L’Oréal Groupe has confirmed it is acquiring a majority stake in British premium skin care brand Medik8 after months of speculation.
The vitamin A-focused beauty brand will sit within the French giant’s Luxe Division, with the transaction expected to complete in the next few months after regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
Medik8’s private equity partners, Inflexion, will remain a minority stakeholder.
The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Scientist Elliot Isaacs founded Medik8 in 2009 and now the skin care brand’s global revenues are expected to hit around US$115m this year.
The brand’s sales were up 50% in 2024 too.
“We are delighted to welcome Medik8 to the L’Oréal family,” said Cyril Chapuy, President of L’Oréal Luxe.
“As a premium skin care range, with high levels of proven efficacy at an accessible price point, Medik8 perfectly complements our existing skin care portfolio.
“We share a strong belief in Medik8's global potential and are excited to embark on this journey together to build a powerful and impactful brand presence worldwide.”
As part of the agreement, Medik8’s founder will continue to serve on the board and the current management committee will remain in place “to ensure continuity”, read a joint statement from both companies.
The deal will further accelerate L’Oréal’s expansion into the dermocosmetics category, with Medik8 sitting alongside other key players in the field in its wider portfolio, such as La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Vichy and SkinCeuticals.
“This is an exciting day for Medik8,” commented Simon Coble, CEO of Medik8.
“I am delighted to be joining forces with a company which shares our vision for the brand’s future growth and whose core values align with our deep commitment to science, innovation and, above all, results without compromise.
“I look forward to the next stage in Medik8’s journey as we work together to bring our innovative products to a wider audience.”
Medik8 operates a multi-channel model across Europe and Australia, as well as a growing presence in the US.
The B Corp-certified clinical skin care brand has invested in the use of retinol alternative retinal (short for retinaldehyde) – which is a part of a group of vitamin A derivatives called retinoids – in its hero franchise, Crystal Retinal.
Crystal Retinal made up 82% of the brand’s retinoid units sold in 2023, Daniel Isaacs, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Medik8 previously told Cosmetics Business.
Commenting on the news, Medik8 founder Elliot said: “Medik8 was born to prove that skin care can deliver results without compromise – rooted in science, obsessed with customer experience and driven by sustainability.
“I am delighted that Medik8 has now found its long-term home at L’Oréal – a partner that fundamentally embraces our vision and gives us the platform to deliver it on a truly global scale.”
L’Oréal will start consolidating Medik8 sales from the date of the closing of the transaction.
As part of the agreement, L’Oréal has also secured rights to buyout in full the minority shareholders.