Nepal’s imports of cosmetics and personal-care products increased sharply in the last fiscal year, with consumers spending more on makeup, skincare and haircare items.

According to data from the Department of Customs, Nepal imported cosmetic products worth Rs13.004 billion in the fiscal year 2025-26, an increase of around Rs2 billion from the previous fiscal year. Imports had totalled Rs11.25 billion in 2024-25.

The imported products include perfumes, lipstick, face cream, body lotion, shampoo, hair colour and other beauty products. The largest share of import value was recorded under “other makeup preparations”, which amounted to Rs4.98 billion.

Cosmetic products were imported from countries including Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Germany and India.

The data shows that Rs61.53 million was spent on perfume imports, while lipstick imports accounted for Rs794.73 million. Eye makeup products accounted for Rs297.98 million. Imports of nail polish were worth Rs66.55 million and manicure and pedicure preparations Rs57.78 million.

Nepal spent Rs284.44 million on powder imports and Rs1.96 billion on face creams.

Body lotion imports were valued at Rs827.07 million, while Rs12.46 million was spent on sindoor and Rs77.74 million on skin creams and petroleum jelly.

Haircare products also accounted for a significant share of the import bill. Shampoo imports were worth Rs1.27 billion.

Imports of hair-straightening products totalled Rs42.22 million, while hair colour was worth Rs352.25 million and hair oil Rs706.47 million.

Hair dye and colour products accounted for Rs1.10 billion in imports, while hair cream imports were worth Rs49.08 million and hair conditioners Rs66.45 million.

Traders say the growing use of cosmetics has intensified competition in the market. Demand has increased not only among individual consumers but also at beauty parlours and salons.

Suraj Shrestha, a cosmetics wholesaler in New Road, Kathmandu, said social media had played a major role in expanding the market.

Videos and promotional content on platforms such as TikTok and Facebook have encouraged consumers to seek out products they see online, he said.

“People are looking for cosmetic products after watching videos and promotions on TikTok and Facebook,” Shrestha said. “Whatever goes viral sells more. That has also contributed to the rise in demand and imports.”

Shrestha said the limited availability of locally produced cosmetics meant many consumers preferred to buy branded products, further increasing demand for imported products.