Cosmetics are also for your pet

The pet care sector is undergoing an unprecedented metamorphosis. What in the past was limited to covering basic needs of food and occasional bathing, today has transformed into a sophisticated ecosystem focused on integral health, dermatology, and the well-being especially of dogs and cats. A reflection of the muscle that pet care is gaining is the strategic decision of the global distribution services and ingredients giant DKSH, which recently announced the expansion of its technical formulation capabilities into the pet care industry. And in the case of Spain, more than 50% of households own a pet (more than 28 million animals, including almost 9.5 million dogs and almost 6 million cats).DKSH's initiative responds directly to a market demand: pet guardians are no longer just looking for a superficial cleaning shampoo, but advanced formulations that address dermatological health, skin barrier protection, antimicrobial treatments, and rinse-free grooming solutions for odor control.Key factors behind the rise of Pet CareDKSH's strategic move is a response to several global macrotrends revolving around the sector: Pet Humanization: dogs and cats have come to be considered members of the family unit. This emotional transition leads consumers to seek for their pets the same quality, active ingredients, and safety guarantees that they demand for their own personal care products. In the report prepared by Gordon Brothers, 97% of inhabitants of American households consider their pets as part of their family, and even 51% see their pets as if they were their own children. This is one of the drivers that most propels the pet care movement and its entire industry. Preventive dermatology and holistic well-being: there is greater awareness of allergies, dermatitis, and dermatological infections that have led to the search for proactive solutions. Formulating with functional ingredients that protect the animal skin microbiome and optimize coat condition is now a technical priority. Sophistication and innovation of ingredients: the boundary between human cosmetics and animal care is increasingly versatile and blurred. Biological actives, natural extracts, peptides, and highly effective conditioning agents are transferred directly from cosmetic innovation centers to veterinary laboratories. From basic hygiene to functional formulationThe market demands specialized solutions aimed at specific problems in the daily lives of pets and their owners: Rinse-free systems: Sprays, foams, and balms designed to neutralize bad odors without the need for water, facilitating daily maintenance. Antimicrobial and skin barrier care: Formulas designed to prevent superficial infections while respecting the specific pH of dog and cat skin. Ingredients with purpose: Use of mild surfactants, high-performance conditioners, and functional ingredients free of irritating agents. Exactly one year ago, Seppic launched a line of ingredients dedicated solely to pets, and this range was for pet hygiene and supplementation. The line was 'The Tail-ored Pet Care Collection'. The French company created up to six different formulations for the specific needs of pets.This is also the case for Beter, which has recently launched a line of products, IOK, with a care line for dogs and cats, including nail clippers, different types of brushes, combs, shampoo and conditioner, and even mists, wipes, and balms.The rise of pet care is undeniable. In Madrid, IberPet is held, a fair that brings together the industry related to animal care and that increasingly gathers more professionals today. In the last edition, companies from the Spanish and Portuguese markets came together to focus on an industry that could reach a growth rate of between 5% and 6% annually. On the other hand, it is an industry with a strong presence: it brings together more than 5,000 stores and more than 7,000 veterinary clinics or establishments that offer services to pets. This industry generates more than 75,000 direct jobs and up to 300,000 indirect jobs. This growth is especially driven by a sensitivity towards animals, whose owners want to give them the best possible quality.In the case of the United States, a report prepared by Gordon Brothers in 2025 recorded that approximately 94 million American households lived with pets and represented more than 70% of US households.

Cosmetics are also for your pet

With the rise of pet humanization and 'pet parenting', owners are entering another dimension of pet care