List of Top Canadian Beauty Retailers [Latest Update]

As beauty routines evolve and consumer preferences shift, the Canadian market has become a tapestry of diverse beauty retailers. Serving as havens for self-expression and care, the top beauty retailers in Canada offer everything from luxe creams to the finest fragrances, addressing every aspect of personal grooming and aesthetic enhancement. In this article, we profile the standout players that have captured the attention and loyalty of beauty aficionados nationwide in 2024.

From storied department store chains like Holt Renfrew and The Bay to specialized online powerhouses such as Beautysense and Well.ca, each retailer brings its unique flair to the table. To emerging names like Socialite Beauty that champion ethical beauty standards, this list is your guide to the key destinations for beauty shopping in Canada.

Whether you seek the latest K-beauty trends or professional-grade products for spa-like treatments at home, this roundup covers the full spectrum of beauty needs, proving that the Canadian beauty landscape is as varied and vibrant as ever. Here are the key Canadian beauty retailers in the industry:

Holt Renfrew

Holt Renfrew is one of Canada’s premier high-end department store chains, and luxury beauty retailers. With its roots tracing back to 1837, the company was founded by William S. Henderson and has since evolved into a household name for the discerning shopper seeking an extraordinary retail experience. The business, formally known as Holt, Renfrew & Co., Limited, operates under the colloquial moniker “Holt’s” and is headquartered at 60 Bloor Street West in the bustling metropolis of Toronto, Ontario.

Shoppers Drug Mart

A significant competitor to Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart is the second-largest player in the Canadian beauty market. It operates under the name Pharmaprix in Quebec and has approximately 1,300 stores. The retailer offers mass and premium beauty products and has a strong loyalty program called PC Optimum.

Sephora

Dominating the Canadian beauty scene, Sephora is the largest beauty retailer in Canada and the most visited beauty and cosmetics website in the country. With a strong multichannel strategy, Sephora has cracked the code on survival in Canada, boasting over 107 stores across the nation and a robust online presence.

Beautysense

An online provider of beauty and cosmetic products, Beautysense is 100% Canadian-owned and operated and based in Montreal. It prides itself on being a reliable source for authentic skincare, haircare, makeup, and wellness products. They offer perks like unlimited free shipping with no minimum, free samples with every order, and loyalty points.

Boutique Skin Envie

Another 100% Canadian-owned online provider, Boutique Skin Envie is based in Quebec. It is a wholly Canadian-owned online retailer that specializes in professional-grade products for the skin, hair, and body. It focuses on delivering high-quality items to those seeking spa-level home treatments.

Amazon

Part of the global Amazon network, Amazon Canada is an e-commerce platform allowing Canadians to purchase beauty products from various brands and sellers. Amazon itself does not have a single city base, as it operates vast distribution networks across multiple locations in Canada to facilitate quick deliveries.

The Bay

Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, The Bay (the online part of Hudson’s Bay Company) offers a selection of beauty products in their department stores and online shopping platforms. Hudson’s Bay Company is one of the oldest companies in North America and has roots deeply embedded in Canadian history.

London Drugs

Based in Western Canada, London Drugs is a well-established retail chain known for its wide range of products, including electronics, pharmacy items, and beauty products. It offers a selection of premium brands catering to various beauty needs in the beauty domain, supporting its position as a strong regional drugstore competitor.

Well.ca

An online contender, Well.ca is 100% Canadian-owned and offers a variety of beauty and personal care products. Well.ca is an online retailer headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, serving consumers across Canada from its office. It is a top site for purchasing makeup and other beauty-related products online. With a focus on health, wellness, and beauty, Well.ca boasts a comprehensive range of cosmetic and personal care products.

Jean Coutu

Operating predominantly in Quebec, with its headquarters in Varennes, Jean Coutu is a popular drugstore chain in the province. It provides customers with various beauty products, highlighting its extensive collection of dermocosmetics—a fusion of dermatologically tested skincare and cosmetics.

IT Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics is recognized among Canada’s leading sites for buying makeup and skincare products online, was acquired by L’Oréal in 2016 for $1.2 billion. Since the acquisition, IT Cosmetics has experienced significant growth, doubling in size. The brand’s success can be attributed to its clinically proven, skin-loving solutions developed with insights from plastic surgeons and dermatologists.

The K Shop

Tailored to K-Beauty enthusiasts in Canada, thekshop.ca is an online retailer specializing in Korean skincare and beauty items. They offer an authentic selection directly from Korea to their customer base, coupled with enticing perks like free shipping on orders. The K Shop operates outside Canada but does not specify a city base in the given context.

PinknBlossom

PinknBlossom is a Canadian online retailer specializing in K-Beauty (Korean beauty) products. PinknBlossom prides itself on bridging Korean skincare and North American consumers in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada. They offer a wide range of products, from skincare to makeup and self-care items.

Socialite Beauty

Socialite Beauty is an online Canadian retailer that offers a selection of cruelty-free, vegan, natural, certified organic, non-toxic, and clean beauty products. Its mission is to provide luxury beauty products that meet ethical standards, and it features a collection of over 80 premium brands. Socialite Beauty emphasizes sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity in its offerings. The retailer offers a variety of beauty products, including skincare, makeup, and hair care items.