This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry saw significant developments across acquisitions, financial performance and international retail expansion, alongside manufacturing investment, artificial intelligence and regulatory scrutiny. Major beauty groups reported growth, pursued portfolio changes and expanded distribution as legal disputes and trade pressures affected global operations.

M&A and corporate restructuring led the headlines. Galderma agreed to acquire ZO Skin Health for US$1.5 billion, expanding its physician-dispensed skincare portfolio. Bogart sold its 47-store Israeli cosmetics retail subsidiary for €5.8 million, while the EU approved Kimberly-Clark’s US$40 billion acquisition of Kenvue following a divestment agreement. Outside beauty, Amazon entered discussions to acquire AI start-up Decart for approximately US$7 billion.

Financial performance reflected growth across luxury beauty, digital retail and technology businesses. LVMH reported higher third-quarter sales across its beauty operations and Sephora retail network. Shein reported a 26 percent increase in UK sales to £2.58 billion, overtaking Asos, while executives at Beauty Tech Group sold £6 million in shares following the company’s strong IPO performance. e.l.f. Beauty announced plans to reinvest a US$50 million tariff refund into pricing and marketing initiatives.

International distribution and retail development spanned several markets. CJ Olive Young expanded its K-beauty distribution through Sephora stores in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Nykaa and L’Oréal strengthened Kiehl’s presence in India with a new skincare launch, while Kiko Milano outlined plans to double its Indian retail footprint by the end of 2026. In the US, Bluemercury relaunched its proprietary makeup brand Lune+Aster with a refreshed identity and expanded assortment.

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