Hair Removal Products Market Size and Growth Report, 2033

Hair Removal Products Market Overview

The Hair Removal Products Market size was valued at USD 2167.8 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2853.22 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2033.

The global hair removal products market is expanding rapidly due to rising grooming awareness and increasing consumer spending on personal care. In 2024, over 63% of women aged 18–45 used at least one hair removal product regularly, compared to 48% in 2017. The market has diversified into multiple formats including creams, wax strips, razors, and electronic devices.

Each segment has experienced a notable rise in adoption, with hair removal creams accounting for nearly 39% of at-home product usage globally in 2023. Demand for compact, pain-free solutions has resulted in increased innovation, with over 27 new device patents filed in 2023 alone. Furthermore, male grooming is becoming a significant contributor to market growth. In India and Brazil, male consumers represented over 21% of total sales in 2024.

Offline retail stores still dominate in volume, accounting for 61% of product distribution globally, although online channels are gaining traction with a 34% share in 2024 compared to 23% in 2021. Manufacturers are targeting both premium and budget-friendly segments to meet regional income diversity. Electric trimmers and IPL devices saw a 19% growth in consumer interest across Europe and Asia-Pacific in 2023.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising focus on grooming and hygiene in both men and women populations globally.

COUNTRY/REGION: North America leads in product consumption, accounting for over 29% of global sales in 2024.

SEGMENT: Hair removal creams remain the top-selling product type, with over 39% share in 2024.

Hair Removal Products Market Trends

The hair removal products market is witnessing a significant evolution in consumer preferences and product innovation. In 2023, ready-to-use wax strips and depilatory creams dominated urban retail shelves, with ready-to-use strips showing a 16% annual growth rate in sales volume. Wax strips are increasingly preferred for their ease of use and mess-free application, particularly in metro cities across Asia-Pacific, where over 28 million units were sold in 2023. Cream-based products have seen strong adoption in Latin America, where 61% of female consumers aged 25–40 prefer them over razors due to reduced skin irritation. The rise of e-commerce platforms has further transformed distribution channels. Online purchases of hair removal products increased by 43% in Southeast Asia during 2023, led by millennial consumers in urban centers. Product bundling with exfoliation creams and moisturizing lotions has gained popularity, particularly in the U.S. and France, driving average transaction values up by 18% year-on-year. Electronic devices such as epilators and laser tools are also gaining traction, especially among affluent users, with the European segment growing to 6.2 million units in 2023.

Customization and skin-type compatibility are now at the forefront, with 34 new hypoallergenic formulas launched globally in 2023. Vegan and cruelty-free products are also growing, now making up 11% of new launches, compared to just 4% in 2020. The demand for gender-neutral packaging rose by 21% in the U.K. market, reflecting changing consumer behavior. Brands are increasingly offering products specifically designed for sensitive skin, bikini lines, and facial areas, widening application diversity.

Hair Removal Products Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the hair removal products market are shaped by multiple interconnected factors including evolving consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and increasing competition across both developed and developing economies. One of the most prominent drivers is the growing global emphasis on personal grooming, which is becoming increasingly gender-neutral and technologically integrated.

DRIVER

Rising focus on grooming and hygiene awareness across urban populations

Growing societal emphasis on grooming, especially in urban settings, continues to fuel demand for convenient and effective hair removal products. In 2023, approximately 72% of surveyed women aged 18–35 globally reported regular use of at-home hair removal kits, highlighting increasing consumer dependence on these solutions. The expansion of salons offering full-body treatments has also driven market visibility for advanced options such as laser-based hair removal devices. In the Middle East, product sales surged by 24% due to cultural grooming norms and increasing disposable income. Additionally, awareness campaigns and endorsements by celebrities and influencers contributed to a 38% increase in Google searches related to hair removal options in 2023.

RESTRAINT

Skin sensitivity concerns and risk of allergic reactions

Despite market growth, concerns regarding product-induced allergies, skin rashes, and burns act as significant restraints. Surveys conducted in 2023 showed that 17% of users experienced mild to severe reactions to depilatory creams, with a higher prevalence among individuals with eczema and psoriasis. In regions with hot and humid climates, such as Southeast Asia, over 31% of consumers expressed dissatisfaction with wax products due to post-application irritation. The recall of four cream-based products in 2023 due to ingredient non-compliance in Canada has affected consumer trust, especially in the 45+ demographic segment.

OPPORTUNITY

Technological integration and device innovation

Advancements in IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser technologies have created major opportunities, especially in developed markets. In 2024, over 2.9 million IPL devices were sold globally, with 48% of that volume attributed to North America. Smart epilators embedded with skin-tone sensors and pain-reduction mechanisms are being developed, offering improved user experience. In Germany, 17 tech companies collaborated with dermatological labs to launch devices compatible with smartphone apps for guided use. Home-use laser devices now account for 18% of the electronic hair removal device market in Europe and North America.

CHALLENGE

Rising competition from alternative grooming methods

One key challenge is the growing popularity of permanent solutions like electrolysis, which have seen a 12% rise in adoption across urban U.S. clinics. At the same time, the resurgence of traditional grooming methods such as threading and sugaring, especially in India and the Middle East, creates pressure on conventional hair removal brands. In rural areas of developing countries, cost barriers have limited the accessibility of high-end products. Furthermore, 40% of surveyed males in South America reported preference for trimmers over creams due to convenience and longevity, showing a shift in consumption habits.

Hair Removal Products Market Segmentation

The hair removal products market is segmented by product type and application. Each type addresses specific consumer needs, ranging from affordability to permanence. Application segmentation primarily focuses on online and offline distribution channels, reflecting evolving shopping behaviors and logistics capabilities across regions.

By Type

Creams: Cream-based depilatories are widely used due to affordability and pain-free application. In 2023, over 121 million cream-based products were sold globally, with India accounting for 14 million units alone. These creams are designed to dissolve hair below the skin surface within 5–10 minutes. Dermatologist-tested variants and those infused with aloe vera or vitamin E are increasingly popular, making up 43% of all new cream launches.
Ready-to-use Wax Strips: These strips are popular for their portability and clean application. In 2023, Europe led with over 32 million units sold, especially among consumers aged 25–44. Dual-sided strips for bikini and facial use have grown by 22% in demand across Latin America. Cold wax variants that require no heating equipment are favored by 59% of working women in metropolitan regions.
Electronic Devices: Electronic hair removal devices, including epilators, laser tools, and IPL systems, saw a global market volume of 9.4 million units in 2023. The U.S. alone reported 2.3 million unit sales. Devices with pain-reduction settings and those designed for home use grew by 29%. Brands are now introducing cordless and waterproof models to appeal to younger, tech-savvy demographics.
Razors: Disposable and reusable razors remain essential, particularly in rural and price-sensitive markets. In 2023, over 420 million razor units were sold globally. Africa and Southeast Asia saw the highest penetration of low-cost razors, accounting for 34% of regional product usage. Multi-blade razors and lubricating strips are now common features in mid-tier products.

By Application

Online: Online distribution accounted for 34% of total sales in 2024. Subscription-based grooming boxes and influencer promotions drove a 21% increase in digital sales. Countries like South Korea, Germany, and the U.S. reported a combined online transaction value exceeding 520 million units sold annually.
Offline: Despite digital trends, offline retail dominates with 61% share. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and salons remain major channels. In 2023, 89% of senior citizens preferred purchasing from physical stores, particularly in Europe and Japan, citing product familiarity and access to pharmacists for guidance.

Regional Outlook for the Hair Removal Products Market

The regional outlook for the hair removal products market reflects varying levels of consumer maturity, grooming culture, technological access, and retail infrastructure across different parts of the world. North America continues to lead the global market due to high consumer awareness, product diversity, and established brand loyalty. In 2024, the United States accounted for over 29% of global hair removal product consumption, with over 78 million women using at least one hair removal method monthly. Canada is experiencing rapid adoption of home-use laser devices, with a 27% rise in unit sales compared to 2022, driven by increased salon service costs.

North America

North America dominates the market with the highest product usage per capita. In 2024, 65% of women aged 18–55 in the U.S. reported using more than two types of hair removal products. Canada’s rising interest in laser hair removal devices led to a 28% increase in electronic product imports. Celebrity-endorsed launches and dermatological partnerships have enhanced product trust.

Europe

Europe’s market is led by countries like Germany, France, and the U.K., where over 71 million hair removal products were sold in 2023. Eco-friendly wax strips and vegan creams have gained massive popularity. In France, 52% of women aged 20–40 prefer hypoallergenic variants. Government bans on animal testing have pushed brands to adopt sustainable formulations.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific shows fast-paced growth, driven by grooming trends in China, India, South Korea, and Japan. In 2023, India witnessed a 32% rise in depilatory cream sales, while South Korea's device segment expanded by 24%. Mobile app-guided grooming devices are popular among Gen Z consumers in urban areas, especially Seoul and Tokyo.

Middle East & Africa

Cultural grooming practices drive consistent demand in this region. The UAE and Saudi Arabia combined sold over 12 million waxing kits in 2023. Skin-lightening and hair removal combo products are trending in African nations, particularly Nigeria and Kenya. However, affordability remains a challenge, with 43% of consumers opting for razors due to cost.

List of Top Hair Removal Products Companies

P&G
Reckitt Benckiser
Church & Dwight
Philips
Emjoi
Coty
VI-John
Nads
Revitol
Codream
Unilever
L’Oréal

P&G: In 2024, P&G held over 18% share globally, led by its multi-brand strategy and skin-safe formulations. The company launched 9 new variants in 2023 alone.

Reckitt Benckiser: Controlled over 14% of the cream-based product segment. Its flagship brand recorded over 43 million unit sales across 75 countries in 2023.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment trends in the hair removal products market have surged in recent years. In 2023, venture capital funding in hair-tech startups exceeded USD 160 million globally, with 38% directed toward home-use laser devices. Private equity firms in the U.S. and U.K. invested in smart hair removal technologies, aiming to integrate AI-driven customization features. Manufacturing facilities expanded across Poland, Vietnam, and Mexico, with 17 new factories announced or under construction in 2024. In India, contract manufacturing for private-label brands grew by 23%, supporting local availability and price reductions. Brands are now shifting toward low-emission and green production practices, driven by regulatory frameworks in Europe and the U.S. Celebrity collaborations, such as co-branded IPL kits, increased retail demand by 19% in urban markets. Pop-up stores and grooming kiosks in malls have proven effective in customer acquisition, resulting in a 14% rise in monthly footfall. Emerging players in the Middle East are launching halal-certified variants to cater to religious and cultural requirements, while in Southeast Asia, demand for skin-tone-specific products is driving R&D investment.

New Product Development

Innovation in the hair removal products market is centered on enhancing user convenience, reducing pain, and improving skin safety. In 2023, 82 new products were launched globally, of which 24% were electronic devices with smart features. New-generation creams containing chamomile, oatmeal, and anti-pigmentation ingredients have shown 37% higher repeat purchase rates. IPL devices now come with Bluetooth connectivity and app-based skin analysis. L’Oréal introduced a 7-zone facial epilator with precision mapping, which sold 130,000 units in Europe within six months. In South Korea, a startup released a hydrogel waxing kit that offers temperature-sensitive adherence for sensitive areas. These innovations reduced complaints of post-use redness by 43%. Hybrid razors with cooling strips and vibration settings also entered the market, designed to target male consumers. In 2024, vegan wax strips made from sugarcane extracts were launched in France, showing 17% better adhesion rates and 21% faster application times. Dermatologist-developed kits for pre- and post-hair removal care are now bundled with core products.

Five Recent Developments

P&G launched its ""SmoothCare Pro Series"" in March 2024, selling 250,000 units in North America within 90 days.
Reckitt Benckiser acquired a 51% stake in a Brazilian depilatory brand in June 2023, expanding its Latin American footprint by 18%.
L’Oréal introduced AI-powered laser devices with skin-detection algorithms in January 2024, now distributed across 42 countries.
Philips expanded its IPL device production in Poland, increasing annual capacity to 2 million units in November 2023.
Unilever introduced its first gender-neutral hair removal range in October 2023, reporting 22% higher-than-expected first-quarter sales.

Report Coverage of Hair Removal Products Market

This report comprehensively covers the global hair removal products market, including product types such as creams, wax strips, razors, and electronic devices. Geographic segmentation spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, offering a detailed breakdown of demand and innovation across regions. The report evaluates leading brands, their strategies, market shares, and innovations launched between 2023 and 2024. Key metrics such as unit volume, user demographics, and product preferences by age and region are analyzed. Factors influencing market growth—such as rising urbanization, changing gender norms, and e-commerce expansion—are covered in depth. Challenges like product safety concerns and increasing competition from salon treatments are explored with real-world data points. In addition, the report highlights active investment trends, manufacturing expansions, and regulatory shifts influencing the market landscape. Consumer behavior across age groups, genders, and geographies is examined, along with product innovation strategies and marketing trends. New product development and five recent manufacturer-led developments provide insight into ongoing evolution. The report delivers actionable data to support market entry, product development, and investment strategies across global and regional markets.