The African beauty and personal care (BPC) sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation.
According to the latest intelligence from global market research leader Mintel, the region is witnessing a surge in demand for products specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin and textured hair.
Technavio projects that Africa’s BPC market will grow by over US$5bn between 2021 and 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing regions globally.
This shift is catalysing a new era of local innovation, attracting both domestic start-ups and international investment, and challenging outdated assumptions that the African market is niche, uniform or underdeveloped.
Mintel's findings underscore three critical dynamics shaping the African BPC landscape: a growing focus on science-backed, culturally attuned formulations; a regional divergence in consumer needs; and the emergence of hybrid brand models that blend local heritage with global best practices.
Product innovation for melanin-rich skin
Skin care brands operating in Africa are beginning to prioritise the physiological nuances of melanated skin.
Local innovators such as Uncover, a Kenya-based brand, exemplify this trend.
Uncover recently raised $1.4m in funding to invest in technology, launch new product lines, and expand into new markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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