This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted continued activity across leadership, investment and international expansion, as companies advanced acquisitions, digital transformation and market development strategies across beauty, personal care, wellness and retail.
M&A and investment activity remained active across the sector. CVC explored a potential US$2 billion sale of Arthea, the parent company of Dr. Teal’s, while Belle Brands acquired hair wellness brand Vegamour. Nykaa increased its stake in personal care brand Earth Rhythm, and Highstock raised US$30 million to scale its marketplace for surplus beauty inventory.
Financial performance and international trade also featured. Yatsen reported a 5.1 percent increase in Q2 revenue as skincare sales jumped 40 percent. Peru’s cosmetics and essential oils exports increased 6.8 percent as overseas trade continued to grow, while Hindustan Unilever increased investment as it targeted new high-growth categories.
Retail expansion continued across international markets. Primark announced plans to enter Mexico through a partnership with El Puerto de Liverpool, while Pureseoul partnered with Primark to launch an accessible K-beauty Mini Mart concept. John Lewis Partnership announced plans to recruit 10,400 staff for the Christmas trading period. Japan also confirmed a new tax-free shopping refund system will be introduced in November 2026.
Scientific research and product development remained active. L’Oréal and Cosmax partnered to develop next-generation beauty innovations. Amway India targeted an INR 100 crore Ayurveda business through the expansion of Nutrilite, while the National Eczema Association expanded its Seal of Acceptance programme to include colour cosmetics.
Leadership and organisational changes featured prominently. Richemont promoted founder Johann Rupert’s son Anton Rupert as its luxury succession planning accelerated. Natura appointed Alessandro Carlucci as CEO as João Paulo Ferreira stepped down. L’Oréal appointed Manashi Guha as Country Manager for Malaysia and Singapore, while PZ Cussons appointed Hush CEO Sarah Miles as a Non-Executive Director.
The Estée Lauder Companies also expanded and reshuffled senior leadership roles as it accelerated its digital transformation and prepared for the retirement of Sandra Main. Lush, meanwhile, appointed Amity Murray as its first skincare ambassador.
Retail performance remained resilient in the US. Macy’s raised its 2026 guidance after reporting sales growth across all of its retail brands.
Regulatory, financial and technology developments continued across global markets. The UK Food Standards Agency moved the first CBD novel food applications towards authorisation. Australia approved Kimberly-Clark’s US$40 billion acquisition of Kenvue, subject to divestment conditions. Citigroup also announced plans to introduce blockchain-based cross-border payments for Japanese corporate customers.
Taken together, this week reflected continued activity across investment, leadership and international expansion, alongside scientific collaboration, retail development and regulatory change. From beauty acquisitions and K-beauty expansion to digital transformation, wellness investment and succession planning, companies continued to adjust portfolios and strengthen their positions across the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.
