Here’s How Much Zimbabwe Spent Importing Cosmetics, Wigs and Toiletries
Growing demand for cosmetics and grooming products is costing Zimbabwe millions of dollars each year, with the country spending more than US$140 million on imported beauty and personal care items over the past five years.
Trade statistics covering the 2021–2025 period show that a wide range of cosmetics and toiletries — from makeup to hair products — have become a notable contributor to the country’s import expenditure.
Makeup and skincare products made up the biggest portion of these imports, with spending reaching US$43,6 million during the five-year period.
Strong Demand for Hair and Beauty Enhancements
Hair-related products and beauty accessories also feature prominently among the country’s imports.
Zimbabwe spent about US$8,5 million importing human hair and wigs, while products such as artificial eyebrows and eyelashes accounted for a much higher figure of around US$22 million.
Fragrances and body sprays also attracted significant spending, with perfumes, deodorants and antiperspirants collectively valued at roughly US$16,4 million.
Petroleum jelly imports reached US$13,6 million over the same period.
Dental and Personal Care Products Add to Costs
Basic personal care products also contributed to the import bill.
Dentifrices — which include toothpaste and other oral care products — were valued at about US$20 million.
Other items included bath salts worth US$3,2 million, as well as sunscreen and shower gels, each accounting for approximately US$1,9 million.
Hair treatment and styling products, including items used to wave or straighten hair, were imported at a cost of around US$2,6 million, while additional hairstyling products reached about US$2 million.
Smaller Imports Still Contribute to the Bill
A number of lower-value cosmetic items also formed part of the import mix.
These included cosmetic powders valued at about US$888 000 and shampoo worth over US$833 000.
Lip makeup products, eye cosmetics, manicure preparations and dental floss were imported in smaller quantities but collectively added to the country’s overall spending.
Nearly US$30 Million Spent Last Year
In 2025 alone, Zimbabwe spent close to US$29,9 million importing cosmetics, wigs and other grooming products.
Makeup accounted for the largest share of that figure at US$9,6 million, while hair extensions, weaves and artificial eyelashes cost the country about US$8,2 million. Perfumes added another US$2,9 million to the annual bill.
Beauty Retail Outlets on the Rise
In recent years, there has also been a noticeable increase in small shops selling imported cosmetics across major towns and cities.
Market observers say the growth reflects a shift in consumer behaviour, with more people spending on personal grooming and lifestyle products as disposable incomes improve among some sections of the population.
Government Pushes Local Manufacturing
Authorities are now encouraging local production of beauty and personal care products as part of a broader industrialisation strategy running until 2030.
The policy aims to reduce reliance on imports through import substitution while supporting domestic manufacturing.
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