This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry saw developments across financial performance, regulatory oversight and international expansion, as major beauty groups reported contrasting sales trends, companies adjusted their portfolios and governments introduced new measures affecting product safety and market compliance.
Financial performance presented a mixed picture across global markets. P&G reported 4 percent sales growth in fiscal Q1 2027, supported by a stronger Beauty division. Puig delivered record third-quarter sales as make-up and Asia-Pacific contributed to growth, while Dolce & Gabbana Beauty targeted double-digit growth through international expansion. In contrast, China’s online beauty sales declined 6 percent in September, with multinational brands facing weaker demand and increased competition.
Corporate results and financing activity extended beyond traditional cosmetics. THG raised its 2026 profit forecast as its nutrition business drove growth, while Walmart targeted a US$6.5 billion bond sale to support retail expansion. Malaysia’s Big Caring Pharmacy chain outlined plans for a US$600 million IPO, and Getty Images filed for bankruptcy protection amid AI competition and debt restructuring.
Portfolio restructuring and corporate strategy brought further changes. Unilever sold its Welly bandage brand to Forward Consumer Partners, while Solabia refocused its operations on cosmetics and nutraceuticals following the appointment of Muriel Koch as CEO. Proya Cosmetics opened a European innovation laboratory in France, expanding its international research and product development capabilities.
Leadership and governance changes affected several major groups. dsm-firmenich appointed Richard Ridinger Chairman of the Board, while Chanel continued its board restructuring as Bruno Pavlovsky stepped down. Dermalogica CEO Aurelian Lis announced his departure after a decade, and L’Oréal appointed its North Asia CFO to the boards of key Chinese manufacturing subsidiaries.
Brand development and marketing partnerships also featured. Maybelline New York appointed Hannah El Zahed as its first brand ambassador in Egypt, while Virgin partnered with Wonderskin on a limited-edition lip stain collaboration.
Regulatory developments placed cosmetic procedures and product compliance under scrutiny. The UK government proposed tougher restrictions on high-risk cosmetic procedures, including measures limiting certain treatments to qualified healthcare professionals. Indonesia extended halal certification deadlines for cosmetics and personal care products to 2028, providing manufacturers with additional time to meet regulatory requirements.
Clinical research and product safety brought further developments. The US FDA cleared a Phase 2 clinical trial investigating injectable PDGF for under-eye hollows, advancing research into regenerative aesthetic treatments. Kenvue updated the labelling and safety documentation for Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple Action Toner, confirming its regulatory classification as an over-the-counter acne treatment.
Retail disruption and security concerns affected European markets. Sephora closed stores in France as riots damaged approximately 1,500 retail businesses, while luxury retailers in Milan temporarily shut locations amid civil unrest. Vinted removed suspected stolen merchandise from its platform following the French retail disturbances.
Manufacturing operations also faced disruption. A Russian attack damaged Ukrainian personal care manufacturer 2K, forcing the company to halt production.
The week’s developments revealed contrasting conditions across the industry. Strong results from P&G and Puig and expansion plans from Dolce & Gabbana Beauty contrasted with weaker online beauty sales in China and disruption to retail and manufacturing operations. Regulatory action in the UK, Indonesia and the US placed consumer safety and product compliance at the centre of the agenda, while corporate restructuring, leadership changes and international investment continued to reshape the global cosmetics and personal care market.
