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Despite facing significant challenges such as the ongoing impact of the pandemic, rising inflation, and persistent supply chain issues, the beauty industry showed signs of recovery in 2022. As brick-and-mortar and travel retail stores reopened, mask mandates were lifted, and salons resumed operations, there was a notable increase in consumer spending on cosmetics, particularly in categories like makeup and lipstick. This surge in demand reflects the pent-up desire for beauty products after a prolonged period of restrictions.
 
In response to the evolving landscape, companies across the beauty sector implemented innovative strategies and initiatives to navigate these challenges successfully. Consequently, 2022 witnessed a flurry of beauty deals and acquisitions, ranging from small startups to major global players such as Unilever and L’Oréal. These companies aggressively acquired brands across various categories, including haircare, skincare, fragrance, and makeup, aiming for global expansion and deeper market penetration into emerging and exciting territories.
 
Related: Revisit last year’s biggest beauty industry deals & acquisitions.
 
Beauty Packaging has curated a comprehensive list of the most significant sales and acquisitions from the past year to keep you well-informed and up-to-date on industry dynamics.
 
Here are the most impactful beauty deals and acquisitions of 2022:
 

 
Strategic Acquisition: Beiersdorf Expands Portfolio with Chantecaille
 
(January 3) In a significant move, Beiersdorf AG finalized a definitive agreement to acquire Chantecaille Beaute Inc., a renowned prestige beauty company based in the USA.
 
The enterprise value of this acquisition is projected to range between $590 million and $690 million, contingent upon the future growth trajectory of the Chantecaille brand. Beiersdorf plans to maintain Chantecaille as a separately managed entity within its portfolio, alongside other selective brands like La Prairie, allowing it to retain its unique identity while benefiting from Beiersdorf’s extensive resources.
 
Founded in 1997 by Sylvie Chantecaille, the brand is celebrated for its innovative skincare, fragrance, and cosmetics products, which are crafted using botanical ingredients. Chantecaille emphasizes sustainability and philanthropy, establishing a strong global presence with significant market strength in North America and Asia.
 
Henkel’s Strategic Merger: Unifying Beauty and Home Care for Growth
 
(February 1) Henkel announced a strategic merger of its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care business units into a single cohesive unit named Henkel Consumer Brands.
 
This integration aims to create a multi-category platform that will consolidate Henkel’s consumer brands and businesses, including renowned names like Persil and Schwarzkopf, while also incorporating its professional haircare segment. The merger is designed to enhance growth opportunities and drive profitability within the consumer sector, enabling Henkel to leverage synergies across its diverse product offerings.
 
Ilia Beauty Joins Forces with Famille C Venture for Clean Beauty Growth
 
(February 2) Famille C Venture, a French investment firm led by Prisca Courtin-Clarins, has reached an agreement to acquire clean makeup brand Ilia Beauty.
 
This acquisition positions Famille C as a leader in the rapidly growing clean beauty segment, which is anticipated to experience substantial growth in the forthcoming years. With an increasing consumer focus on sustainability and clean formulations, this partnership aims to capitalize on the expanding market demand for clean beauty products.
 
Entrepreneurial Move: Lisa Barlow Sells N+B Brand to Channel Op.
 
(February 4) Lisa Barlow, a prominent entrepreneur and co-founder of the body and beauty line N+B, successfully sold her company to Channel Op for an undisclosed amount.
 
The acquisition includes a comprehensive portfolio of over 20 products, featuring luxury shampoos and innovative styling solutions designed to combat frizz. This strategic sale highlights the growing interest in niche beauty brands and the potential for expansion within the beauty marketplace.
 
Revolution Beauty Group Enhances Portfolio with BH Cosmetics Acquisition
 
(February 25) Revolution Beauty Group plc, a dynamic multi-brand innovator in the mass beauty sector, has acquired intellectual property assets and inventory from BH Cosmetics Holdings LLC for a total consideration of $3.9 million.
 
This acquisition allows Revolution Beauty to integrate BH Cosmetics into its broader operational framework, maximizing synergies in product development, supply chain management, and distribution. Revolution Beauty aims to revitalize the BH brand through innovative product launches while leveraging its established relationships in the U.S., U.K., and international markets to drive growth.
 
LG H&H Strengthens Market Position with The Crème Shop Acquisition
 
(March 21) LG H&H, part of the LG Group, acquired a majority stake in Los Angeles-based beauty brand The Crème Shop.
 
Known for its playful and vibrant skincare, makeup, and beauty accessories, The Crème Shop has cultivated a loyal following among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. This acquisition aligns with LG H&H’s strategy to expand within the beauty and personal care sector while enhancing its presence in the North American market and transforming The Crème Shop into a globally recognized brand.
 
ShawKwei & Partners Expands Portfolio with Rauxel Acquisition
 

(March 27) ShawKwei & Partners has successfully acquired Rauxel Pty Ltd, an Australian company specializing in beauty and healthcare products.
 
Rauxel will be integrated into ShawKwei’s existing portfolio company, Icons Beauty Group, enhancing the group’s capabilities and market presence within the beauty industry. The acquisition further solidifies ShawKwei’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the beauty and wellness sectors.
 
Puig Acquires Majority Stake in Byredo to Strengthen Luxury Portfolio
 
(May 31) Puig has acquired a majority stake in Byredo, an esteemed niche luxury fragrance brand recognized for its minimalist aesthetic and gender-neutral scents.
 
This acquisition is set to bolster Puig’s premium fragrance portfolio, reinforcing its high-end positioning as Byredo integrates into its “House of Love” brands. Byredo’s innovative direct-to-consumer approach aligns with Puig’s strategy to redefine luxury in the fragrance market.
 
Unilever Expands Health & Wellbeing Division with Nutrafol Acquisition
 
(May 31) Unilever has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Nutrafol, a leading provider of innovative hair wellness products.
 
Unlike conventional hair growth products that target a single cause, Nutrafol adopts a holistic approach, utilizing its patented Synergen Complex—a blend of medical-grade nutraceutical ingredients that address multiple factors affecting hair health, including hormones, stress, lifestyle, nutrition, and aging. Backed by private equity firm L Catterton, Nutrafol will continue to be headquartered in New York, operating within Unilever’s Health & Wellbeing unit alongside other renowned brands like OLLY and Liquid I.V.
 
Luxury Brands Acquires Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics and Skincare for Growth
 
(June 3) Michael Dodo of Luxury Brands LLC has successfully acquired Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics and Youngblood Skincare.
 
This strategic partnership aims to uphold the integrity and high standards that Youngblood is known for, continuing to utilize premium natural ingredients and its proprietary milling process. The collaboration will provide Youngblood with enhanced resources for accelerated product development, digital marketing initiatives, and comprehensive sales support both for B2B and direct-to-consumer channels.
 
Amorepacific Expands Global Reach with Tata Harper Acquisition
 
(September 1) Amorepacific has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tata’s Natural Alchemy, LLC (Tata Harper), a luxury natural skincare brand. This strategic move underscores Amorepacific’s commitment to expanding its presence in global markets.
 
By diversifying its distribution channels, Amorepacific aims to penetrate the Americas and Europe while realigning its strategies to strengthen its foothold in Asian markets. The company plans to enhance product competitiveness through intensive marketing efforts and collaborative research while boosting Tata Harper’s profitability by optimizing internal processes and leveraging its scale.
 
L’Oréal Enhances Skincare Portfolio with Skinbetter Science Acquisition
 
(September 23) L’Oréal has signed an agreement to acquire Skinbetter Science, a physician-dispensed skincare brand rooted in dermatological science.
 
Based in Arizona, the brand will continue to be led by its existing management team post-acquisition and will operate under the guidance of Christina Fair, president of the Active Cosmetics Division at L’Oréal USA. This acquisition represents a significant enhancement to L’Oréal’s skincare offerings and its commitment to science-backed beauty solutions.
 
Shiseido Expands Portfolio with Gallinée Acquisition Focused on Skin Microbiome
 
(September 28) Shiseido Europe S.A., a subsidiary of Shiseido Company, Limited, has agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Gallinée Ltd, a London-based brand dedicated to nurturing the skin’s microbiome.
 

This acquisition will enrich Shiseido’s portfolio by adding a unique focus on beauty and wellness, particularly within the emerging field of skin microbiome care. Gallinée will leverage Shiseido’s extensive research and development capabilities, particularly from its European Innovation Center, to drive growth and innovation in this promising sector. Following the acquisition, Marie Drago, PharmD, will join Shiseido’s EMEA team to continue fostering product innovation as the chief creative officer of Gallinée.
 
The Estée Lauder Companies Secures Tom Ford Brand Acquisition
 
(November 16) After extensive negotiations, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. finalized an agreement to acquire the Tom Ford brand, solidifying its position as the sole owner of Tom Ford International and all associated intellectual property.
 
Valued at a total enterprise of $2.8 billion, this deal ensures that Tom Ford, the brand’s founder and CEO, will remain the creative visionary following the acquisition and through the end of calendar 2023. Domenico De Sole, chairman of Tom Ford International, will also serve as a consultant during this transitional period.
 
Lush Cosmetics Welcomes New Investment with Stake Sale
 
(December 15) Silverwood Brands plc has acquired a 19.8% stake in UK cosmetics retailer Lush, which operates retail outlets in 48 countries and maintains manufacturing facilities in six nations.
 
This investment encompasses both Lush’s operating company LCL and CWL, the entity responsible for brand rights and research and development. The move highlights Lush’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in the cosmetics industry.
 
Beiersdorf Strengthens Microbiome Research with S-Biomedic Acquisition
 
(December 16) Beiersdorf AG has acquired a majority stake in S-Biomedic NV, a Belgian life-science company specializing in skin microbiome research.
 
Having previously invested in S-Biomedic in 2018, this acquisition marks a deepening of their collaboration, allowing S-Biomedic to operate as a standalone entity within Beiersdorf’s microbiome program. This integration will enhance Beiersdorf’s research efforts and product development in the rapidly evolving field of skin microbiome care.
 
Interparfums and Lacoste Forge 15-Year Fragrance License Agreement
 
(December 22) Interparfums SA, a subsidiary of Inter Parfums Inc., has signed a worldwide exclusive 15-year fragrance license agreement with Lacoste, effective January 1, 2024.
 
This agreement, which includes an entrance fee of $95.5 million, grants Interparfums the rights to create, develop, produce, and market all perfume and cosmetics lines under the Lacoste brand. The first new perfume line is anticipated to launch in 2024, marking an exciting new chapter for Lacoste in the fragrance market.
 

 
Carlyle Expands Portfolio with HCP Packaging Acquisition
 
(May 26) Carlyle, a leading global investment firm, has agreed to acquire a 100% stake in HCP Packaging from Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA).
 
HCP is recognized as a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of cosmetic packaging. Carlyle’s acquisition aims to support HCP’s growth and operational scaling, allowing the company to enhance its capabilities in the beauty packaging sector.
 
Matteo Moretti Strengthens Lumson’s Position in the Market
 
(November 30) Through a family holding company, Matteo Moretti has successfully purchased the entire interest in Lumson S.p.A. held by FSI SGR S.p.A. on behalf of the fund “FSI I.”
 
Lumson is a leading player in Europe, specializing in the design, development, production, and decoration of primary packaging systems for the cosmetic and makeup sectors. The Moretti family’s vision is to accelerate Lumson’s growth trajectory and further consolidate its leadership position in the skincare packaging market, continuing under the guidance of its existing management team.
 
Berlin Packaging Expands Global Footprint with Premi S.p.A. Acquisition
 
(December 12) Berlin Packaging has successfully acquired Premi S.p.A., a global packaging supplier renowned for innovative solutions tailored to the beauty and cosmetics industries.
 
Headquartered in Milan, Italy, with a workforce of over 150 employees across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, Premi provides a diverse range of packaging products and services to leading cosmetic companies. With R&D centers on three continents, Premi is committed to supporting clients from initial product conception to market launch, solidifying its status as a leader in the beauty packaging sector.

Explore More Insights into the Beauty Industry

The beauty industry achieved another record year in 2022, showcasing resilience and innovation. Here’s a closer look at the corporate leaders who are shaping the future of beauty.

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