This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry recorded stronger financial performances, major acquisition activity and international retail expansion, alongside investment in biotechnology, sustainability and digital commerce. Growth across hair care, K-beauty and online retail contrasted with corporate restructuring, regulatory enforcement and trade barriers affecting international operations.
Financial results led the headlines. Henkel reported 11 percent sales growth and raised its 2026 outlook, supported by its hair care business and recent acquisitions. Shiseido increased its annual profit forecast as earnings recovered following restructuring and cost reductions. Nykaa reported 28 percent revenue growth as profits tripled, while Hugel recorded 15 percent sales growth despite a weaker third quarter.
M&A activity brought further changes to the cosmetics and personal care sector. Brazilian food producer JBS agreed to acquire personal care manufacturer Flora for US$542 million, expanding its operations into cosmetics and household products. Spectrum Brands made an US$866 million bid for Helen of Troy, while L’Oréal’s largest shareholder, the Bettencourt Meyers family, strengthened its investment team at Téthys with two senior appointments to support portfolio diversification.
Investment activity also reflected growing international interest in Korean cosmetics. Guinness Atkinson launched a dedicated K-beauty investment fund, providing investors with exposure to South Korean cosmetics manufacturers, brands and distributors. L’Oréal and Walgreens backed a Chinese biomaterials start-up, expanding their involvement in emerging technologies with potential applications across cosmetics and personal care.
International retail and distribution developments spanned several markets. Kmart expanded its cosmetics portfolio to 2,700 products from 117 global brands, while CJ Olive Young increased its planned US retail network to seven stores. APR Corporation broadened distribution of its Medicube skincare brand across Canada, and Boots introduced a K-wellness range in the UK.
Digital commerce created additional opportunities for cosmetics retailers and brands. TikTok launched a standalone shopping application in Southeast Asia, expanding its ecommerce activities beyond its social media platform. In contrast, Australian department store David Jones entered administration after 188 years, reflecting the financial pressures facing established retail businesses.
Hair care emerged as a significant area of commercial development. Blackstone-backed Juno Hair targeted expansion into the US market, while Rogaine reported a 30 percent increase in sales amid growing demand for hair loss treatments associated with GLP-1 medications.
Corporate restructuring and leadership changes affected several international groups. Unilever announced plans to exit its Myanmar joint venture in 2027, while Coty outlined proposals to cut 155 jobs in France. Justin Boxford departed The Estée Lauder Companies, and Symrise appointed Martin Huber Chief Financial Officer.
Sustainability and research investment also featured. Unilever called for faster industrial electrification at COP31, advocating investment in clean energy infrastructure to reduce manufacturing emissions. Meanwhile, the EU and India agreed to expand their research partnership, creating opportunities for scientific collaboration across sectors relevant to cosmetics innovation.
Regulatory enforcement and international trade brought further developments. Colgate-Palmolive agreed to pay a US$930,000 penalty to the US Environmental Protection Agency over chemical imports. South Korea also pressed Brazil to reduce its 25 percent cosmetics import tariff, seeking improved market access for Korean manufacturers and exporters.
For the global cosmetics industry, sustainable growth increasingly depends on the ability to convert strong consumer demand into profitable international expansion, secure access to new markets and invest in technologies that support product innovation and operational efficiency.
