Global Cosmetics Weekly Review Week 32
The global cosmetics and personal care landscape is anything but static. This week, the industry pulsed with energy, demonstrating robust financial performance, strategic portfolio transformations, and aggressive international expansion across beauty, wellness, and retail sectors.
Financial results were a clear indicator of this dynamism. Companies showcased varied success stories: Henkel’s Hair business registered 4.2 percent organic sales growth in the first half of 2026, bolstered by successful acquisitions like OLAPLEX and Not Your Mother’s strengthening its portfolio. Meanwhile, other giants navigated shifts effectively; The Honest Company raised its outlook, fueled by strong personal care and wipes sales, while Shiseido managed to nearly double its core operating profit despite softer like-for-like sales.
Prestige beauty groups also reported significant momentum. Chanel Beauty delivered strong sales growth, and Puig continued its trajectory of expansion across its fragrance, makeup, and skincare lines. This period was also marked by strategic repositioning, such as LVMH actively moving assets by selling the Patou brand back to a beauty entrepreneur as part of its portfolio activity.
Digital innovation continues to drive growth in the sector. Brands focused on digital engagement saw excellent results; e.l.f. Beauty raised its fiscal 2027 outlook following a strong first quarter, and in India, Nykaa’s expansion of its skincare portfolio proved instrumental in driving profitability.
International reach remained a core strategic focus. Amorepacific reported robust second-quarter growth as momentum built across the Americas, EMEA, and Japan. Simultaneously, LG Household & Health Care saw improved profitability as North America emerged as a significant driver of growth, and efforts were underway globally to ease regulatory barriers, exemplified by Brazil’s move to facilitate K-beauty expansion.
Underpinning this expansion were major strategic pivots. Transformation programs remained central to corporate strategy; Beiersdorf launched an 18-month turnaround plan for NIVEA, while Oriflame advanced a comprehensive transformation strategy focused on pricing, manufacturing, and portfolio optimization following a dip in sales.
The appetite for change extended to mergers and acquisitions. Companies were actively reshaping their offerings, with LG Household & Health Care discontinuing its TIPSY colour cosmetics brand and Procter & Gamble agreeing to acquire Thorne for US$3.8 billion, expanding its presence in the wellness category. Elsewhere in the market, Bain Capital successfully acquired Gong Cha for over US$635 million.
Retail developments also evolved rapidly. While large-scale retail sales talks, such as those surrounding Boots, stalled, other players focused on futuristic strategies, with Bodycare securing investment to accelerate its AI-powered health and beauty retail approach.
Product innovation responded directly to consumer desires and environmental shifts. The record heatwave in Japan spurred demand for cooling cosmetics and personal care products, prompting companies like Shiseido and Unicharm to develop heat-ready solutions. This focus on topical relevance also manifested in collaborations, such as e.l.f. and Bubble launching a limited-edition skincare and makeup partnership.
Finally, the industry saw continued commitment to talent and governance. Leadership transitions were underway, with P&G appointing Shailesh Jejurikar as Chairman. Meanwhile, efforts to build inclusive workplaces continued, seen through L’Oréal naming Rahquel Purcell as North America Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. Furthermore, brands like Lush launched a pilot living wage beauty apprenticeship programme, signaling a dedication to developing qualified talent in the field.
Ultimately, the broader picture is one of dynamic adjustment. From investing in premium haircare and wellness to embracing AI-enabled retail and climate-driven product development, the cosmetics world continued its evolution, adjusting portfolios and operations across the global stage with renewed focus and forward momentum.
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