have no preference when it comes to the scent of their lip products.
However, 32% prefer flavoured products, indicating a clear interest in taste or scent.
8% enjoy products that are mildly scented, while 2% favor unscented options.
Only 1% go for strongly scented products, and interestingly, 0% selected fragrance-free, suggesting most users prefer some form of scent or flavour in their lip care.
Lip Product Texture Preferences
The most preferred texture in lip products is light and glossy, with 33% of participants choosing this option, highlighting a preference for a shiny, hydrated look.
Smooth and non-greasy textures are also popular, selected by 30%, while balm-like options are favoured by 19% for their comforting feel.
Thick and creamy textures appeal to 16%, offering a richer, more luxurious experience.
Only 2% prefer matte finishes, and notably, no one selected a jelly-like texture, suggesting a lack of interest in this consistency.
Lip Care Challenges
The biggest challenge for participants when it comes to lip care is finding the right product, with 60% of respondents selecting this as their primary concern.
24% struggle with remembering to apply consistently, while 9% are put off by the texture of products.
5% are concerned about the cost of products, and only 2% face issues with sensitivity or allergic reactions.
Lip Care Application Methods
When it comes to applying lip care products, 34% of participants prefer to use their fingers, while 28% apply them with a brush or applicator.
26% apply directly from the container, and 11% use a roll-on applicator.
Only 1% use a cotton swab for application, indicating that most people prefer more direct methods for applying lip care.
Seasonal Lip Care Importance
The majority of participants, 67%, consider lip care equally important year-round, while 28% prioritise it more in winter.
Only 5% have no preference, and none of the participants indicated that lip care is more important in summer or harsh weather, suggesting that winter is the primary season for heightened lip care needs.
Incorporating Lip Care
Most participants incorporate lip care throughout the day, as needed, with 59% choosing this option.
20% include it as part of their morning skincare routine, while 16% add it to their night skincare routine.
Only 5% use lip care only when their lips feel dry or chapped, showing that regular, on-the-go lip care is the most common approach.
Are you keen to gather valuable feedback and insights directly from your target audience? Don't hesitate to reach out to us today to discuss the exciting possibilities of running targeted surveys. Let us help you achieve your goals!
We understand the importance of knowing your target audience. Do you make assumptions about your consumers, their preferences, opinions and needs? Understanding your consumers is key to ensuring your business decisions are well-informed and effective.
AT PXBB we run targeted survey campaigns, through Beauty Buddy the app, for our clients. Surveys provide answers, generate fresh data and insights, they substantiate assumptions and also help identify new trends.
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