Estee Lauder Takes Full Control of Forest Essentials

Estee Lauder, a prominent beauty conglomerate based in the US, has reached an agreement to acquire the remaining shares in the luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand Forest Essentials, thus achieving complete ownership of this Indian brand. Previously, Estee Lauder held a minority interest and will now buy the remaining equity from current shareholders. The financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, and the finalisation is anticipated to occur later this year, pending regulatory approvals.

About Forest Essentials

Established in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials has become one of India’s foremost luxury brands that focus on Ayurveda. The brand boasts a comprehensive portfolio, including skincare, haircare, and wellness products. Estee Lauder made its initial investment in Forest Essentials in 2008 and later raised its stake to 49% in 2020. With the current acquisition, the New York-based firm will secure full ownership of the brand.

Future Operations and Leadership

Post-acquisition, Forest Essentials will maintain its operations in India, while Mira Kulkarni is expected to stay connected with the brand to ensure that its heritage and product philosophy, which are firmly grounded in traditional Ayurvedic formulations, are preserved.

Estee Lauder’s Strategy in India

This acquisition reflects Estee Lauder’s increasing emphasis on the Indian market, which is becoming a significant area for luxury beauty brands. The growth in disposable incomes has led to a heightened demand for premium skincare and natural beauty products.

Financial Performance

For the fiscal year ending in 2025, Forest Essentials achieved an impressive year-on-year growth of 18%, reaching Rs 578 crore, up from Rs 490 crore in FY25. In addition, the company’s profits surged by 71% to Rs 123 crore during the same period.