Why Is Sri Lanka a Good Market for Plant-Based Skincare?

Today, “plant-based” has become a marketing shorthand. It appears on labels, landing pages, and influencer scripts, often stripped of context and depth. In global beauty and wellness markets, plants are often treated as trends to be discovered, packaged, and exported. However, a good market doesn’t begin with trends; it starts with lived knowledge.

Long before plant-based skincare became a global marketing buzzword, Sri Lanka had already been embracing it. For centuries, the locals relied on ingredients drawn directly from their surroundings. From herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, or oils, all of them are generational knowledge. This deep-rooted relationship has shaped Sri Lanka’s skincare market as it is today.

Is Sri Lanka a good market for skincare?

Yes, it is. Skincare is part of the personal care and cosmetics industry. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the global beauty market. True to its massiveness, the global skincare market size has surged to USD 162.5 billion in value and is projected to grow to USD 200 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%.

It is stated that the Asia Pacific is a good market for skincare, with a 51.58% share in 2024 alone. Among the Asia Pacific countries is Sri Lanka. No different from the markets in other countries, the Sri Lankan skincare sector is also rapidly evolving. Over the past decade, it has experienced significant growth and shifted to an integral part of modern consumer culture.

What started as a need for healthier-looking skin eventually became a major part of the industry because people use it every day. As a result, skin treatment has become a core daily routine for millions worldwide and a good market, with consumers having different preferences in different countries. In Sri Lanka, the defining characteristic is the preference for natural and herbal formulations.

Good market potential driven by Ayurvedic heritage

For generations, Sri Lankan communities have relied on local plants for healing, skincare, and daily wellbeing. All of this can be traced back to more than two and a half millennia ago. It starts with the nation’s ancient tradition, the Ayurveda practice. Long before people coined the term “skincare,” many people in Sri Lanka relied on this traditional practice, using nature’s resources to care for their overall health and appearance. Below are some of them:

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Used to treat digestive issues and infection, but also to brighten skin and reduce acne
• Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Can heal wounds and boost memory, while also enhancing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): If consumed, it can reduce stress and increase energy, and its root extract can slow signs of ageing

Modern market opportunities

A quiet but powerful shift is underway in the global and Sri Lankan consumer landscape. In today’s age, consumers have started scanning ingredient lists and dumping mere glossy packaging. It comes as no surprise, then, that plant-based skincare has begun to capture attention, particularly among Gen Z. From facial care to body care, hair care, and lip care, users are becoming aware.

This rising awareness creates a good market for brands with natural ingredients to grow. At the same time, Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and strong tradition of herbal remedies provide a unique background for many plant-based brands to market their products. Moreover, other factors drive the demand for natural products. Here’s the explanation!

Rising awareness and education

Nowadays, young users like millennials and Gen Z are more conscious than ever about their dermatological needs. They know terms like ‘acne’ and ‘hyperpigmentation‘. Unlike older generations who blame anecdotal reasons for their skin problems, the current generation is more likely to book appointments for expert guidance. When consulting with a dermatologist, they will know which ingredients to use, rather than just buying any product on the market.

Digital influence

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube constantly expose today’s consumers to beauty-related information. From daily routines to product reviews to new beauty hacks, all of these lead consumers to buy more and more products. Many social media influencers and beauty bloggers are starting to talk more about sustainable and cruelty-free skin routines, which has ended up shaping consumers’ buying decisions and creating a good market opportunity for plant-based brands.

Unlock the good market for skincare in Iris Garden!

Sri Lanka has become a flourishing market for many plant-based skincare brands, and not because of global trends. With its Ayurvedic heritage and supported by growing awareness among consumers, these skin products fit the local market. With the addition of digital platforms’ influence, it is no wonder that many people are starting to add plant-based products into their routine.

While there are many plant-based brands to choose from, if you are a native, it is better to start looking for Sri Lankan brands like Iris Garden in a good market! True to its claim, their line offers ready-to-use plant-based skincare that respects both science and tradition. Crafted at the heart of Sri Lanka, Iris Garden is the best choice for you, native Sri Lankans!