Celebrating the People Behind the Beauty Industry


Labor Day is an opportunity to honor the hardworking people who power one of the most dynamic sectors of the American economy—the cosmetics and personal care products industry. Millions of people across the nation have played a vital role in shaping and sustaining an industry that touches our daily lives, communities and economy.

According to the Personal Care Products Council’s (PCPC) latest Economic & Social Contributions Report, the beauty industry supported 4.6 million jobs in 2022, reflecting the sector’s ability to create and maintain employment opportunities in challenging economic times.

The dedication and creativity of the beauty industry’s workforce is exemplified through:

  • Nearly 80% of women—greatly surpassing the national average of 47% across all industries and underscoring the sector’s key role in providing opportunities for women to thrive and lead
  • 33% of people of color—providing a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives that contributes to the creativity, innovation and inclusivity in an evolving industry
  • 71% of people working for companies with fewer than 50 employees—highlighting the significance of small businesses in the industry
  • More than 5,700 science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals—driving innovation and cutting-edge technology and research

The cosmetics and personal care products industry’s success is intrinsically linked to the well-being and hard work of its employees. This Labor Day we celebrate the millions of individuals who make up the beauty industry’s workforce. Their dedication, creativity and hard work continue to propel the industry forward and contribute to our nation’s strength and prosperity.