Report Summary

Period covered: 06 July – 02 August 2025

3 minute read

Note: This report summary is one or two months behind the current month as standard reporting practice. The content is indicative only and incomplete with certain data undisclosed. Become a member to access this data or take out a free 30 day membership trial now.

Health and Beauty sales

Health & Beauty sales rose by xx% year-on-year in July, against a strong comparative of xx% last year.

This marks the weakest growth rate since November but still represents one of the more resilient performances in discretionary retail.

Several key factors influenced performance:

Sunny weather: A warm sunny start to the month helped boost spending on essentials. Across the month, the UK recorded a mean temperature of xx °C, xx °C above the long-term average, making it the fifth warmest July on record. Minimum temperatures were especially notable, ranking as the second highest on record.

Seasonal demand: Hot weather sustained strong sales of sun care, hydration products, and allergy treatments.

Social calendars: Weddings, festivals, and holidays supported cosmetics, fragrance, and grooming categories.

Wellness focus: Vitamins, supplements, and sports nutrition gained traction, with health-conscious consumers continuing to prioritise self-care.

Value choices: Shoppers mixed luxury purchases with affordable staples, trading down selectively while holding onto beauty as a treat.

Category performance

Sun care and allergy remedies saw sharp demand through the hot, unsettled weather, with both categories lifting significantly during peak pollen periods. Cosmetics were buoyed by weddings, festivals, and holidays, with bronzers, lipsticks, and seasonal palettes selling steadily across both prestige and mass-market lines. Fragrance held up well, supported by summer launches and gifting occasions, though growth was softer than earlier in the year.Wellness-oriented products continued to show strength. Vitamins, supplements, and sports nutrition gained ground as health-conscious shoppers stuck with routines built up over recent years. Skincare also performed consistently, with hydration and anti-ageing ranges in demand, while oral care provided a reliable volume base. Toiletries, meanwhile, leaned heavily on value-led choices, with own-label and multipacks accounting for much of the category’s movement.

Footfall patterns

Pharmacy-led retailers and value chains benefited from regular, needs-based visits. Beauty specialists continued to draw shoppers in city centres and retail parks, aided by experiential elements like product trials and consultations. Online remained vital, particularly for repeat ordering and subscriptions, with convenience and promotions driving engagement.

Outlook

Health & Beauty remains one of the steadier UK retail categories, though July highlighted how growth slows against tough comparatives and fragile sentiment. Seasonal shifts should help: back-to-school will lift personal care, while colder weather supports skincare and health remedies. Longer term, resilience rests on the balance of function and indulgence. Beauty continues to hold a place in household budgets, though growth will split between premium and value as shoppers weigh priorities.

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Consumer confidence fell one point in July