L’Oréal’s Major Move: Acquiring Innovist for ~$490M in the Indian Market
In one of the most buzz-worthy beauty industry deals of 2026, global cosmetics titan L’Oréal has inked an agreement to secure a majority stake in Innovist. This fast-growing, digital-first Indian personal care company is a clear indication of the intense competition in the South Asian beauty market.
Established in 2019 by Rohit Chawla, Sifat Khurana, and Vimal Bhola, Innovist is the scientific powerhouse behind popular brands such as Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, and Sunscoop. Industry insiders estimate the deal’s value at roughly ₹41 billion (~$490 million USD). This makes it one of the most substantial consumer startup acquisitions in India in recent memory. The transaction, which comes 13 years after L’Oréal’s previous Indian acquisition, is projected to close in the coming months, subject to regulatory approvals.
The Innovist brands will be assimilated into L’Oréal’s Consumer Products Division. Meanwhile, the founding team will stay on as minority shareholders and continue to spearhead operations in partnership with L’Oréal India. L’Oréal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus hailed the move as “a clear testament to our unwavering commitment to expanding L’Oréal’s footprint in India.” The beauty and personal care market in India has recently exceeded US$30 billion, driven by escalating incomes, swift urbanization, and a thriving e-commerce sector.
Source: L’Oréal Finance — Official Press Release