This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted the growing convergence of financial performance, technology investment and health-led expansion, as listed groups, private equity firms and global brands navigated earnings momentum alongside regulatory, legal and strategic developments.
Earnings and financial updates dominated headlines for global beauty and consumer goods groups. Estée Lauder shares fell even though the company reported better earnings and raised its outlook.while elf Beauty recorded a blockbuster performance in the third quarter and raised its guidance for the entire year. Cosnova Beauty reported accelerated global growth driven by brand momentum and skincare expansion. In India, Nykaa more than doubled its profits in the third quarter as demand for beauty remained resilient, while Gillette India reported sharp profit rise due to the continued demand for grooming products. Kao reported fiscal 2025 results and announced updates to its financial reporting framework. Church & Dwight also posted better-than-expected 2025 results and outlined growth plans for 2026.
Portfolio reshaping and M&A activity remained active across all markets. Marubeni acquires Japanese cosmetics and skincare brand ETVOSwhile Edgewell agreed to sell its Feminine Care business to Essity for 340 million dollars. Private equity interest continued to grow around British supplement group Vitabiotics. with multiple companies lining up for a possible acquisition. KKR prepared Wella Company for a possible US IPOwhile Barry M sought a buyer as he moved toward administration.
Investment in technology, artificial intelligence and innovation continued to accelerate. Coty entered into a strategic collaboration with OpenAI to expand the use of enterprise AI across its operations. Separately, Amazon was reported to be in talks to invest up to $50 billion in OpenAI. In the startup ecosystem, Sparxell raised $5 million in pre-Series A fundingor scale plant-based color technology, while Phia raised $35 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered shopping platform.
Regulatory and legal developments continued to be the focus. Estée Lauder fined $750,000 in Canada for PFAS-related cosmetics violation. In it In the US, a judge dismissed a fraud lawsuit related to Johnson & Johnson’s use of bankruptcy proceedings in connection with talc litigation. In South Korea, Police question Coupang CEO about alleged data breach cover-up.
Health, fragrance and brand launches were also presented this week. AstraZeneca has signed a potential $18.5 billion deal for anti-obesity drugs with China’s pharmaceutical group CSPC. Interparfums has secured a long-term global fragrance license with David Beckham. Dove Men+Care Launches Mood-Boosting Aluminum-Free Deodorants developed with Nic Vansteenberghe.
Leadership changes and legacy transitions were also observed. Oriele Frank left ELEMIS after 33 years. closing a long-standing chapter in the brand’s history.
E-commerce and market dynamics remained under pressure in some parts of the sector. Meesho reported a wider quarterly loss as marketing and expansion expenses increased.
Taken together, this week reflected an industry balancing strong earnings momentum in parts of the market with continued portfolio reshaping, AI-driven investing, and regulatory and legal scrutiny. Activity remained focused on performance delivery, technology adoption and strategic repositioning in beauty, personal care and adjacent health categories.
