This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted the growing convergence of scientific innovation, retail expansion and corporate restructuring, as global groups advanced leadership changes, acquisitions, sustainability initiatives and product innovation across key markets.
Leadership, research and innovation remained at the forefront of industry activity. Unilever appointed Hanny van Amerongen-van Enschot as Chief R&D Officer for Personal Care. L’Oréal expanded its RNAi research partnership with OliX into nail health, while Galderma confirmed the global rollout of Relfydess remains on track despite delays to US regulatory approval.
Corporate transactions and portfolio management continued across the sector. SLG Brands sold COLAB and Johnny’s Chop Shop to Thriving Brands. Kroger acquired Giant Eagle in a US$1.65 billion retail deal. Unilever was reported to be exploring an acquisition of supplements brand Thorne, while Saltair explored a potential sale as growth accelerated. Saks Global completed its restructuring and rebranded as Exemplar Luxury Group.
Retail expansion and brand development remained active across global markets. Boots expanded its premium beauty offering with the launch of Charlotte Tilbury and extended its late-night delivery service as demand increased during the football tournament. Perfect Diary expanded into Sephora China, while Olaplex entered the fragrance category with a limited-edition Hair & Body Mist.
Brand partnerships and marketing initiatives also featured. Valentino Beauty appointed Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård to front a new fragrance campaign. Max Mara named Florence Pugh as the face of its inaugural fragrance launch.
Financial and sustainability developments continued across the industry. Amorepacific updated its sustainability-linked financing agreement with the IFC, while Shiseido raised ¥13 billion through an unsecured bond issuance.
Regulatory and legal developments remained in focus. The EU removed the customs duty exemption for low-value e-commerce imports. Amorepacific resolved a lawsuit concerning the packaging of Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. Kao USA recalled selected lots of Oribe shampoo over bacterial contamination. FDA reviewers questioned the evidence supporting compounded peptides.
Health, consumer services and retail healthcare continued to expand. Asda Online Doctor opened pre-orders for Wegovy weight-loss tablets.
Manufacturing, supply chain and operational changes also featured. Beijing Liyuan announced plans to exit its Shiseido cosmetics joint venture in China. International Paper restructured its North American packaging network. Louis Vuitton defended the sustainability credentials of its Paris Fashion Week installation.
Taken together, this week reflected continued activity across scientific research, retail expansion and corporate restructuring, alongside regulatory developments, sustainability initiatives and supply chain transformation shaping the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.
