The beauty market is the fastest-growing sector in 2025, which has a multi-billion dollar industry. With new products and trends coming up each day, the market of beauty products has been gaining popularity across the world. In 2025, the beauty market will be impacted by economic trends on a global basis, including tariffs. Tariffs are essentially imposed on foreign beauty products that greatly affect the price and accessibility of goods.

In 2025, beauty products are the goods that were hit hardest with the U.S. tax penalty. Compared to other beauty segments, Asian beauty like K- and J-Beauty would most likely be the hardest hit by the U.S. tariffs. In this guide, we will explore 9 beauty products that are affected by current USA tariffs, the reason why they are impacted, and what it means to consumers. Continue reading to know more in detail about the impact of the USA tariffs on the beauty industry in 2025!

Overview of the USA Beauty Market in 2025

The U.S. beauty market in 2025 is one of the world's strongest and largest sectors. Recent statistics indicate that for the first half of the year, the U.S. beauty industry expanded to $50.6 billion, prestige beauty sales to $16 billion (2% increase), and mass-market beauty to $34.6 billion (4% increase). Fragrances took the lead with 6% growth to $3.9 billion, while mini-size perfumes reached 15% in units sold, more than three times faster than other sizes.

Hair care was also performing well, like premium hair care, such as shampoos, conditioners, styling, and scalp treatments, increased steadily, with scalp care rising 19% in the first half. In total, the U.S. cosmetics industry is a market leader; North America leads approximately 34% of the world market in 2024, and the U.S. alone contributed almost $101 billion, set to expand further over the decade ahead at a 6.2% CAGR.

With consumers looking for effectiveness and value, big brands in mass retail and value-oriented brands are booming, still supporting a market environment with alignment and strategic flexibility.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Impact on the USA Beauty Industry

In the short term, the industry is struggling with a rise of new tariffs, some as having as 145% on Chinese imports along with increases from other regions, pushing brands to quickly rethink their costs and strategies. Beauty businesses that are import-dependent suffer the most when tariffs increase tenfold, from a typical 2.4% in 2024 to roughly 30% in 2025. Also, two-thirds of the costs of products (which are imports) are suddenly much higher.

Brands panic with price hikes, pre-loading shipments, or even running production shifts to America to ease the shock. For example, Puig responded to a 15% tariff on imports from the EU by bringing in earlier in the year and raising prices, allowing it to record a 79% increase in first-half profit, even with increased costs. And in the meantime, premium perfume price hikes and shifting some production domestically are in the works to deal with tariff pressure estimated at<arel="nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/coty-forecasts-fall-quarterly-sales-raise-premium-fragrance-prices-2025-08-20/"> $70 million for fiscal 2026.

On the other hand, in the long term, these disruptions could cause a shift toward localized manufacturing and stronger domestic supply chains, but that transition takes time and investment. Smaller brands with U.S.-based production, like Stamina Cosmetics, gain a better position, though they still rely on imported raw materials that may carry rising costs.

Industry experts believe the future of beauty brands will depend on staying flexible, bringing production closer to home, finding more suppliers, and improving digital and value-based strategies to survive in this new tariff-driven market.

Top 9 Affected Beauty Products After USA Tariffs

Below is the list of the 9 most affected beauty products after the U.S. tariffs:

1- Makeup Brushes and Tools

Makeup brushes and tools are the key products that are affected by U.S. tariffs. Since these goods are usually made abroad, they have experienced price increases. The global supply chains used by the beauty industry make makeup brushes and tools specifically prone to the effects of tariffs. Raw materials like bristles, handles, and ferrules become more expensive when tariffs are implemented on the countries where they are sourced and manufactured.

The process of manufacturing itself became more costly. Most of the premium makeup brushes usually consisted of high-end materials procured from tariff-affected areas. The competition in the makeup brush market is also quite challenging, and companies are trying to absorb the additional costs, which results in the hike in prices being transferred directly to end users.

2- Skincare Products

Since skincare products are usually made with ingredients from all over the globe, this makes them the most affected tariff products. Skincare, such as serums, moisturizers, and other products, is based on imported ingredients that make the product valuable and useful. When tariffs are imposed on the countries supplying these ingredients, the price of the final product rises.

The effect is significant on those skincare items which are formulated with specialized ingredients, since they are usually obtained from specific nations. A serum consisting of exotic botanical extract from a tariff-impacted nation will be the most likely to experience price hikes. This can eventually impact the luxury brands that use rare or exotic ingredients. Consumers may find their favorite skincare products expensive because of these U.S. trade tariffs.

3- Perfumes and Fragrances

The third affected beauty products are perfumes and fragrances. The perfume business relies heavily on imported fragrances and materials, which makes the perfume and fragrances at risk to tariff adjustments. Unique scents like essential oils and others are largely imported from foreign countries and certain geographical locations.

In addition, alcohol is the primary ingredient that is used extensively to produce perfumes and other overpowering scents that are also imported. Higher tariff on these key ingredients raises the cost of production, resulting in higher retail prices. Both mass-market and luxury perfumes can be affected. Because of tariffs on essential oils or other ingredients that are imported, consumers may notice that their favorite perfumes cost more. The price hike is not fixed and may differ according to the brand, fragrance type, and country of origin of ingredients.

4- Nail Polish

Nail polish is another significant U.S. tariff-affected product in 2025. Nail polish, along with various other items such as nail art tools and other kinds of nail paints, are usually imported from other nations, which means they now face added tariffs. The chemicals and pigments which are used to produce the variety of colors and finishes can be imported, which increases the cost of these products.

The tariff hike on nail polish and other nail care products impacts the professional and consumer markets, as well as the most mani-pedicures and at-home nail care service businesses.

5- Hair Styling Tools

Hair-dressing equipment is yet another leading category affected by tariffs. Items such as hair dryers, flat irons, curling wands, and hair clippers are largely produced in countries in Asia. Such equipment tends to have advanced electronics and imported metals, both of which respond to tariff fluctuations. The international hair tools market is competitive, but tariffs restrict brands from offering low prices.

Therefore, customers might find fewer promotions and restricted sales of high-end hair styling tools. Hairdressers and barbers who require quality tools for their business also end up paying more for equipment. Brands, in some cases, use low-quality materials to ensure affordability, and this impacts the durability of the product.

6- False Eyelashes

The fake eyelash industry is thriving in recent years, with styles that can go from naturally appearing lashes to heavily dramatic 3D mink. In 2025, Asia and particularly China and South Korea produce a great deal of false eyelashes that are affected by U.S. tariffs.

Premium lashes made from silk or mink-like fibers are impacted the most, as sourcing and production costs rise. Consumers may notice fewer budget-friendly lash options in stores, while professional lash artists who buy in bulk for salons face rising costs. Since eyelashes are a trend-driven market, tariffs may also slow down the introduction of new lash styles and collections.

7- Cosmetic Containers and Packaging

The most important thing that is overlooked is cosmetic packaging. From lipstick tubes to foundation pumps, jars, and compact cases, all are frequently made abroad. Packaging itself plays a major role in terms of brand identity, but tariffs on those containers increase costs for makers.

For beauty businesses, increased packaging expenses can push them to either hike prices or streamline packaging. High-end brands that depend on custom-designed cases or eco-friendly packaging choices could be most affected. Buyers may see less complicated packaging designs, fewer limited-edition product drops, or more expensive products that once seemed within reach.

8- Makeup with Distinct Imported Pigments

Cosmetics are all about color, and many of the most unique pigments come from outside the country. Eyeshadows, lip color, and blushes with distinctive imported pigments or minerals directly feel the effects of tariffs. Brands that rely on specific regions for these pigments, like mica or rare minerals, are seeing major cost increases. As a result, consumers might notice fewer bold or unique color launches, as brands cut costs by using more common shades.

This is particularly noticeable in indie beauty brands, who offer bold, trend-setting colors but now operate on thinner profit margins.

9- Products Containing Specific Botanical Extracts

Finally, beauty products with specific botanical extracts are the most tariff-sensitive of them all. From rare face oils to herbal shampoos, numerous brands build their brand around poor natural ingredients imported from all over the world.

For example, a Japanese green tea extract face cream, a Korean ginseng toner, or a Moroccan Argan oil serum can all experience price increases if tariffs are imposed on these nations. Natural, organic, and clean beauty consumers will feel this change most. Some premium brands can manage the costs, but most customers bear these increases in most cases.

What are the Impacts for Customers and the Beauty Industry of the U.S. Tariffs?

The impact of tariffs on beauty items goes beyond just higher prices. A few important points to consider:

- Customers will have to pay more for day-to-day beauty staples, from skincare to tools.

- Beauty brands and businesses can reduce innovation, packaging, or ingredient quality to make up for expenses.

- High-end beauty products can become expensive for many customers who look for affordable brands .

- Small shops and salons that use imported stock will be squeezed.

The rise of local alternatives: Many U.S.-based big beauty companies may start using locally sourced ingredients and packaging to deal with tariffs, potentially boosting the domestic beauty supply chain.

Conclusion

In 2025, the U.S. tariffs have changed the global beauty sector, targeting areas such as makeup brushes, skincare, perfumes, nail polish, hair appliances, false eyelashes, cosmetic packaging, specialty pigments, and floral extract products the most. The impact does not just hit large beauty companies, but it also hits the consumers who have their favorite products becoming expensive or more difficult to find.

While the beauty sector is particularly adapting to new trends and challenges fast, the tariffs continue to influence price, stock levels, and innovation. For consumers, the best way to deal with these tariffs on beauty is to stay updated, consider local substitutes, and analyze how beauty brands respond in this new tariff market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the effects of tariffs on the beauty supply chain?

Tariffs increase costs, slow imports, raise product prices, disrupt supply chains, and reduce the availability of beauty products for consumers.

2. How will the USA tariffs affect the cost of imported cosmetics and skincare?

Imported skincare and other cosmetic items will be more costly for consumers. Companies might raise prices in stores to meet the additional tariff fees.

3. Are there any local alternatives to imported beauty products to bypass increased beauty product prices?

Yes, many local US brands and manufacturers offer good-quality beauty products. Choosing them can help save money and avoid tariff price hikes.

4. Will USA tariffs affect wholesale and retail buyers differently in the beauty industry?

Yes, wholesale buyers face bigger cost changes as they purchase in bulk. Retail buyers may see smaller but steady price increases in stores.