Turkey’s cosmetics industry recorded a 21% increase in exports this year, reaching about $1.7 billion, with wet wipes and soap the top products, the head of the Cosmetics Producers and Researchers Association said Thursday.
Speaking at the ninth International Cosmetics Congress in Antalya, association chairman Levent Kahrıman said Turkish brands are becoming strong global players, exporting to nearly 200 countries.
Key markets include Iraq, the United States and Russia, according to Turkish radio.
He noted growing demand for perfumes, skincare and haircare products, and said rising domestic production of hair dye will boost exports further next year.
Color cosmetics such as lipstick and blush are also seeing strong demand from the U.S., Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Kahrıman added that the number of licensed cosmetics businesses in Turkey has quadrupled in five years to about 13,000, reflecting rapid sector growth.
He said Turkey now exports more cosmetics than it imports, while global brands increasingly choose the country as a base for contract manufacturing.