This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted continued activity across financial performance, portfolio transformation and international expansion, as companies advanced acquisitions, turnaround programmes and growth strategies across beauty, personal care, wellness and retail.
Financial performance featured prominently across the sector. Henkel’s Hair business delivered 4.2 percent organic sales growth in the first half of 2026, with OLAPLEX and Not Your Mother’s contributing to its portfolio. The Honest Company raised its 2026 outlook as personal care and wipes supported organic growth, while Shiseido nearly doubled core operating profit despite softer like-for-like sales.
Prestige beauty groups also reported first-half performance updates. Chanel Beauty recorded strong sales growth, while Puig delivered further growth across its fragrance, makeup and skincare portfolio. LVMH sold Patou back to beauty entrepreneur Dilesh Mehta as part of its portfolio activity.
Growth continued among digitally focused beauty businesses. e.l.f. Beauty raised its fiscal 2027 outlook following another strong quarter. In India, Nykaa’s beauty operations contributed to profitability as the retailer continued to expand its skincare portfolio.
International expansion remained active across key markets. Amorepacific reported strong second-quarter growth as its businesses across the Americas, EMEA and Japan gained momentum. LG Household & Health Care reported improved profitability as North America contributed to growth. Brazil also moved to reduce regulatory barriers for K-beauty products.
Turnaround and transformation programmes remained in focus. Beiersdorf launched an 18-month turnaround programme for NIVEA following weakness at the brand during the first half, while its Derma portfolio continued to grow. Oriflame progressed a transformation strategy covering pricing, manufacturing, portfolio optimisation and commercial operations following a further decline in first-half sales.
Portfolio changes and acquisitions also featured. LG Household & Health Care discontinued its TIPSY colour cosmetics brand. Procter & Gamble agreed to acquire Thorne for US$3.8 billion, expanding its presence in the wellness category. Outside beauty, Bain Capital agreed to acquire Gong Cha for more than US$635 million.
Retail developments continued across the health and beauty sector. Talks surrounding a potential £7 billion sale of Boots stalled. Bodycare secured investment to support its AI-powered health and beauty retail strategy.
Product innovation reflected changing consumer demand and environmental conditions. Japan’s record-breaking heatwave drove demand for cooling cosmetics and personal care products, with companies including Shiseido and Unicharm developing products for hot-weather conditions. e.l.f. and Bubble also partnered on a limited-edition skincare and makeup collaboration.
Brand licensing and category expansion remained active. Glamlite entered body care through a licensing partnership with Pepsi, introducing skincare-led products and fragrances inspired by the drinks brand.
Leadership and workforce developments also featured. P&G appointed Shailesh Jejurikar as Chairman as part of its planned leadership transition. L’Oréal named Rahquel Purcell as North America Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. Lush launched a pilot living wage beauty apprenticeship programme focused on developing qualified beauty therapists.
Generational and governance developments also emerged. Ronald Lauder scaled back his external commitments as the former Estée Lauder Companies director increased his focus on art, philanthropy and legacy planning.
Taken together, this week reflected continued activity across financial performance, portfolio transformation and international expansion, alongside acquisitions, turnaround programmes and evolving retail strategies. From premium haircare and wellness investment to K-beauty expansion, AI-enabled retail and climate-driven product development, companies continued to adjust portfolios and operations across the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.
