This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted the growing convergence of AI deployment, legal developments and portfolio restructuring, as global groups advanced technology deployment, resolved litigation and reshaped ownership structures across markets.
Artificial intelligence applications continued to expand in product development and retail. Clarins launched an AI Shade Finder that claims to have a base matching accuracy of 96 percent. coty unveiled an AI-powered fragrance concept store in Hong Kong. shiseido developed AI systems designed to evaluate the biodegradability and safety of ingredients.
Legal and regulatory matters remained active in all jurisdictions.. Johnson & Johnson agreed to a $4.7 million settlement over Neutrogena Skin360’s BIPA claims. Gentle agreed to pay $67 million to settle a talc litigation in the United States. L’Oréal filed a lawsuit seeking reimbursement of Trump-era tariffs. Colgate confirmed it will defend its DEI-based board selection criteria amid a shareholder challenge.
The evolution of ownership and governance also featured prominently. He arnault family increased its stake in LVMH to more than 50 percent. L’Oréal was reported to have influenced the overthrow of the sanafi CEO and appointment of a successor. In South Korea, Seo Ho-jung, heiress to Lovepacific, sold ₩10 billion worth of shares to finance a gift tax payment.
Corporate restructuring and financial repositioning continued across the sector. beauty bay filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. LR Health and Beauty SE agreed to a restructuring agreement for its Nordic bond. The honest company reported fiscal 2025 results and launched a $25 million share buyback. Rarity technology reported record results for fiscal year 2025.
Mergers and acquisitions and strategic investment activity remained active. Persiannorth agreed to sell Biochemistry Mibelle to the Solabia Group. COSMAX acquired a 51 percent stake in Italy’s Keminova to establish its first European production base. Hindustan Unilever acquired full ownership of OZiva and exited its stake in Nutritionalab, while separately confirming plans to invest up to $221 million to scale premium categories.
Retail and distribution expansion continued in key markets. MCoBelleza launched in Canada through a partnership with Walmart. Bath and body work opened an official store on Amazon US. MAC Cosmetics launched at Sephora US and Sephora at Kohl’s. Revlon We expanded production in Spain with a new logistics center and an Elizabeth Arde.north manufacturing line.
Pharmaceutical and biotech investment also intersected with the broader ecosystem. Turbine raised $25 million in Series B funding and expanded into immunology through a partnership with a top 10 pharmaceutical company. South Korea and Brazil signed cooperation agreements covering Korean beauty and broader trade cooperation.
A leadership transition was also observed, with Charlotte Tilbury CEO Demetra Pinsent confirms she is stepping down after 14 years.
Taken together, this week reflected continued momentum around AI integration, manufacturing expansion and portfolio consolidation, along with sustained legal scrutiny and capital market activity. Advancements spanned technology implementation, ownership changes and cross-border trade alignment across the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.
