RIYADH, Oct 2 (Arab News): As Saudi Arabia accelerates its transformation under Vision 2030, the beauty industry is not only keeping pace - it is helping to lead the charge.
At the forefront of this dynamic is L'Oreal, whose latest socio-economic impact study, conducted by Asteres, reveals a commitment to shaping the future of beauty.
Speaking on the sidelines of the report's release, Vismay Sharma, President of L'Oreal's South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa division, shared how Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a global epicenter for beauty innovation, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
"Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic beauty markets worldwide. L'Oreal views the Kingdom as a cornerstone of our future, a $2 billion market with immense growth potential," said Vismay.
With 99 percent internet penetration and 134 percent mobile connectivity, Saudi Arabia stands among the most digitally connected societies in the world. This connectivity is revolutionizing the consumer landscape, making multichannel retail and beauty tech standard practice rather than futuristic fantasy.
"A typical Saudi woman uses nine makeup products every day - more than the average of seven in Europe," Vismay noted. "Saudi consumers are digitally-savvy and highly connected, and this is driving growth in social commerce and interest in beauty tech."
From artificial intelligence-powered hair diagnostics to augmented reality virtual try-ons, L'Oreal is embedding cutting-edge tech into everyday routines. The Lancome Saudi Arabia website already offers such immersive experiences, allowing customers to find their ideal foundation, lipstick or mascara with just a click.
"Three-quarters of Saudi consumers buy beauty products both online and offline, reflecting this 'omnichannel' shopping trend," said Vismay. "We partner with leading e-commerce players to create outstanding experiences."
With nearly 50 percent of the population under the age of 30, Saudi Arabia's youth are not only the largest consumer segment but also the future workforce of the beauty industry.
"Gen Z consumers are redefining cultural shifts and consumption trends, demanding personalized, digital-first experiences," said Vismay.
Campaigns like Garnier's "Ramadaniyat," a culturally relevant talk show that engaged young Saudis during Ramadan, exemplify how L'Oreal is speaking the language of the next generation. On the workforce side, the L'Oreal Professional Hairdressing Academy has already trained over 100 Saudi women, with an ambitious goal of 1,000 graduates by 2029.
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