This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted continued activity across financial performance, international expansion and category innovation, as companies reported growth, entered new markets and advanced investment and leadership strategies across the sector.
Financial performance and retail results featured prominently. Coty returned to sales growth as its Coty.Curated strategy moved into execution. The Estée Lauder Companies returned to growth in FY2026, with sales rising 5 percent. Target raised its 2026 outlook following Q2 sales growth, with beauty delivering high single-digit gains.
International expansion and distribution strategies remained active across key markets. PROYA partnered with Ulta Beauty to expand into US prestige skincare, while Amorepacific broadened its K-beauty portfolio in India with the launch of Mamonde. In contrast, IT Cosmetics retreated from China with the closure of its sole official e-commerce channel.
M&A and investment activity continued across beauty, personal care and distribution. Wipro Consumer Care acquired digital-first premium skincare brand Dermatouch. CVC Capital invested KRW300 billion in K-beauty distributor Silicon2, while River Associates acquired personal care manufacturer Diamond Wipes.
Product development and category expansion also featured. Tower 28 entered the foundation category with its biggest launch to date. Estée Lauder partnered with the University of Leeds to advance research into complexion shade matching. MCoBeauty and Cadbury crossed categories with a beauty collaboration.
Beauty-from-within and wellness developments continued to expand. Nestlé targeted GLP-1 users with new nutrition and beauty-from-within products. Alix Earle invested in wellness brand Cymbiotika, while Kim Kardashian joined Broc Shot as a brand advocate for its skin health supplement. Cocokind founder Priscilla Tsai and a beauty creator launched collagen snack brand Mimitime. Alex Cooper, meanwhile, announced plans to close the Unwell beverage line following its short-lived partnership with Nestlé.
Leadership and governance changes remained active across major groups. Former P&G Beauty CEO Alex Keith was appointed to the Diageo Board. Ulta Beauty appointed PacSun CEO Brieane Olson to its Board. DSM-Firmenich proposed Richard Ridinger as Chairman as Thomas Leysen prepares to retire. Kimberly-Clark appointed Suzana Blades as General Counsel ahead of its acquisition of Kenvue.
Financial and payments-sector developments also emerged. PayPal entered discussions over a potential US$53 billion sale to Stripe and Advent.
Regulatory and legal developments remained in focus. A US court upheld the end of the de minimis tariff exemption, while France’s highest court blocked a social media ban for children under 15. Henkel recalled Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip products over a packaging-related risk.
Taken together, this week reflected continued activity across financial performance, international expansion and category innovation, alongside acquisitions, leadership changes and regulatory developments. From complexion science and K-beauty expansion to beauty-from-within products and portfolio transformation, companies continued to adjust their strategies across the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.
