Olaplex to Salt & Stone: All the beauty M&A deals of 2026 so far

By Lynsey Barber | Published: 30-Mar-2026
Manufacturing Ingredients Finance Finished Product

Estée Lauder Companies, Henkel, and Procter & Gamble are among the beauty giants bolstering their portfolio with acquisitions such as Forest Essentials, Olaplex and Wonderbelly in a busy start to the year for beauty M&A

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The first three months of 2026 have kicked off with a bang when it comes to beauty M&A, with a wave of deals large and small – from Henkel snapping up Olaplex to Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) taking a full stake in Forest Essentials.

Cosmetics Business rounds up all the beauty deals of the year so far below, as major beauty players bolster their portfolios, private equity firms deepen their investment in the fast-growing sector, and independent brands secure backing to fuel growth.

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Plus, ingredients suppliers and manufacturers are also strengthening their foothold in new markets and categories.

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  • Procter and Gamble
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