India's Consumer Market: Gen Z's Rising Influence

Gen Z to Drive $1.3 Trillion Consumption in India by 2030, Redseer Report Highlights​

Gen Z Population Share Expected to Reach 27% by 2030​

New Delhi, Sunday, March 15: Generation Z is set to become a powerful force in India’s consumer economy by the end of the decade. By 2030, Gen Z will account for about 27 percent of India’s population and contribute nearly USD 1.3 trillion in consumption, according to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants.

The report, titled “Gen Z: Defining Trends, Influencing Spends,” highlights how individuals born between 1997 and 2012 are shaping consumption patterns with a strong focus on experiences, sustainability, and digital convenience.

According to the report, this generation prioritizes inclusivity, authenticity, and self expression. As they navigate a phase of self discovery, their spending habits increasingly reflect preferences for aesthetics and new experiences.

Beauty and Personal Care Gains Strong Momentum​

Gen Z’s growing focus on appearance and personal grooming is significantly influencing the beauty and personal care sector in India. The report estimates that by 2030, this group will contribute nearly USD 19 billion to the country’s beauty and personal care market.

One in two Gen Z women reportedly spends more than 20 percent of their disposable income on beauty and personal care products. The number of products used within this segment has doubled as consumers adopt separate routines for skin care, hair care, and body care.

Instead of focusing on specific ingredients, Gen Z buyers prefer products that address particular concerns. This behavior has led to lower brand loyalty, with consumers frequently experimenting with new solutions that suit their needs.

Gender Neutral Beauty Trends Emerging​

The report also points to a growing shift toward gender neutral beauty trends. Increasing numbers of Gen Z men are adopting makeup and personal care routines.

Interest in men’s skincare has risen sharply, with online searches for “men’s skincare routine” increasing by 850 percent over the past five years. Emerging areas include cosmetology and makeup for men, where consumers are opting for services such as acne concealment, fillers, hair removal, and eyebrow grooming.

Gen Z to Dominate Fashion Industry Consumption​

By 2030, Gen Z is expected to drive nearly half of India’s fashion industry, which includes apparel, footwear, and accessories.

Fast fashion products priced below Rs 1,000 remain the preferred choice for this demographic. While Gen Z has become the largest user group on major fashion e commerce platforms in India, their average spending per purchase remains about half that of millennials.

Fitness and Sports Spending Set to Rise​

Health and fitness are also becoming key priorities for the younger generation. Around one third of Gen Z consumers spend at least 20 percent of their income on fitness and sports related activities.

Sales of athleisure products have doubled year on year, supported by affordable sportswear available on online marketplaces. Six out of ten top selling sports footwear brands are priced between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

Healthy eating habits are also gaining traction among young consumers. About 40 percent of regularly exercising Gen Z individuals prefer alternative protein sources.

The report notes that protein supplement listings on quick commerce platforms grew by 230 percent between 2024 and 2025, reflecting rising interest in balanced nutrition.

According to Redseer, Gen Z alone is expected to drive nearly USD 40 billion in fitness and sports consumption by 2030, highlighting the growing economic influence of this demographic group.