THE WHAT? Chanel has retained its position as the world’s most valuable cosmetics brand in Brand Finance’s Cosmetics 50 2026 ranking, despite an overall slowdown across the global beauty industry.
THE DETAILS According to Brand Finance, the total value of the global cosmetics sector declined 6% year-on-year to US$149.8 billion amid economic and geopolitical pressures. French brands continued to dominate the ranking, accounting for 47% of total brand value at US$68.5 billion. Chanel remained the sector’s most valuable and strongest brand despite an 11% decline in brand value to US$24.4 billion, supported by improvements in reputation, engagement and consumer consideration. L’Oréal ranked second with a brand value of US$13.5 billion, while Gillette held third place at US$8.4 billion. Bulgari emerged as the fastest-growing cosmetics brand, with brand value rising 41% to US$1 billion, driven by expansion, luxury fragrance collections and flagship store openings. Meanwhile, Japanese skincare brand Bioré climbed 29 positions to become the third strongest brand globally following strong sunscreen innovation and a global campaign with K-pop group Stray Kids. The report also highlighted growing consumer demand for performance-led products, climate-adaptive formulations and stronger sustainability credentials.
THE WHY? The findings reflect changing consumer expectations in the beauty industry, where innovation, sustainability, affordability and proven product efficacy are becoming increasingly important amid global economic uncertainty.
Source: Brand Finance
