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The report notes that Gen Z’s influence is already visible in the beauty and personal care (BPC) sector. By 2030, this generation is expected to account for nearly $19 billion of India’s BPC market. Among young women in this cohort, one in two spends more than 20 per cent of her disposable income on beauty and personal care products.
New Delhi: India’s Generation Z is set to emerge as one of the most powerful consumer groups in the coming years, accounting for 27 per cent of the country’s population and driving $1.3 trillion in consumption by 2030, according to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants.
The report, titled “Gen Z: Defining Trends, Influencing Spends,” highlights how this demographic cohort—born between 1997 and 2012—is reshaping consumer behaviour with a strong focus on experiences, sustainability, digital convenience and value-driven choices.
According to the study, Gen Z consumers tend to reject traditional labels and place a higher premium on inclusivity, authenticity and self-expression. As they navigate a phase of self-discovery, their purchasing behaviour increasingly reflects a preference for aesthetics, new experiences and personalised consumption.
The report notes that Gen Z’s influence is already visible in the beauty and personal care (BPC) sector. By 2030, this generation is expected to account for nearly $19 billion of India’s BPC market. Among young women in this cohort, one in two spends more than 20 per cent of her disposable income on beauty and personal care products.
Their routines have also become more elaborate, with the average number of products used doubling in recent years. Many Gen Z consumers now follow separate skincare, haircare and body-care regimens. Unlike previous generations that prioritised specific ingredients or established brands, Gen Z buyers increasingly focus on solutions tailored to their needs, leading to lower brand loyalty and greater experimentation with new products.
The report also highlights the rise of gender-neutral beauty trends among Gen Z. Increasing numbers of young men are adopting skincare and grooming routines, with online searches for “men’s skincare routine” surging 850 per cent over the past five years.
Men’s cosmetology and makeup are emerging as fast-growing segments, with more Gen Z men opting for acne concealment, fillers, hair removal and eyebrow grooming as part of their personal care practices.
Beyond beauty, Gen Z is projected to become a dominant force in the fashion industry, driving nearly half of the apparel, footwear and accessories market by 2030. Fast fashion items priced below ₹1,000 remain particularly popular among this demographic.
Although Gen Z has become the largest user group on major fashion e-commerce platforms in India, their average spend per purchase is about half that of millennials, reflecting their preference for affordability and frequent experimentation.
Fitness and wellness are also gaining prominence in Gen Z spending patterns. The report estimates that one-third of Gen Z consumers spend at least 20 per cent of their income on fitness and sports-related activities.
The growing popularity of athleisure is another key trend, with sales in this category doubling year-on-year. Affordable sportswear available on online marketplaces has helped fuel the trend, with six out of ten top-selling sports footwear brands priced between ₹500 and ₹1,000.
Dietary habits are also shifting, particularly among health-conscious young consumers. Around 40 per cent of regularly exercising Gen Z individuals prefer alternative protein sources, reflecting growing awareness of nutrition and fitness.
This shift is also visible in the rapid growth of protein supplements on quick-commerce platforms, where listings increased 230 per cent between 2024 and 2025.
According to the report, these evolving preferences will translate into massive spending power in the coming years, with Gen Z expected to drive nearly $40 billion in fitness and sports consumption by 2030, further cementing its role as a transformative force in India’s consumer economy.
