The beauty industry is not immune to the ripple effects of political decision-making. From economic policies to cultural regulations, the actions of governments profoundly shape how beauty businesses operate, innovate, and serve their consumers. When politics gets it right—whether through forward-thinking trade agreements, inclusive policies, or regulatory frameworks that foster sustainability—it unlocks new opportunities for growth and evolution in the industry. With governments wielding significant influence over commerce, consumer behavior, and global trade, the stakes for the beauty industry rise considerably when political winds shift in its favor.Economic Policies That Boost BusinessWhen governments make policies, whether by introducing tax incentives or reducing tariffs, they create fertile grounds for beauty companies to thrive. “It’s really important to have an administration that respects different demographics, communities, and people, and therefore make policies that can provide a fertile space for all,” Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne says to BeautyMatter. Jennings-O’Bryne is the CEO of Wocstar Capital and co-founder of the Wocstar Fund, an early-stage venture fund. Her portfolio includes the likes of JP Morgan, as well as being named one of Forbes’ 50 over 50: Investing in 2024. South Korea’s economic strategy in the early 2000s, for instance, focused on globalizing its cultural exports, including beauty. Through the implementation of FTAs with the US, China, and the EU, South Korean beauty brands such as Laneige and Sulwhasoo gained easier access to international markets.