China's cosmetics sector will be larger than that of the US by 2010, driven by the recent reopening of direct sales and growing demand for high-end products, said research consultancy TNS.

China's cosmetics industry grew 17 percent in 2006 to 2.2 billion US dollars, and the sector should see growth of between 15-20 percent until 2009.

TNS regional account development director Jason Yu said if the growth trend continues, China sales will likely pass those of US by 2010

"Even if we see growth of 2 percent in the US for the next three years to 2009, the mainland would probably take the lead the year after," he said.