Estée Lauder Acquires Full Ownership of India’s Forest Essentials to…

Sarah J · 2026-03-09T17:03:17.000Z

The The Estée Lauder Companies has announced plans to acquire full ownership of Indian luxury skincare brand Forest Essentials, strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing premium beauty market and aiming to take Ayurvedic beauty products to a global audience. The acquisition expands Estée Lauder’s long-standing partnership with the brand, which began with a minority investment in 2008 and later increased to a 49% stake in 2020. By purchasing the remaining shares, the US cosmetics giant will make Forest Essentials a wholly owned subsidiary, subject to regulatory approvals, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026. Founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials has built a strong reputation in India’s prestige skincare segment by combining traditional Ayurvedic formulations with modern luxury retail experiences. The brand currently operates nearly 200 standalone stores and has developed a vertically integrated model covering research, local ingredient sourcing, and in-house manufacturing. Following the acquisition, Forest Essentials will remain headquartered in New Delhi and continue to be led by Kulkarni along with Executive Director Samrath Bedi. The brand will maintain its Ayurveda-focused R&D and production operations in India while leveraging Estée Lauder’s global distribution and marketing network to expand internationally. Industry analysts say the move reflects rising global interest in natural, wellness-based beauty products and highlights India’s growing importance as a hub for premium beauty innovation. The partnership is expected to position Forest Essentials as a global ambassador for “luxurious Ayurveda” while strengthening Estée Lauder’s footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing beauty markets.

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Estée Lauder Acquires Full Ownership of India’s Forest Essentials to… | SEINET