English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

(1) The craze for cosmetics has escalated globally, driven by evolving beauty standards and social media influence. The cosmetics industry thrives on innovation, offering various products catering to various skin types and preferences. In India, the cosmetics industry has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by rising 'disposable incomes', increased urbanization, and changing lifestyles. In contemporary times, people are more aware about their personal grooming. (2) In the year 2024, the Indian cosmetics market generated revenue of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore and is projected to reach around ₹ 2,40,000 crore by 2028. This robust performance is driven as a result of strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings due to increasing awareness of personal grooming, skin care routines among consumers, especially teenagers and young adults, who are the dominant demographic in cosmetics purchase, as they seek trendy and innovative solutions. (3) The cosmetics industry is broadly divided into various segments such as skin care, hair care, colour cosmetics, fragrances, and personal hygiene products. Skincare leads the segments, accounting for nearly 35% of the market, followed by hair care at 25%. Colour cosmetics — including make-up products have seen significant growth, especially post-pandemic, due to the rise of e-commerce and social media. E-commerce platforms have played a crucial role in expanding access to cosmetics especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. In fact, online sales contribute to around 25% of total cosmetics sales in India. (4) Over and above that, men's grooming has emerged as a significant segment, valued at around ₹ 25,000 crore in the year 2024 with increasing demand for beard care, skin care and fragrances customized to men. This growth is fuelled by social media influencers, coupled with the increase of gender-neutral cosmetic formulations. This shows an aspirational pursuit of personal refinement, where appearance augments confidence, dismantling archaic stereotypes associated with male cosmetics consumption. (5) Though the cosmetics industry plays a vital role in the Indian economy, it faces several challenges including managing intense competition, complying with regulations, ensuring product quality, and addressing ethical sourcing concerns. In addition, the industry struggles with copied products, adapting to changing consumer preferences and navigating the complexities of the supply chain.