Andrea NagelThe beauty industry continues to see major moves as brands expand their retail presence, invest in new technologies, and explore new growth opportunities. Here, a look at some of the latest developments shaping the market.
Regent’s acquisition of Avon North America marks a major shift for the longtime beauty brand, bringing its North American and international businesses back under the same ownership for the first time since 2016. The deal, expected to close September 1, will allow LG H&H to concentrate on its K-beauty and wellness portfolio while Regent focuses on rebuilding Avon as a more connected global business. With Avon International already part of Regent’s portfolio, the company sees an opportunity to strengthen the brand’s products, social-selling model and support for its representatives and ambassadors. For Avon, the change signals a new chapter centered on modernization, growth, and reconnecting the brand’s longstanding community with its next generation of customers. (PR Newswire)
Johnson & Johnson has named longtime legal executive Aviva Wein as its new Global Vice President of Litigation, succeeding Erik Haas at the end of August. Wein has spent much of her 20-year career with the company and will now oversee its global litigation team at an important time for J&J’s legal affairs. The change comes as the company works to address its lengthy talc litigation. Haas, who has led the litigation group since 2020, will remain involved as outside counsel, including on talc-related matters. With J&J moving forward with a proposed settlement covering roughly 76,000 claims and valued at a minimum of $5.5 billion, Wein’s appointment provides continuity as the company navigates the next stage of its legal strategy. (Global Cosmetics News)
TowerBrook Capital Partners is taking a stake in Rael, providing the growing period-care brand with additional backing as it looks to expand its presence in the U.S. and internationally. The financial details were not disclosed, but the investment is expected to help Rael grow across retail channels and reach more consumers. Founded in 2017, the company has built its reputation around organic cotton period products and has since expanded into skincare, intimate care and supplements. Its products are currently available in more than 40,000 stores across the U.S. and South Korea, including Target, Walmart and Ulta Beauty. Beyond expanding its retail footprint, Rael is benefiting from consumers’ growing interest in premium feminine care. By offering products outside of period care, the brand is also creating more opportunities to connect with customers throughout their everyday routines. (Beauty Independent)
Lady Gaga is stepping further into the beauty world with Outer Bio, a skin health research company she co-founded with her fiancé, Michael Polansky. Although she has quietly served on the company’s board, Gaga recently made her involvement public on Instagram while introducing Yuna, Outer Bio’s new research platform. The technology uses living human skin tissue alongside automated testing and AI to study potential ingredients and how they may affect skin over time. The venture reflects a more science-focused direction for Gaga beyond her work with Haus Labs. Outer Bio aims to find new skin-care ingredients by testing them in human tissue rather than relying solely on traditional laboratory models. With Yuna able to keep human skin viable and measurable for up to four weeks, the company hopes to create a more realistic way to study skin health and develop future treatments. (Cosmetics Business)
Sephora UK is continuing its London expansion with a new 4,500-square-foot store planned for Brent Cross shopping center in North London this winter. A specific opening date is expected to be announced in November, adding another location to the retailer’s growing U.K. presence. The new store will be Sephora’s fifth in London and comes as the beauty retailer continues experimenting with different store formats across the capital. The expansion follows the recent openings of smaller boutique locations on Carnaby Street and at Spitalfields Market, which were designed to give shoppers more convenient ways to discover the brand. Meanwhile, Sephora is preparing for another major U.K. moment with its first SEPHORiA event in London this October, bringing together beauty brands, product experiences, masterclasses and personalized services. (The Industry Beauty)
To read more about these stories, click the headlines below.
Regent To Acquire Avon North America, Reuniting Major Avon Businesses After More Than A Decade Apart
Johnson & Johnson Appoints Aviva Wein as Global Vice President of Litigation
TowerBrook Invests In Rael As Period Care Challenger Eyes Bigger Share Of The Market
Lady Gaga’s Latest Beauty Venture Is Skin Health Research Firm Outer Bio
Sephora To Open Fifth London Store This Winter
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