This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted continued activity across retail expansion, financial performance and strategic investment, as companies raised outlooks, entered new international markets and advanced acquisitions, leadership changes and technology initiatives across the sector.
Retail performance and expansion featured prominently. Ulta Beauty raised its 2026 guidance after Q2 sales reached US$3 billion. Target launched Beauty Studio, bringing 90 prestige, emerging and global brands to more than 600 stores, while Old Navy expanded into beauty with a US-wide Beauty Co. rollout. Kohl’s raised its 2026 outlook as improved Q2 margins offset declining sales, and Walmart raised its FY27 outlook after second-quarter revenue reached US$187.9 billion.
International beauty expansion continued across key markets. Thirteen Lune began its international expansion with a launch in South Africa, while LG H&H expanded Dr.Groot across 424 Sephora stores in the US. Kiko Milano entered Uruguay as part of an €8.55 million expansion plan.
M&A and investment activity remained active across beauty, personal care and manufacturing. KKR acquired Japanese beauty platform Ci FLAVORS, while Regent agreed to acquire Avon North America, bringing Avon businesses back under common ownership. Essity agreed to acquire Kenvue’s feminine care business in Brazil for US$284 million, and APS Innovation acquired cosmetics automation equipment manufacturer Irae for KRW24.5 billion.
Leadership changes also featured across major beauty companies. LVMH appointed Alexandre Oulès Chief Operating Officer of its Beauty division. Coty named Soraya Benchikh as CFO as it continued its business transformation, while Vacation appointed former Not Your Mother’s CEO Nelson Miranda to lead its next stage of growth. Macy’s appointed Maya Dukes Senior Vice President of Creative and Production, and Johnson & Johnson named Aviva Wein Global Vice President of Litigation.
Technology, research and sustainability initiatives continued across the sector. Mary Kay accelerated its digital transformation through increased investment in e-commerce, AI and social commerce. Amorepacific funded research at Yonsei University to develop an ‘Inner Beauty’ index, while Henkel’s Shanghai Packaging RecycLab secured EU-recognised testing accreditation.
Brand and marketing developments also remained active. Clarins appointed Zhang Ziyi as global spokesperson for Clarins Precious, strengthening the luxury skincare line’s international positioning.
Regulatory and trade developments remained in focus. India opened a second antitrust investigation involving global fragrance companies, while US-Canada tariffs increased pressure on beauty supply chains and affordable cosmetics. South Korea passed landmark legislation designed to support and accelerate the growth of its K-beauty industry.
Investment activity beyond beauty also continued in Asia. JD.com and Chinese state-owned companies won the first land tender for Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis development.
Taken together, this week reflected continued activity across retail growth, international expansion and strategic investment, alongside acquisitions, leadership changes and regulatory developments. From major US beauty retail initiatives and K-beauty expansion to AI-enabled commerce, research investment and cross-border M&A, companies continued to strengthen their positions across the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.
