Reasons to Read

Our 2026 Sector Outlook data graphics provide forward-looking data, insights and conclusions for US retail sectors. Across the series of 10 snapshots, we cover US retail (overall); apparel and footwear; beauty; consumer packaged goods (CPG); department stores; drugstores; grocery; home and home improvement; luxury; and mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs and discount stores.

Discover how science, AI and wellness are reshaping the future of US beauty retail in 2026.

Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions:

• How are AI technologies transforming both beauty product development and retail experiences across major players?
• Why are science-backed ingredients and clinically validated formulations becoming central to innovation strategies?
• In what ways is the aging US population driving long-term demand in skincare and related categories?
• What’s behind the continued rise of fragrance, and how are retailers using it to capture Gen-Z and premium demand?

Companies mentioned in this report include: Ulta Beauty, L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, e.l.f. Beauty, Coty, Bath & Body Works, Beiersdorf.

Data in this report include: growth forecasts for the US beauty sector; AI implementation in retail and product innovation; category growth trends in skincare, fragrance and wellness; consumer behavior across social commerce and omnichannel fulfillment.