Global Cosmetics News – Weekly Review | Week 18, May 2026

This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted the growing convergence of financial performance, strategic investment and geopolitical pressure, as global groups advanced acquisitions, partnerships and innovation initiatives across multiple markets.

Financial performance and outlook updates featured prominently. Unilever reported volume-led Q1 growth and reconfirmed its full-year outlook. Amorepacific reported Q1 growth driven by derma brands and global expansion. Puig maintained its outlook despite a slowdown in travel retail impacting fragrance sales. Kimberly-Clark posted solid Q1 2026 results supported by innovation-led growth. Galderma reported strong Q1 2026 performance driven by its dermatology portfolio. P&G reported Q3 growth while warning of a potential US$1 billion cost impact linked to the Iran conflict.

M&A and investment activity continued across the sector. Reliance Retail acquired Anomaly, the haircare brand founded by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The Estée Lauder Companies took a minority stake in clinical skincare brand 111SKIN. Henkel completed its acquisition of Not Your Mother’s to strengthen its haircare portfolio.

Leadership and governance developments also featured. L’Occitane Group appointed Jordan Saxemard as CEO of Sol de Janeiro. Puig announced a board reshuffle as Josep Oliu stepped down. Amorepacific’s chairman transferred shares to his second daughter as part of a succession move. Charlotte Tilbury was appointed Global Ambassador for The King’s Trust.

Technology and digital innovation continued to accelerate. The FDA deployed an AI-powered system to enhance safety monitoring across cosmetics and regulated products. Ulta Beauty partnered with Google to launch AI-powered shopping experiences.

Sustainability and supply chain developments remained in focus. Eternal Beauty launched Hong Kong’s first rinse-free beauty packaging recycling programme. PepsiCo, Givaudan and partners signed a 10-year renewable energy agreement aimed at reducing supply chain emissions.

Retail, marketing and product launches continued across categories. Burt’s Bees launched a limited-edition lip balm in collaboration with Grillo’s. WPP expanded its partnership with Henkel Consumer Brands, taking on a broader global creative and production remit.

Legal, regulatory and geopolitical developments remained active. The Estée Lauder Companies reached a proposed settlement in a Canada data breach class action. China warned of countermeasures in response to the EU’s ‘Made in Europe’ plan amid rising trade tensions. Reckitt adapted its Russia strategy through local product development in response to sanctions.

Market conditions and operational pressures also featured. Hong Kong retailers implemented cost-control strategies amid pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.

Taken together, this week reflected continued activity across financial performance, acquisitions and AI-driven innovation, alongside ongoing geopolitical, regulatory and supply chain developments shaping the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.