The Parapharmacy Market - France

The parapharmacy market includes all sales of care and hygiene products (for adults and babies), but also many types of products that do not require a medical prescription, such as beauty, diet and nutrition products, sun care products, hair care products, etc. The parapharmaceutical market has evolved considerably since its emergence in the 1980s and the consumption of para pharmaceutical products has become more widespread by opening up to all distribution methods: pharmacies, specialist retailers, parapharmacies, mass retailers, and online sales. This evolution is accompanied by an extension of the offer towards new territories of beauty. The parapharmacy market is growing rapidly in France, driven on one hand by the growing importance given to appearance and personal care, and on the other hand by the growing attention towards the quality of the care used (in cosmetics in particular), leading to a premiumization of consumption and valorization of the market. The production in the country is increasing, with the most important sector being, in sales terms, the body hygiene one, followed by the hair care one. In terms of growth, the sun department registered the highest numbers, with a 4.8% increase in value and a 3.1% increase in volume.  However, the arrival of new entrants and the digital transformation of the sector create new challenges for the historical players in the market, giving product innovation an increasingly central role in corporate strategies.  The main players include L'Oréal, Nestlé and Johnson&Johnson.