Companies | Global Cosmetic Industry

Buoyed by the strong performance, Unilever raised its full-year 2026 guidance, now expecting 4% to 6% underlying sales growth with approximately 3% underlying volume growth and a modest improvement in operating margin.

Unilever Lifts 2026 Outlook as Beauty Powers Strong First-Half Growth

Personal Care also delivered a solid 4.8% USG, supported by FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns.

The raise builds on the firm's successful first fund, which delivered exits including Touchland, acquired by Church & Dwight, Billie, Coterie and Hims.

Align Ventures Raises $125M Fund II, Signaling Strong Investor Appetite for Next-Generation Beauty Brands

Align has also already warehoused an investment in California Naturals ahead of Fund II and recently participated in the brand's Series B round.

MOON: mascara in glass by Lumson and Ponzini

MOON: mascara in glass by Lumson and Ponzini

MOON is the first glass mascara created by Lumson in collaboration with Ponzini. This Made in Italy design elevates the formula, transforming the mascara into a luxury object. The bottle comes with three applicators for a tailored, premium performance

July/August 2026

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July/August 2026

The newly validated cosmetic ingredients include Emulium Mellifera MB, Compritol 888 CG MB, Emulium Delta MB, Plurol Diisostearique CG and LAS MB, all produced to the same quality, regulatory and analytical standards as Gattefossé's worldwide manufacturing network.

Gattefossé Validates Eight Ingredients at Texas Manufacturing Site

MOON: mascara in glass by Lumson and Ponzini

MOON: mascara in glass by Lumson and Ponzini

Actives International has appointed Michelle Carrillo as CEO, signaling a new phase of expansion focused on science-driven, solution-based ingredient innovation.

Actives International Names Michelle Carrillo CEO to Accelerate Innovation-Led Growth

Waldencast founders Michel Brousset and Hind Sebti will depart the company to lead Obagi alongside Bridgepoint, effectively taking one of Waldencast's most successful assets into its next phase of growth.

Waldencast Agrees to Sell Obagi Medical for up to $460M

Unilever’s New Haven announcement reads as both a long-term innovation play and a clear strategic signal: the company wants to be viewed increasingly as a science-led beauty and well-being company rather than a traditional packaged foods conglomerate.

Unilever Bets Big on Beauty Science With $270M Innovation Hub as Food Divestiture Questions Swirl

Unilever said proximity to academic institutions and scientific talent was central to the decision.

“I’m delighted to be building something genuinely new at Stort alongside our supply partners and clients,” said Holtham. “U.K. personal care and HI&I are clearly growing sectors, driven by energy, innovation, deep skillsets and genuine enthusiasm.”

Stort Group Launches Life Sciences Division to Expand into Personal Care and HI&I Markets

The new unit will be led by business unit manager Clare Holtham.

MOON: mascara in glass by Lumson and Ponzini

MOON: mascara in glass by Lumson and Ponzini

MOON is the first glass mascara created by Lumson in collaboration with Ponzini. This Made in Italy design elevates the formula, transforming the mascara into a luxury object. The bottle comes with three applicators for a tailored, premium performance

Charlotte Tilbury Renegotiation Emerges as New Wrinkle in Puig–Estée Lauder Talks

Tilbury wants to revisit contractual provisions linked to the remaining 21.5% stake she still holds in Charlotte Tilbury.

The company named Jennifer O'Hara director of marketing and commercialization. O’Hara, who previously served as director of technical marketing and commercialization at Inolex, brings more than 20 years of experience spanning R&D, engineering, planning, sales and marketing.

Inolex Expands Leadership Team with Marketing and Sustainability Appointments

The company named Jennifer O'Hara director of marketing and commercialization, while Jennie Creech has been appointed director of product sustainability.

According to the company, the Beauty of Zero initiative is intended as an evolving pathway shaped by scientific advancement, operational change and collaboration across the beauty industry supply chain.

Croda Beauty Unveils ‘Beauty of Zero’ Sustainability Framework Built Around Six Impact Pillars

The initiative positions sustainability as a core innovation driver within the company’s personal care business.

“I am excited to join Grant Industries at such a dynamic time,” said Mezzanotte. “The company has a strong reputation for innovation, technical excellence, and partnership.'

Grant Industries Strengthens Southern Europe Push with New Regional Director Appointment

Based in Italy, Mezzanotte will work closely with the company’s global commercial, marketing, and technical teams.

Hair care posted mid-single-digit organic growth, driven primarily by increased volumes and innovation-led pricing in North America and Europe.

Procter & Gamble Q3 Beauty Surges as Cost Pressures Cloud Full-Year Outlook

Skin care recorded high single-digit growth, benefiting from a premium product mix and higher volumes.

Known for his boundless curiosity, deep commitment to family and enduring entrepreneurial spirit, Plimpton built a career spanning decades of innovation.

Conrad A. Plimpton, Investor and Industry Builder, Dies at 83

Plimpton built a career spanning decades of innovation.

Together, the companies aim to create a seamless, end-to-end ecosystem—bridging raw material excellence with high-performance finished formulations.

Eternis x SO.F.I.A Unite to Fast-Track Innovation

The result is accelerated development timelines, heightened creative flexibility and enhanced technical and sustainability outcomes.

By combining capabilities in skin science, microbiome research and functional health ingredients, the division is designed to help customers create “inside-out” and holistic care solutions.

Inside-Out Care: Symrise Launches Division Linking Beauty, Wellness and Biotics

"[W]e are delivering integrated innovations that help our customers shape the future of care, to support consumers pursuing healthier longevity."

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Main Post Partners and Founders Announce Agreement to Sell Not Your Mother’s to Henkel

“Together, we have built an exceptional brand and look forward to seeing NYM continue to flourish in its next chapter with Henkel," says Matt Short, Partner at Main Post