A Running Timeline of Cosmetics, Beauty Funding and M&A

Business deals in the beauty industry are flourishing and funding is flowing as companies seek to expand their market reach, innovate, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Mergers and acquisitions have become a key strategy, with major conglomerates acquiring indie and niche brands to tap into new customer segments and capitalize on emerging trends like clean beauty, inclusivity, and wellness. At the same time, partnerships between beauty brands and influencers or celebrities are also common, leveraging their massive social media followings to drive brand visibility and sales.

Against this background, private equity and venture capital firms are increasingly investing in up-and-coming beauty startups, attracted by their potential for exponential growth and disruptive market impact. Meanwhile, cross-industry collaborations, such as partnerships between beauty brands and technology companies, are fueling innovation, particularly in personalized skincare and virtual try-on solutions. These deals reflect the industry’s dynamic nature and its constant push to adapt and thrive in a competitive global market.

With the foregoing in mind, here is a tracker of the most recent beauty-centric M&A and investments …

Jan. 23, 2025 – SKYY Partners Takes Stake in 111SKIN

111SKIN has received a “significant minority investment” from SKKY Partners, the consumer-focused private equity firm co-founded by Jay Sammons and Kim Kardashian. With SKKY’s support, 111SKIN says that it “aims to strengthen its direct-to-consumer business while expanding its customer base in key markets, including North America and Asia. Co-founders Eva and Dr. Yannis Alexandrides will retain majority ownership and continue to lead the company, along with CEO Vanessa Goddevrind.

“We are excited to join forces with visionary partners that will help us write the future success story of our brand,” said Dr. Yannis and Eva Alexandrides, “The SKKY Partners team has tremendous experience working with distinctive, growth-oriented brands. They are passionate champions of our core values and share our drive for excellence,” Goddevrind added.

Jan. 22, 2025 – Deconstruct Raises $7.5M in Series A

Deconstruct has raised Rs 65 crore ($7.5 million) in a Series A round from  L’Oréal’s VC fund BOLD, V3 Ventures, and DSG Consumer Partners, with additional participation from existing investors Kalaari Capital and Beenext. The New Delhi-based D2C skincare brand plans to use the funds for product innovation and enhance its distribution networks, especially on quick commerce and retail points. “Over the past year, we’ve helped 2Cr+ beginners start their skincare journey in the most remote pincodes. This funding empowers us to singularly focus on building highly effective yet gentle products,” said founder Malini Adapureddy.

Jan. 22, 2025 – American Exchange Group Acquires Urban Skin Rx

American Exchange Group has acquired skincare brand Urban Skin Rx. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. “Urban Skin Rx^® has built an impressive business with its clinical approach to skincare, and we are excited to add this brand into our rapidly expanding skincare and wellness portfolio,” said Alen Mamrout, CEO of American Exchange Group.

“This acquisition aligns perfectly with our growth strategy, and we see tremendous potential to expand Urban Skin Rx’s reach and impact. With our resources and expertise, we plan to grow the brand’s direct-to-consumer business, broaden its product range, and explore new brand extensions through strategic licensing and partnerships.”

Jan. 15, 2025 – Foxtale Raises $30M in Series C

Foxtale has raised $30 million in a Series C funding round led by Japanese beauty products company Kose Corporation, with participation from existing investors Z47 (formerly Matrix Partners India), Kae Capital, and Panthera Growth Partners. The Mumbai-based direct-to-consumer skincare brand will use the new funds to expand its product range and enhance its online presence. It has also entered into a strategic partnership with KOSÉ Corporation to expand the global beauty leader’s presence in India.

Jan. 13, 2025 – Ras Luxury Skincare Raises $5M in Series A

Ras Luxury Skincare has raised $5 million (Rs 43 crore) in a Series A funding round led by Unilever Ventures, with additional participation from Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund, Sixth Sense Ventures, and other angel investors. The luxury Indian beauty brand will use the new funds for “retail expansion, talent acquisition, R&D, product diversification, marketing, and technology advancements.” Pawan Chaturvedi, Head of Unilever Ventures Asia, highlighted the growth potential of India’s premium beauty market, stating, “Over the next 5-7 years, the premium beauty market in India will witness significant growth, and Ras, with its distinct value proposition, is well poised to capture this opportunity.”

This is a short excerpt from a data set that is published exclusively for TFL Pro+ subscribers. For access to our up-to-date beauty investment and M&A tracker, inquire today about how to sign up for a Professional subscription.