This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted continued activity across retail transformation, financial performance and scientific innovation, as companies advanced leadership changes, international expansion and investment strategies while responding to evolving regulatory and competitive pressures.
Retail and e-commerce developments featured prominently. Douglas Group accelerated its focus on e-commerce as Q3 sales declined, while Sephora partnered with Glam42 to bring Sephora Collection to Israel. Frasers Group acquired Harvey Nichols in a £40 million deal, and John Lewis appointed Will Kernan as Managing Director. QVC emerged from bankruptcy after reducing its debt by US$5 billion.
Financial performance remained mixed across the sector. Natura reported pressure on Q2 revenue from Brazil as its Hispanic markets accelerated. Kenvue reported a 5.1 percent increase in Beauty sales, supported by Neutrogena and OGX. Edgewell Personal Care returned to organic growth as Q3 earnings exceeded expectations, while PZ Cussons reported higher FY26 profit as St.Tropez returned to growth. APR posted record Q2 results as cosmetics revenue increased 186 percent.
Health, wellness and aesthetics businesses also reported growth. Hims & Hers posted a 38 percent increase in Q2 revenue as international expansion accelerated, while Hugel delivered record first-half results supported by growth across its global aesthetics and cosmetics businesses.
Investment, M&A and corporate activity continued across global markets. Ashland explored a potential sale following takeover interest. Eurazeo outlined plans to invest €410 million in Aroma-Zone to support expansion. DSM-Firmenich agreed to a US$33 million settlement in a fragrance antitrust case.
Leadership changes also featured. Oriflame appointed Kenneth Benaim Campbell as CEO as the company continued its transformation programme.
Scientific research and product innovation remained active. L’Oréal partnered with NUS Medicine to advance research into skin longevity. BSF Enterprise signed a 10-year global cosmetics agreement covering a bioactive peptide. Amorepacific targeted the post-treatment beauty category with a PDRN collagen supplement, while Kleenex expanded into beauty with a skin-specific tissue innovation.
Regulatory, legal and intellectual property developments remained in focus. South Korea stepped up its international crackdown on counterfeit K-beauty products. Saudi Arabia announced a ban on syringe-style cosmetics from 2027. Lush successfully blocked the ‘LushVibe’ trademark in a brand protection case.
Technology and digital commerce developments also continued. Amazon lost its attempt to block Perplexity’s AI shopping tools, while Shopify raised its Q3 expectations after second-quarter revenue and profit exceeded forecasts.
Taken together, this week reflected continued activity across retail transformation, financial performance and scientific innovation, alongside investment, regulatory developments and international expansion. From beauty retail acquisitions and restructuring to skin longevity research, aesthetics growth and AI-powered commerce, companies continued to adjust their strategies across the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.
