Niq Global Intelligence Plc · NYSE:NIQ
Niq Global Intelligence — Acosta Group NIQ Beauty Pres 3 5 26
70 slides from Niq Global Intelligence's investor presentation, March 2026
Slide 1: Beyond the Label: Balancing Ingredient Integrity with Product Performance
MARCH 2026 Beyond the Label: Balancing Ingredient Integrity with Product Performance Kathy Risch, Acosta Group SVP, Shopper Insights & Thought Leadership Vik Dudheker, NIQ Director, Product Insights
Slide 2: Acosta Group: collective of retail, marketing and foodservice agencies
A collective of the most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies reimagining the way people connect with your brand at every point in the consumer journey. 2
Slide 3: NIQ is the industry leader in Health & Beauty market reach & granularity
NIQ is the industry leader in Health & Beauty market reach & granularity NIQ delivers Instacart & Shift 300+ Beauty- DTC/pure play the Full View Beauty specialty specific attributes Amazon of beauty buying behavior Social Health Specialty • The industry's most trusted Department Store Club consumer
Slide 4: Today's Goal
Today’s Goal To help you understand the importance of balancing both ingredient integrity and efficacy in beauty care, providing helpful insights to help you grow your business by meeting consumer needs at any stage, whether you are innovating, formulating, communicating, or selling at the shelf in
Slide 5: Health & Beauty US Performance
Health & Beauty US Performance In this section we will review US market performance, trends, and headwinds & tailwinds. © 2023 Confidential and proprietary 2025 Nielsen © 2026 Consumer LLC. All LLC. Nielsen Consumer RightsAllReserved. Rights Reserved. 5
Slide 6: Amazon.com, Club and Beauty lead in overall US Total Store growth
Amazon.com, Club and Beauty lead in overall US Total Store growth Amazon.com is the largest Health & Beauty retailer with notable year over year growth in dollar and trip change Total Store Health & Beauty Care Dollar Sales Chg. vs Trip Chg. & Size of Retailer Dollar Sales Chg. vs Trip Chg. & Size o
Slide 7: US Online market drives double digit growth for beauty & personal care
US Online market drives double digit growth for beauty & personal care + = Total Beauty and 47% In-Store Online Personal Care online $64.6B $58.0B $122.6B 53% +1.7% +20.0% +9.6% in-store Source: NielsenIQ POD Omnishopper Panel Total US L52W WE 09/06/25 vs YA, $ % Chg YA | Product Insights © 2026 Nie
Slide 8: Online is meaningfully taking share from store-based retail
Online is meaningfully taking share from store-based retail eCom growing across almost all departments Total Online and In Store Share Department Online and In Store $ Performance $ Share and $ Change vs YA Online $ Share of Total Department Sales $ % Chg vs YA Online In Store 70.3% $1.22T In Store
Slide 9: Health and Beauty accounts for 81% of TikTok Shop sales
Health and Beauty accounts for 81% of TikTok Shop sales 475% 200% Sleeping & Alertness Aids 175% 450% 150% 425% Sports Nutrition & 400% 125% Dietary Snacks Fragrances Beverages Buyer % Chg Medical Equipment Beverage 100% & Supplies Enhancers Hand Body Hair Care Top 10 Selling H&B Categories on TikTo
Slide 10: US Beauty & Personal Care Category Performance
US Beauty & Personal Care Category Performance Key Beauty & Personal Care Category Performance $ % Change, Latest 52 Weeks vs. YA 32.7% Majority of Beauty & Personal Care categories are outpacing year ago growth 16.9% 18.1% Facial Skin Care & Fragrances 10.8% 10.7% 10.8% 10.4% categories are experie
Slide 11: Key beauty categories are driving growth by bringing new consumers
Key beauty categories are driving growth by expanding & bringing new consumers Household Penetration point change vs YA Body Scent Care Bath & Shower Wipes +4.7pts Body Spray +2.5pts Body Wash +2.3pts Cologne & Perfume +5.9pts Body Lotions & Treatments +3.3pts Skin Glam First Eye Skin Care +2.8pts
Slide 12: Shoppers are attracted to Indie brands that bring innovation and new trends
Shoppers are attracted to Indie brands that bring innovation and new trends Indie Brand Dollar Sales (Billions) Performance Top Indie Brands by Growth Comparison Indies Conglomorates +2,145% $78.6 $82.9 $72.3 +824% $38.4 $27.1 $31.3 +547% 2 YA YA L52 $ % Chg vs YAG YA L52 weeks +498% Total Beauty &
Slide 13: K-Shaped Economy has an uneven impact on beauty growth
K-Shaped Economy has an uneven impact on beauty growth $ Growth of Total BPC by Income Tier Opportunity: Most Momentum with High Income HHs % of Beauty & Category: Channel: High Income Mid Income Low Income Personal Care Sales by Income Amazon 18.2% High 18.2% 18.3% Club Fragrance Department Store
Slide 14: Beauty Care Shoppers in 2026 and Beyond
Beauty Care Shoppers in 2026 and Beyond 14
Slide 15: Proprietary Shopper Community: Rooted in Insight
Proprietary Shopper Retailer + Brand Community Expertise ∙ 40K+ Panel ∙ Retailer Confidential ∙ Quality Controls ∙ CPG Confidential ∙ Diverse Targeting PREDICTIONS ∙ Preferred Partnerships ROOTED IN INSIGHT Cut through the noise. Capture the signal. Cross-Category Depth ∙ Consumer Packaged Goods ∙ F
Slide 16: The Year Ahead: Acosta Group's 2026 Predictions
The Year Ahead Acosta Group’s 2026 Predictions Shoppers Rely More on AI Informed and Transparent Companions, But Trust and Wellness Choices Define 2 Fragmentation Slow 2026 Full Automation Innovation for All: Shoppers Consumers Demand Embrace What’s Relevant, Holistic Value – From Not Who’s Behind I
Slide 17: Prediction: Wellness Choices Define 2026
Informed and Transparent PREDICTION Wellness Choices Define 2026 In 2026 shoppers will design diets around function, not fads – seeking foods that support weight management, digestion, and allergen-free living with clear labels, ingredients, and credible claims. 17
Slide 18: In 2026, Shoppers Will Be More Intentional About Health and Wellness Choices
In 2026, Shoppers Will Be More Intentional About Their Health and Wellness Choices Functional benefits, transparency, and personalization reset expectations across every aisle. Key Drivers: ∙ Personalized Health Weight management, gut health, The next frontier of wellness: allergen-free living Trans
Slide 19: From Artificial to Authentic: Insights on Ingredients
From Artificial to Authentic: Insights on Ingredients October 2025
Slide 20: Study Objectives
Study Objectives • To understand consumer perceptions of ingredients commonly found in food, Shopper research beverages, and beauty products, focusing on conducted through what is considered "good" (e.g., natural sweeteners, plant-based) and "bad" (e.g., artificial Acosta Group’s additives, syntheti
Slide 21: Concerns over artificial ingredients is not a fringe issue
Concerns over artificial ingredients in food and beauty care products is not a fringe issue What did we learn? • Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing what goes into their food, drinks, and beauty products, with a strong preference for natural ingredients over artificial additives and synthetic dy
Slide 22: Very few consumers are solely focused on natural or clean ingredients
In HBC, very few consumers are solely focused on natural or clean ingredients in beauty or personal care products Approach to Beauty and Personal Care Products (% of Total U.S. Shoppers) Segment Definitions Ingredient Unconcerned Purist 13% 12% Results Focused 11% Naturally Inclined 24% 71% Care abo
Slide 23: For Skincare, Shoppers Equally Drawn to Natural Ingredients and Clinical Proof
For Skincare, Shoppers Are Equally Drawn to Natural Ingredients and Clinical Proof Contains FDA Made with natural approved synthetic ingredients and peptides and labeled “clean preservatives. beauty,” but with no Clinically proven clinical studies effectiveness. 42% 39% 59% among Not sure “Ingredien
Slide 24: Price is a universal concern; older shoppers seek clinical proof
Price is a universal concern, older shoppers seek clinical proof, while younger ones favor natural beauty products Most Important Factors When Choosing a Beauty Product GenZ Millennials GenX Boomers 59% 52% 51% 47% 47% 45% 43% 39% 39% 36% 34% 33% 35% 30% 31% 27% Price Clinically proven Chemical free
Slide 25: 37% of shoppers typically read beauty or personal care labels
37% of shoppers typically read beauty or personal care labels when buying new items Frequency of Reading Beauty or Personal Care Labels When Buying New Items (% of Segment) Every time / Most of the time Sometimes Rarely/Never Total 37% 25% 33% Ingredient Purist 71% 14% 11% Naturally Inclined 53% 28%
Slide 26: Almost 2-in-10 increasingly reading labels for artificial ingredients
Almost 2-in-10 beauty/personal care shoppers are increasingly reading labels for artificial ingredients before trying new products Frequency of Reading Beauty/Personal Care Labels for Artificial Ingredients vs. 6 Months Ago More often About the Same Less often 18% 73% 6% 39% "Ingredient Purist" So
Slide 27: Almost half of shoppers want more beauty product safety regulation
Almost half of shoppers want more beauty product safety regulation (less extreme than for food) Opinions on Level of Ingredient Safety Regulations for Beauty and Personal Care Products More regulation needed Current regulations sufficient Less regulation needed Not sure Total Shoppers 45% 37% 5% 12%
Slide 28: Categories with Most Artificial Ingredients
Categories with Most Artificial Ingredients 38% COSMETICS 20 % DEODORANT 14% SUNSCREEN Source: Acosta Group Shopper Community Good vs. Bad Ingredients survey - September 2025 28
Slide 29: Allergy Sufferers
Allergy Sufferers 29
Slide 30: Over one-quarter of shoppers have household ingredient allergies or sensitivities
Over one-quarter of U.S. shoppers have someone in their household with an allergy or sensitivity to ingredients in consumables or beauty/personal care products Incidence of Ingredient Allergies or Sensitivities (% of Total U.S. Shoppers’ Households) 13% BOTH 26% Total 8 % FOOD / DRINK ONLY 4% BEAUTY
Slide 31: Households checking HBC categories for allergies
Households checking HBC categories for allergies focus especially on hair and skin care products. HBC Products - Need to be Cautious Shampoo/Conditioner 61% Hair styling products 61% Hair color/dye Body wash/soap 54% 53% 1 in 4 Facial cleanser 51% monitor HBC Category Moisturizer/Lotion 50% due to h
Slide 32: Allergy households often read labels
Understandably, those with beauty or personal care allergy sufferers in their household often read labels Frequency of Reading Labels When Buying New Beauty/Personal Care Items Every time / Most of the time Sometimes YES Have Beauty/Personal 54% 31% Care Allergy/Sensitivity in HH NO Beauty/Personal
Slide 33: Allergy sufferers need better label clarity, affordability and availability
Those with allergies or sensitivities need better label clarity, affordability, and availability of allergen-free health and beauty care products in HBC. Challenges they face when shopping: “Lots of beauty products don't “Lip gloss, toothpaste, toilet paper... Lots consider food allergies.” of produ
Slide 34: Beyond the Label Product Research
Beyond the Label Product Research 34
Slide 35: Most discover allergen-friendly HBC products online or via labels
Most discover allergen-friendly HBC products through online research or labels, while 2-in-5 consult medical professionals Informational Sources for Allergy/Intolerance Friendly HBC Products Millennials 83% Online research 73% Gen X 82% Product labels 70% Gen Z 48% Medical professionals 41% Gen Z 45
Slide 36: A lack of ingredient details can redirect their purchase elsewhere
A lack of item ingredient details can redirect their purchase elsewhere Online Shopper Behaviors if Ingredient Details Missing on Retailer App/Website Look for ingredient details elsewhere (e.g., brand website, etc.) 25% Pick different item that has ingredient info from same store app/website 16% Sk
Slide 37: Clean Beauty
acosta group” 37
Slide 38: New attempts to define what is clean in recent years
While it’s been around for decades, there have been new attempts to define what is clean in recent years 38
Slide 39: Beauty Care Legislation
Beauty Care Legislation Modernization of Cosmetics Safer Beauty Bill Package proposed: The four bills cover almost every aspect of personal care product safety. Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) (to be implemented Dec 2023) • The Toxic-Free Beauty Act Bans 18 of the most toxic chemicals and two whole c
Slide 40: Social media and digital tools continue to drive clean beauty momentum
With no industry standard for clean beauty products, customers are doing their own research As of early 2026, the #cleanbeauty hashtag continues to gain Social media and momentum, up 45% vs last year: digital tools ∙ 8.2M posts on Instagram continue to drive clean beauty ∙ 609K posts on TikTok momen
Slide 41: Shoppers define clean label as the absence of negatives
In their own words, shoppers across all consumer demographics define “clean label” products similarly… the absence of negatives How would you define “clean label” products?* “Generally, if you can't pronounce it, it isn't clean.” “Free of chemicals or any un-natural products.” “No additives or chemi
Slide 42: Clean label buyers consider absence of negatives most important
Clean label buyers consider the absence of negatives as most important when purchasing – an emphasis on what’s NOT in the product Top Attributes When Choosing Which Clean Label to Buy Top 10 Most Important to Buyers No artificial ingredients in general No chemical ingredients Simple, uncomplicated i
Slide 43: Brands will continue formulating ingredients to meet demand for clean products
Health and beauty brands will continue formulating ingredients to meet demand for clean products Naturally-derived, plant- based ingredients Vegan & Cruelty-Free Minu 2024 launch Wonderbelly, founded in 2022, is a clean alternative Dermatologist designed mineral sunscreen to traditional antacids. Ac
Slide 44: The meaning or story behind it matters
The meaning or story behind it matters, in addition to certified organic ingredients CLEAN HAIR CARE WITH A SPOTLIGHT ON THE EARTH Innersense Organic Beauty started formulating clean hair care over 15 years ago. We're proud to place the spotlight on earth and share that we use its gifts in a mindful
Slide 45: Major retailers have established clean label standards
For years, major retailers have established clean label standards for beauty products ? See Kathy’s comment Staying true to Save money. Live better Walmart offers more than 900 clean beauty products with 80% under $10 Source: Sephora, Ulta, Walmart 45
Slide 46: Yet there remains a gap in shopper trust
Yet there remains a gap in shopper trust Trustworthy Rating for Retailer Beauty Product Clean Label Certification 43% 30% 30% Source: Acosta Group Shopper Community Good vs. Bad Ingredients survey - September 2025, Sephora, Ulta, Walmart 46
Slide 47: Clean beauty continues to evolve
Clean beauty continues to evolve NPI Beauty On-Pack Claims $ % Chg NPI Beauty Ingredient Analysis $ % Chg vs. YA vs. YA Total Beauty & Personal Care +5.4% Total Beauty & Personal Care +5.4% $66.5B $66.5B Free From Parabens +6.4% Free From Parabens +5.4% $19.0B $44.6B Free From Parabens + Sulfates +3
Slide 48: Clean Label Products
Clean Label Products As consumers become more conscious of the impact synthetic ingredients and materials have on their health and the planet, the demand for clean products is rising fast Beauty & Personal Care – $ Growth – 4-Year CAGR Free from BHA +13.1% Free from BHT +12.9% Free from Parabens +9.
Slide 49: Increased focus on specific ingredients may require reformulations
Increased focus on specific ingredients may require reformulations Additives Potential Bans Impact Titanium Dioxide - $7.9B in sales Top categories in sales that contains… Seed Oil – $7.0B in sales Propyl Paraben - $1.5B in sales Titanium Dioxide - $7.9B Seed Oil - $7.0B Red Dye #3 – $2.9M in sales
Slide 50: Ingredients and benefits become a way to stand out as brand importance declines
When brand importance is in decline, ingredients and benefits become a way to stand out % Who had a specific brand 90% of CPG in mind searches on amazon Cosmetics & Nail 58 are unbranded Suncare 59 Hair Styling 65 Body Wash 66 Hand & Body Lotion 68 In the last two years, Facial Skin Care 69 average
Slide 51: Millennials index highest for many clean attributes
Across the store, understanding where attributes resonate across generations Gen Z Millennials Gen X Boomers+ Non-Toxic 90 138 94 76 Millennials index Cruelty free 116 128 112 64 Antibiotics Free 83 127 109 73 highest for many Paraben Free 114 136 102 65 clean attributes Sulfates Free 114 129 112 63
Slide 52: Life stages, more than generations, shift consumer behavior
Life stages, more than generations, shift consumer behavior Clean Beauty (-10)* Better ForTM Food and Beverage * Heavy CLEAN BEAUTY = free from 10 select ingredients (parabens, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, triclosan, triclocarban, hydroquinone, BHA, BHT, nonylphenol ethoxylate Source: NIQ Hom
Slide 53: Trending Product Claims & Ingredient Performance
Trending Product Claims & Ingredient Performance In this section, we will look at three emerging trends in Health & Beauty that are changing the way manufacturers approach innovation. © 2025 Nielsen Confidential and proprietary © 2026 Consumer LLC. All LLC. Nielsen Consumer RightsAllReserved. Rights
Slide 54: Ingredient growth across the store blurs function and botanicals
Ingredient growth across the store indicates blurring of lines of function and botanicals In beauty... • Green Tea Stated: +12.8% Ingredients across the store • Ancient Grains Qualified: +10.1% • Prebiotics Stated: +46% 120.0% • Omega Group Stated: +15.9% • Probiotic Group Stated: +10.6% Postbiotic*
Slide 55: Many hydrating ingredients seeing long-term growth across categories
Many hydrating ingredients are also seeing long-term growth across categories Ingredient Sales Growth within Beauty & Personal Care by Category (4-Year CAGR) Beauty & Cosmetics Bath & Facial Skin Hair Hand & Personal & Nail Deodorant Fragrance Hair Care Sun Care Shower Care Removal Body Lotion Care
Slide 56: Trends expand by traveling across categories
Trends expand by traveling across categories $ % Change vs. YA Skin Care Fragrance Food Ingredient Broadens Inspiration Explosion Fragrance Mists Body Wash + Peptides Body Lotion + Acai +23.2% +128.5% +358.1% Scented Body Lotion Sunscreen + Collagen Facial Moisturizer + +23.5% +173.6% Cranberry +267
Slide 57: Tell me what's in there and if it's for me!
Tell me what's in there and if it's for me! Consumers now expect skin care to be free from the "bad stuff" and to not irritate their skin. Top Selling Facial Skin Care Label Claims Top Growing Facial Skin Care Label Claims $ (Billions) $ (Millions) Chg vs. YA For Sensitive Skin $2.4 -4.4% Contains H
Slide 58: Scented Hand and Body Lotion seeing intense growth
Scented Hand and Body Lotion seeing intense growth consistently over time Hand & Body Lotion Scented vs. Unscented $ % Change Latest 4 Years Scented Unscented 25.00 22.86 20.00 15.00 15.35 10.93 10.00 9.32 8.79 8.62 5.00 1.52 2.15 0.00 L52W 3YA L52W 2YA L52W YA L52W Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurem
Slide 59: Fragrances sold online see double-digit growth
Fragrances, Cologne & Perfume, and Body Spray sold online see double-digit growth Fragrances, Cologne & Perfume, Body Spray – Citrus, Vitamin E, and Coconut Oil are In Store vs. Online making waves in Fragrances innovation, $ Sales | $ % Chg YA emerging as fast-growing ingredients that blend freshne
Slide 60: Hydration Claims in Beauty
Hydration Claims in Beauty Although smaller in certain categories, Hydration Health claims are being made on-pack across all 9 Beauty & Personal Care categories Hydration Health Stated Claims Hydration Claims Key Findings $ Sales | $ Share of Category | 4-YR CAGR • Hand Body Lotion generated $1.2B f
Slide 61: Ingredient Spotlight: Ceramides
Ingredient Spotlight: Ceramides Ceramides currently have the greatest presence within Facial Skin Care & HBL, but products with Ceramides have also gained nearly 1 share point within Deodorants versus last year. Beauty & Personal Care Products Containing Ceramides Beauty & Personal Ceramides $ Ceram
Slide 62: Future of Shopping
Future of Shopping 62
Slide 63: 7-in-10 shoppers have used AI tools to help them shop
Used Gen AI for 7-in-10 shoppers have used one or more AI tools/features Shopping to help them shop (separate from traditional search) 54% Gen Z AI Tools/Features Used for Shopping (% of Total U.S. Shoppers) 30% 28% 28% 28% 27% 27% 26% 22% 46% Hispanics 43% Households with Kids Source: Acosta Group
Slide 64: Shoppers look to AI tools to save money, time and select products
Shoppers look to AI-based tools to save money, time, and to help select the best products to fit their needs Top Benefits from AI Tools for Shopping Save money 40% Save time 34% Compare products 34% Product information 33% Find right product faster 27% Find where a product is available 27% Simplify
Slide 65: AI tool usage is highest for frequently purchased categories
AI tool usage is highest for frequently purchased categories Categories where AI Tools Used for Any Aspect of Shopping* (% Shoppers who use Any AI Tool for Shopping) Groceries / Household Needs 52% Health & Wellness 40% Clothing/Shoes 39% Electronics 38% Beauty / Personal care 35% Minor appliances 2
Slide 66: The Shopper Journey Takes the Consumer Across the Omnichannel Landscape
The Shopper Journey Takes the Consumer Across the Omnichannel Landscape Not one shopper journey is the same… even for the same individual Journey 5 Journey 1 Journey 3 Journey 2 Journey 4 Check design, To read reviews and To read reviews and check available brand check available brand look & feel, c
Slide 67: Headwinds and Tailwinds on the Horizon
Headwinds and Tailwinds on the Horizon Beauty retail will be reshaped in the next decade as technology continues to evolve and global forces shape new directions AI & Tech Smart Stores Tech Transformations New Frontiers Untapped Markets Category White Space Market Uncertainty Tariffs Disrupted Trave
Slide 68: AI and Tech Will Shape the Beauty Store of Tomorrow
AI and Tech Will Shape the Beauty Store of Tomorrow Retail innovation is in evolving at pace, reshaping how beauty is discovered, sampled, and sold Personalization ESL Personalized Digital Led Retail AI experiences Tags recommendations Media Agents Inventory (AI Skin Tracking Next Gen Stores Diagnos
Slide 69: Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways • Ingredient Transparency is now a mandatory value driver – Consumers are no longer satisfied with "free from" claims alone. They want proof, clarity and visibility. • Retailers are becoming the standard in Clean Beauty – While clean is overwhelmingly defined by the absence of negative
Slide 70: Let's Connect! Q&A
Let’s Connect! Acosta Group questions please contact us at: acosta.group/contact NIQ questions please contact us at: productinsight.support@nielseniq.com Q&A 70