The global cosmetics market continues to expand. In 2023, it reached $446 billion and is expected to exceed $590 billion by 2028, driven by new self-care routines, an aging population and a growing consumer focus on health and wellbeing. This growth is also reflected at the national level: in Spain alone, the cosmetics and perfume industry surpassed €11.2 billion in 2024, with a 7.7% increase over the previous year, according to data from Stanpa.
Spain is now the world's second-largest exporter of perfumes and a key player in cosmetic manufacturing. With major industrial hubs in Catalonia, Valencia and Madrid, the country has strengthened its position within European supply chains, consolidating a role that demands greater agility, logistics control and adaptability.
The rise of e-commerce and other sales channels for these products – such as pharmacies, specialty perfumeries and marketplaces – calls for precise planning and operational flexibility to respond to demand peaks, changing assortments or last-minute marketing campaigns. At Rhenus, we understand the logistics demands of this industry firsthand. We have been working with leading cosmetics brands for years, managing national and international operations with maximum precision. We add value across the entire chain, from quality control at every operational stage to capillary distribution in specific markets like the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and Andorra. Our experience allows us to offer solutions tailored to each product, channel and destination, with the technology, care and flexibility that a constantly evolving industry requires.
A global demand that calls for greater traceability and efficiency
The growth of the cosmetics sector is closely tied to increasingly demanding global consumption patterns. The expansion of emerging markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America, the pursuit of sustainable formulas and the rising importance of personalization and fast delivery are reshaping the industry’s logistics processes.
Other key drivers include:
- Increased regulatory pressure on health and labeling standards
- A greater need for traceability, especially in premium products
- High product turnover with seasonal launches and promotional campaigns
- Constant quality requirements across multiple channels and regions
Spain, an export powerhouse in cosmetics and perfumery
In this context, Spain has shown remarkable growth. Exports in the sector exceeded €9.5 billion in 2024, doubling over the last five years. The industry generates more than 50,000 direct jobs and now accounts for 1.03% of Spain’s GDP.
This expansion brings increased logistics complexity, especially in regions such as the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and Andorra, where distribution requires customs expertise, multimodal coordination or advanced planning to minimize lead times and costs without compromising quality.
Logistics as a competitive advantage in the beauty sector
The cosmetics supply chain has evolved from a basic delivery system to a strategic asset. Brands seek logistics partners that not only store and distribute their products but also provide added value, control and differentiation.
These are some of the key logistics trends shaping the future of the industry:
- Consolidation of shipments to improve efficiency and sustainability
Grouping orders and optimizing loads reduces trips, cuts costs and lowers environmental impact. This approach is especially valuable in large-scale distribution, where maximizing space and minimizing emissions are vital to competitiveness. - Optimized reverse logistics for returns, recycling and batch tracking
Returning cosmetic products requires specific handling: batch traceability, regulatory compliance and, in many cases, recycling or refurbishing. A well-structured reverse logistics system helps prevent losses and strengthens the sustainability of the entire cycle. - Comprehensive tracking for premium products, including quality checks in transit
High-end products require additional safeguards during transport. Thorough shipment monitoring, paired with control points throughout the distribution process, allows for early issue detection, product preservation and an exceptional end-customer experience. - Specialized packaging systems for delicate or high-value items
Fragrances, serums, ampoules and other fragile goods need packaging that protects integrity without compromising brand image. Choosing the right protective system minimizes damage, improves storage efficiency and reinforces perceived quality. - Real-time visibility of inventory and operations, especially for exports
Access to up-to-date information on inventory status, delivery timelines and order flow is essential in the fast-paced cosmetics market. This visibility enhances decision-making, anticipates disruptions and helps maintain high service levels.
Rhenus solutions for the cosmetics supply chain
The cosmetics industry demands more than just precision. It requires operational excellence, agility, extreme product care and a flawless brand experience. Our specialization stems from years of collaboration with cosmetics, perfume and personal care companies, to whom we offer tailored logistics services:
- Comprehensive quality control at every operational stage
- Complex picking, promotional set assembly and custom packaging
- Single-unit and multichannel order prep and shipping from retail- and e-commerce-ready facilities
- Reverse logistics with batch tracking and expiration management
- International transport and customs clearance, including to the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and Andorra
- Innovative packaging solutions that protect product integrity
- Seamless coordination with manufacturers, retailers, labs and online platforms
- Capillary distribution at national and international level via reliable parcel and pallet networks
Our goal is to support brands at every stage of their growth, providing cosmetics logistics solutions that meet the highest industry standards.
A transforming industry, an evolving logistics approach
The cosmetics sector is one of Spain’s economic engines and a global benchmark. Its pace of growth, focus on innovation and cultural impact require supply chains that are up to the task.
At Rhenus, we work every day to ensure these supply chains run smoothly: fast, sustainable, traceable and of the highest quality. Because behind every beauty product that reaches the customer, there is also a logistics process that takes care of every detail.