The Estée Lauder Companies announced on March 5, 2026 that it will acquire the remaining shares of Forest Essentials, the Indian luxury skincare brand built on Ayurvedic formulations, taking full ownership after an 18-year relationship. Per the company's announcement, Estée Lauder first bought a minority stake in 2008 and increased its holding to 49 percent by 2020; the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Founder Mira Kulkarni will continue to be involved with the brand, per the announcement.
The move follows a pattern among global beauty groups, which have spent recent years buying into India's fast-growing beauty market. Per BBC reporting on India's beauty boom, Estée Lauder's full acquisition of Forest Essentials came earlier in 2026 as international companies moved to secure established local brands rather than build from scratch.
What is Forest Essentials known for?
Forest Essentials, founded in 2000 and based in Delhi, makes luxury skincare and haircare that pairs traditional Ayurvedic ingredients such as cold-pressed oils, honey, and herb extracts with modern formulation methods. Its soundarya line, facial ubtans, and handmade soaps sell at premium prices in its own boutiques and department store counters. In Ayurveda, ingredients are chosen for balancing properties described in classical texts; the brand's pitch has always been tradition translated into a modern cream jar.
Why does full ownership matter?
A controlling stake lets Estée Lauder fold Forest Essentials into its global brand portfolio, coordinate product development, and fund expansion beyond India without negotiating with other shareholders. Per the March 5, 2026 announcement, the transaction structure keeps the brand's leadership continuity through Kulkarni's ongoing role. For India's beauty market, the deal signals that global groups see homegrown premium brands as acquisition targets worth a premium, not just as competitors.
What this changes for your routine
If you already use Ayurvedic-inspired products, expect wider availability rather than abrupt change: brand takeovers usually keep formulas stable in the first years while investment scales distribution. For beginners curious about Ayurvedic skincare, the practical advice stays the same regardless of ownership. Ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, and cold-pressed sesame oil have long traditional use, but any botanical can irritate, so patch test a new product on your inner arm for a couple of days, introduce one product at a time, and buy from retailers with clear ingredient lists and return policies.
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