Sales of perfumes and cosmetics in specialised retail chains, independent shops, and supermarkets increased by 2.5% to 6.56 billion euros in 2008; a strong slowdown compared to 2007 (+4%) or 2006 (+5%).

Actually, French consumers did not really increase their purchases of cosmetic products in 2008 compared to the previous year. As far as volumes are concerned, sales grew by less than 1%.

Indeed, the market growth is mainly due to price increases in this sector in 2008.

According to Precepta, the slowdown should continue in 2009. Growth in value would be less than 1.5%, while the firm considers that the second semester will be more dynamic.