日本化妝品是個非常具有國際競爭力的產業,其日本的化妝品歷史是從明治時代進口香皂開始,且「化妝品」一詞是從明治25年(1892)才正式開始被使用。隨著時代的進步,人們愈加重視自己的穿著打扮,化妝品的需求程度也顯著提升。不只是女性,連男性也開始加入這股裝飾自己的潮流之中。而經濟的快速成長、國民所得提高,社會大眾對於生活品質更加重視,化妝品已從過去奢侈品的印象轉變為每日不可或缺之日用品。化妝品產業為具有國際競爭力且富有前景之產業,伴隨高齡化社會的產生,女性為了維持外在條件,保養與化妝更有熟齡階段的需求。今後化妝品產業有更多的發展,除了原先的基本銷售通路之外,也會因應社會風氣,發展出其他銷售通路,此為社會環境的轉變與化妝品產業有別於以往的發展。
Japanese cosmetics is very competitive in the international industry. The history of Japanese cosmetics started from Meiji ear imported soaps, and the word "Cosmetics" formally began to be used in 1892. As time progresses, people care about their appearance, and the cosmetics demand has elevated significantly. Not only women, but men started to focus on their external as well. Economics growth up rapidly and national income raises up, the community pay attention on the quality of life.