A large majority of UK adults feel that cosmetics are essential to their lives, according to new research from the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association’s (CTPA) 2021 annual report.
The report found that 85% of people surveyed as part of the research felt it was important to use personal care and beauty products, with the figure sitting even higher at 94% for women.
In terms of age range, 18-34 year olds valued using these kinds of products to help build up their self-esteem.
‘Wearing make-up to look my best’ was cited as important by 48% of women and 19% percent of men.
Further to this, 91% of women cited using toiletries for cleanliness and hygiene as an ‘important self-esteem booster’.
Just under a third of men surveyed also said that shaving and hair removal products were essential to their lives.
It comes amid a time where self-confidence among UK residents has reached one of the lowest levels in years.
The report stated that only 29% of UK adults said they have a high self-esteem, compared with 37% in 2013.
The CTPA said that the Covid-19 pandemic has been a factor in the erosion of nationwide self-confidence.
Due to the lockdown, salons, barbers and spas were closed to meet government guidelines, which the report said resulted in people feeling as though they weren’t looking their best during the pandemic.
“In fact, given our low self-esteem at the moment, the growing emphasis on appearance as a factor in building it, and how many people say they turn to our products for a welcome boost, it would seem our industry has an increasingly important role to play,” said Dr Emma Meredith, Director General, CTPA.