US-based beauty giant The Estée Lauder Companies has announced that it will acquire the remaining stake in luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand Forest Essentials, giving the global cosmetics group full ownership of the Indian brand. The move marks the next phase of a long-standing partnership between the two companies that began nearly two decades ago.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. While financial details of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, the acquisition will see Estée Lauder buy out the remaining shares from existing investors to take complete control of the company.
Forest Essentials will continue to operate from India after the acquisition, maintaining its identity as a luxury Ayurveda-inspired beauty brand.
An 18-Year Partnership Reaches a New Milestone
The relationship between Estée Lauder and Forest Essentials dates back to 2008 when the American beauty conglomerate first invested in the Indian company. Over the years, the partnership strengthened as Estée Lauder gradually increased its stake in the brand.
In 2020, the global cosmetics firm raised its shareholding to around 49%, becoming a major stakeholder in the company. With the latest agreement, Estée Lauder will acquire the remaining shares, giving it full ownership of the brand.
Industry observers view the deal as a natural progression of the long collaboration between the two companies. The acquisition reflects Estée Lauder’s confidence in Forest Essentials’ brand value, as well as the growing global demand for natural and Ayurvedic beauty products.
Forest Essentials: A Luxury Ayurveda Success Story
Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials has grown into one of India’s most recognised luxury skincare brands rooted in traditional Ayurvedic formulations. The company started as a small venture selling handmade soaps and beauty products before expanding into a full-fledged premium skincare, haircare, and wellness brand.
Today, Forest Essentials offers a wide range of luxury Ayurvedic products including facial creams, cleansers, body care items, and fragrances. The brand operates a large network of exclusive stores across India and also sells through premium hotels, online channels, and international markets.
Its focus on natural ingredients, traditional Indian formulations, and luxury positioning has helped the company build a strong customer base both domestically and globally.
Founder Mira Kulkarni to Continue Leading the Brand
Despite the ownership change, the leadership structure of Forest Essentials is expected to remain largely unchanged. Founder and managing director Mira Kulkarni will continue to be closely involved in the brand’s operations and strategic direction.
Her son, Samrath Bedi, who currently serves as executive director, is also expected to remain part of the leadership team. The company’s research, manufacturing, and product development operations will continue to be based in India.
This approach is aimed at preserving the brand’s Indian heritage and authenticity while benefiting from Estée Lauder’s global scale, expertise, and distribution capabilities.
Strategic Bet on India’s Premium Beauty Market
The acquisition highlights Estée Lauder’s increasing focus on India as a key growth market in the global beauty industry. Rising disposable incomes, growing demand for premium skincare, and increased awareness about natural products have driven rapid growth in India’s prestige beauty segment.
By taking full ownership of Forest Essentials, Estée Lauder aims to strengthen its presence in the country while also taking the brand to new international markets. The company plans to leverage its global distribution network and marketing capabilities to expand Forest Essentials beyond India.
For the global beauty giant, the deal represents both a strategic investment in India’s booming luxury beauty sector and an opportunity to introduce Ayurvedic beauty traditions to a wider international audience.
With the acquisition, Forest Essentials is expected to enter a new phase of growth, combining its traditional Indian roots with the global reach of one of the world’s largest beauty companies.