This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry recorded contrasting financial performances, major acquisition activity and regulatory developments, alongside leadership changes, fragrance innovation and international retail expansion.
Financial performance led the headlines. Unilever reported 5.2 percent sales growth in the third quarter, supported by its Beauty and Personal Care businesses. L’Oréal recorded 7.7 percent sales growth to €35.33 billion, while Galderma raised its 2026 sales outlook for the second consecutive quarter following strong revenue growth. In contrast, Beiersdorf reported a 3.5 percent sales decline as NIVEA began an 18-month turnaround programme.
M&A activity intensified across chemicals, technology and retail. BASF increased its proposed takeover bid for Evonik to more than €11 billion as consolidation discussions progressed across Europe’s chemicals sector. The company also pursued further acquisitions to strengthen its portfolio. L Catterton invested in AI shopping platform Glance to support its US expansion, while DoorDash entered advanced discussions to acquire Instacart in a potential US$17 billion transaction.
Leadership and governance changes affected several major cosmetics companies. Lady Gaga assumed the CEO role at Haus Labs, taking direct responsibility for the brand’s commercial strategy. Wella Company restructured its global leadership across marketing, innovation and supply chain functions, while Unilever announced the resignation of Non-Executive Director Ruby Lu from its Board. Amorepacific Chairman Seo Kyung-bae transferred KRW4.5 billion in company shares to relatives.
International expansion and luxury cosmetics development featured across key markets. Charlotte Tilbury opened its first Southeast Asian flagship in Jakarta, strengthening its retail presence in Indonesia. Valentino Beauty introduced its first Haute Beauté product in China, launching a limited-edition couture cushion foundation through its Shanghai flagship. Kylie Jenner, meanwhile, filed a trademark application covering cosmetics, skincare, hair care and fragrances under her daughter Stormi Webster’s name, although no brand launch has been confirmed.
Fragrance innovation and retail experiences brought new developments. Dove entered the fine fragrance market with a limited-edition direct-to-consumer launch, while Bath & Body Works opened its first Feel Good concept store, introducing a new approach to fragrance discovery and customer engagement. L’Oréal Paris appointed actress Adria Arjona as Global Ambassador, expanding its international marketing activities.
Digital commerce and technology attracted further investment. Coty partnered with Brandlight to improve brand visibility across AI-powered search platforms, adapting its digital marketing strategy to changing consumer discovery habits. Meanwhile, Kroger outlined plans to open 110 new stores as part of its fresh-focused retail expansion programme.
Consumer health and inclusive product development gained attention in Australia, where Coles partnered with GenM to introduce menopause-friendly products, expanding access to products designed for consumers experiencing menopause.
Regulatory developments brought changes to cosmetics safety and compliance. The US FDA issued final guidance on mandatory cosmetics recalls under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), while the European Parliament approved simplified rules covering hazardous substances in cosmetics. PETA India opposed proposed changes to animal testing regulations amid concerns about their implications for the cosmetics industry.
Legal scrutiny added another dimension to the week’s developments. L’Oréal faced a lawsuit in Minnesota concerning alleged cancer risks associated with chemical hair relaxers, adding to ongoing litigation involving the product category.
For the global cosmetics industry, sustainable growth increasingly depends on the ability to balance financial performance with strategic investment, translate brand recognition and celebrity influence into commercial success, and develop distinctive products that respond to changing consumer expectations.
