Beauty’s M&A slowdown: What’s got everyone so scared?

By Alessandro Carrara | Published: 21-May-2025
Finance

There has been a marked shift in the rate of beauty acquisitions in 2025. What has triggered the industry’s loss of appetite for portfolio expansions?

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Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have always been an important part of the thriving beauty industry. 

It is exciting to see which big players are eyeing which brands, and doubly so to see the often sky-high figures these beauty giants are willing to invest. 

However, there has been a significant change in the rate of acquisitions in 2025, with the rate of M&As hitting a new low. 

Something has clearly got the beauty industry seriously concerned this year.  

What exactly is behind this M&A downturn, and is this trend here to stay for good? 

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