The global BB cream market is set to grow at nearly 10 percent per annum for the next eight years to reach US$ 5.5 billion in value by 2027 – almost double its current value of US$2.5 billion, according to a new report.

The BB Cream Market 2019-2027 report by Future Market Insights found that the major factors driving the growth of the market include rising disposable incomes; an increasing consumer focus on beauty; and a growing demand for less time-consuming beauty solutions.

The “increasing popularity of multi-functional makeup products [caused by such factors] will remain a key booster to BB cream sales in the years to come,” the report said.

BB cream (originally marketed as ‘Blemish Balm’ or ‘Beauty Balm’) is typically a combination of products such as a primer, foundation, concealer, moisturiser and SPF in one cream.

According to Future Market Insights “the natural finish and product simplicity of BB creams and the  fact that it helps reduce the time required to apply make-up has attracted a large percentage of the female population worldwide”.

The popularity of BB cream, which was first developed by German dermatologist Christine Schrammek in 1967 as an anti-inflammatory agent to help heal and conceal redness caused by skin peel treatments, has gradually spread around the world but has really taken off in recent years.

The cream launched into Asia in the 1980s and then throughout North America and Europe in the last decade.

“Increasing disposable income and growth in beauty consciousness has generated demand for high-quality and innovative skincare and beauty products such as BB creams throughout the world,” the report said.

“However the rising demand for BB creams is [currently] primarily witnessed among the working-class population, who do not have the time to spend on an elaborate make-up routines.”

The report also noted that BB cream is becoming increasingly popular with men “due to increasing consciousness among the latter about their physical appearance” although they currently only make up about 10 percent of the overall market.