L’Oréal Acquires Innovist in a Landmark $428M Deal, Expanding Its Presence in India
In a move that has become one of the most discussed in the beauty industry in 2026, L’Oréal—the world’s leading beauty company—has inked a deal to acquire a majority stake in Innovist. Innovist, a rapidly growing, digital-first personal care company, is based in India. The deal, estimated at around ₹4,000 crore (US$350–450 million), signifies L’Oréal’s first acquisition of an Indian company in nearly 13 years and indicates a significant strategic thrust into one of the world’s fastest-growing beauty markets.
Established in 2019 by Rohit Chawla, Sifat Khurana, and Vimal Bhola, Innovist is the driving force behind popular Indian skincare and haircare brands such as Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, Sunscoop, and Vinci Botanicals. With a foundation in science-led formulations and clean ingredient transparency, the company operates across its own direct-to-consumer platforms, major e-commerce channels, and nationwide retail partners.
As per the agreement, Innovist’s founding team will retain minority shares and continue to manage the business in collaboration with L’Oréal India. The brands will be integrated into L’Oréal’s Consumer Products Division portfolio, subject to regulatory approvals expected within the coming months.
“Our investment in this innovative Indian start-up is a clear testament to our unwavering commitment to expanding L’Oréal’s footprint in India,” stated Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L’Oréal.
This acquisition forms part of a wider India strategy. L’Oréal also recently announced a US$383 million technology hub in Hyderabad, emphasizing its long-term commitment to the subcontinent.
Source: L’Oréal Official Press Release