In Turkey, in scientific terms, this sector has first emerged at the beginning of 1900s in the last era of the Ottoman State particularly as a result of initiatives taken by the entrepreneurs who have studied pharmacy and chemistry abroad and who then started the first pharmacy sector activities in Turkey and launched hand care and skincare creams of their own production. In the period of 1950-1960 being the first step of industrialization process of Turkey, the sector activities have first started with the efforts of foreign investors or multinationals aimed at penetration into the Turkish market with their products, and the sector Cosmetic sector is mainly dominated by import goods at the beginning has gradually proceeded towards the local industry. However, the dependence on foreign sources for active ingredients or raw materials has continued till date and is still continuing.
Union, the adaptation of our national cosmetics industry to the requirements of the said basic EU directive is among the important issues on the agenda of this sector.
Thanks to its continuously improving R&D and production abilities, Turkish cosmetics sector has being gained a considerable competitive power. Optimal quality and cost alternatives are provided by the sector both for domestic and foreign buyers. An overview of the distribution of trade among countries and the structure of EU cosmetics sector published every year by COLIPA (European Union Cosmetic Toiletry Products and Perfume Manufacturers' Association) leads us to think that while the overall yearly increase rate is around 4-5%, the higher rates of increase in our exports to these countries in the recent years point out the enhancement of competitiveness of our products in terms of quality and price.
In cosmetics production, particularly for the high technology products, the university-industry cooperation and the local raw materials production must be encouraged so as to cut the costs and to reduce the dependence on foreign sources.
The number of manufacturing firms or persons registered in the Ministry of Health is above 1.370, and it is known that at least 430 of them are engaged only in production of eau de cologne.
Depending on the economic development in Turkey, both production and consumption of the cosmetic and personal care products are also increasing rapidly. The hair care products hold the greatest share in the sector product range, and shampoos account for approximately 59% of hair care products. Other items included in the sector product range are shaving products, depilatories, bath and shower products, soaps, lip and eye make-up materials, deodorants and antiperspirants, perfumes, eau de colognes, skincare and baby care products.