Catalonia has earned a place of honor in the international cosmetics market. A sector that nationally moves 8.2 billion euros (with an annual growth of +7.8% in 2021) and in which Catalonia stands out with a turnover of 5.266 billion euros. This amount includes perfumes, dermo-cosmetics, and professional cosmetics.
This last business area invoices 484 million euros ---according to the latest available data---, has international recognition and employs 2,198 workers, according to information provided by Beauty Cluster. In addition, a report by the National Association of Perfumery and Cosmetics (Stanpa) states that the cosmetic industry generates in Catalonia around 15,000 direct jobs and more than 50,000 indirect jobs(between hair salons, beauty centers, pharmacies, commerce, design, communication, etc.).In terms of consumption, it concentrates 16% of the sector's total, which means that Catalans invest more than one billion euros in perfumery and cosmetic products per year. Spain is in the top 10 world exporter of beauty products and is second in perfumes. And it is that exports from this sector reached 5,384 million euros in 2021, which places them above such emblematic sectors as wine, footwear or precious olive oil. We analyze the secret of the national and international success of the five leading Catalan professional cosmetics companies.MONTIBELLO
Experience Beauty
Montibello is one of the leading global professional cosmetics brands in the market. For 55 years, this company based in El Prat de Llobregat has manufactured products for exclusive sale in hair and beauty salons.
Among its main values is its firm commitment to the professional beauty sector, together with the constant search for the latest technological advances that provide innovation, results, sensoriality and well-being to people.
As Enric Aliberch, general director, assures, "we work to empower professionals with holistic care products designed to create a new and improved dimension of beauty and well-being."
In line with its commitment to caring for the planet, Montibello is committed to formulations with natural and biodegradable ingredients, incorporates recyclable and sustainable packaging, redesigns its production processes to be more respectful of the environment and uses renewable energies in its facilities to minimize environmental impact. In addition, all its innovations are based on clean chemistry or clean beauty, with natural formulas free of toxins.
Key data
- Main countries where it exports: Poland, Chile and the United Kingdom. They have just entered the Chinese market with Montibello Skincare.
- Annual turnover: 49 million euros in 2022.
- Number of employees: 272.
- Where they manufacture: All their products are manufactured entirely in the factory in El Prat de Llobregat (Barcelona). In addition, they distribute the Australian brand Kevin Murphy for Iberia.
- The secret of their success: Innovation, effectiveness, exclusivity with the professional market and proximity to their clients.
- The star or best-selling product: The coloring ranges are their most important pillar and the product for which they are most recognized and valued. In the aesthetics division, the facial care ranges.
NATURA BISSÉ Barcelona
Each skin has its own voice, its own expression, its own life
Founded in Barcelona in 1979, it is a benchmark in innovation in the luxury cosmetics sector. The experience of its professional aestheticians has allowed Natura Bissé to obtain "a deep knowledge and understand that each skin is unique and has its own voice," company spokespeople point out. With the aim of responding to the particular needs of each client, the firm develops beauty products and experiences whose results are part of its global success.
This constant search for excellence has led Natura Bissé to win numerous awards, among which stands out having been chosen World's Best Spa Brand at the World Spa Awards in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. In addition, for 18 years it has traveled to Hollywood during the Oscar Awards to prepare the skin of actresses and actors before this anticipated cinematic event.
With subsidiaries in Spain, the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and China and presence in 40 countries, Natura Bissé has achieved resounding international success that has positioned it in the most prestigious points of sale and spas in the world.
Managed by the second generation of the Fisas family, it has its own foundation, Fundación Ricardo Fisas, created in 2008 to contribute to the well-being of people in vulnerable situations.
Key data
- Main export countries: USA, China, Mexico.
- Annual turnover: 90 million euros.
- Number of Employees: More than 300.
- Where they manufacture: Natura Bissé House-Factory, in Cerdanyola del Vallès.
- The secret to their success: Their constant evolution: intuition, passion, perseverance, research, and the relationship with people define the essence of this brand, specialized in skin care.
- Star Product: Diamond Collection.
The element for skincare experts
The beginnings of Mesoestetic date back to 1985, when Joan Carles Font, founder and president of Mesoestetic Pharma Group, decided to sell the four pharmacies he owned where he prepared master formulas to treat aesthetic concerns. Since 1990, thanks to permanent collaboration with the medical sector, Mesoestetic has developed innovative treatments to combat aesthetic problems related to the signs of aging and silhouette alterations.
Today, the results and efficacy of its products cross borders, selling in more than 100 countries and boasting 94 official distributors that have made it a global benchmark in medical cosmetics and aesthetic medicine. As company spokespersons point out, "we bring confidence, clarity, and scientific rigor to the world of beauty with products of the highest quality and efficacy, backed by numerous studies. In addition, we design home, aesthetic cabin, and aesthetic medicine treatments to offer anti-aging, anti-acne, body remodeling, sun protection, and depigmenting treatments, where we are a global leader."
In 2022, the pharmaceutical laboratory achieved the best results in its history, reaching a turnover of 63.5 million euros, compared to 46.9 million obtained in 2021, with a growth of 35%.Joan Carles Font, who assumes the role of non-executive president, remains active in the financial part and leads the patronage area, supporting cultural projects. "The business model of Mesoestetic is robust enough to ensure that success continues to accompany us. To do this, we have three fundamental pillars: first, economic management, in order to have good financial health to face challenges; second, a staff of people who work to make this project grow every day; and third, constant investment and reinvestment," says Font, adding that the group "has gone from being a family company to a multinational, with a family heart."
Key data
- Main countries where it exports: Australia, Benelux, Brazil, Costa Rica and Israel.
- Annual turnover: 63.5 million in 2022, up 35%.
- Number of employees: 211.
- Where they manufacture: Mesoestetic designs and produces at its headquarters in Viladecans. This differential factor is key to controlling and guaranteeing the efficacy, quality and safety of the treatments they develop.
- The secret to its success: Annual reinvestment of 40% of profits in R&D, coupled with scientific talent and continuous collaboration with leading doctors, universities and reference technology centers.
- The star or best-selling product: Among its more than 300 references, the most successful is its HA densimatrix serum, a hyaluronic acid concentrate that provides a moisturizing, anti-aging, plumping and filling action.
Youth is ephemeral, beauty is eternal
Since 1984, Maystar laboratories have been working to be a benchmark in the professional beauty sector. This objective was achieved in 1991 when its founder, Jesús Bonán, invented and patented the roll-on hair removal system, the most imitated in the world. And a worldwide benchmark. Since then, the company has been working on premium cosmetic solutions, investing in research and training to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Currently, Maystar Group, with the second generation at the helm, has modern facilities of more than 5,000 square meters, with its headquarters in Tarragona. Its three main categories are hair removal, skin care, and professional hairdressing. In hair removal, Starpil must be mentioned as a top seller. In skin care, the Maystar Skincare brand, formulated by expert professionals in dermo-cosmetics. And in the hair division, Eva Professional, a centenary professional hairdressing brand acquired by the Maystar group in 2018.
Key data
- Main countries where it exports: Brazil, USA, Russia, Egypt, Asia, Peru, France and Germany.
- Annual turnover: 35 million euros.
- Number of employees: 120.
- Where they manufacture: Torredembarra, Barcelona, Brazil, Milan and Peru.
- The secret of their success: Roll-on patent and inventors. Master formulas elaborated in their factories. Top Quality, Honest Cost in all categories.
- The star or best-selling product: The Synergy Lift line from Maystar Skincare and, specifically, the Biorelax Lifting Serum.
Pioneers in natural and holistic cosmetics
This family business, a leader in high-quality natural cosmetics, is a pioneer in creating the concept of integral beauty: the search for the perfect balance between health, well-being, and external beauty. It all started in Can Duran, the place where Idili Lizcano decided to stay to begin his life project called Alqvimia. 40 years later, they continue in the same farmhouse, at the foot of the Pyrenees, in Tortellà, in La Garrotxa, surrounded by nature.
The key to their success? "Choosing natural raw materials selected worldwide for their excellent properties, and an exclusive elaboration method that results in a range of high-end cosmetic products that act holistically and improve the general well-being of the person," explain the firm.
Key data
- Main export countries: Europe, China, and United Arab Emirates.
- Annual turnover: 6 million euros.
- Number of employees: 49.
- Where they manufacture: in their factory in Olot.
- The secret to their success: The firm seeks excellence in a range of high-quality natural cosmetics. They harness the benefits of plants to achieve results that go beyond cosmetics: on a spiritual, physical, and energetic level.
- The star or best-selling product: The Body Sculptor body oil.