Estée Lauder to take full ownership of Forest Essentials after 18-year partnership

The Estée Lauder Companies has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials, the Indian beauty brand rooted in modern luxury Ayurveda.

The move follows an 18-year partnership and underscores Estée Lauder’s commitment to supporting the brand's growth and international presence.

The Estée Lauder Companies first invested in Forest Essentials in 2008 and increased its stake to 49% in 2020. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

Founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials combines traditional Ayurvedic practices with contemporary beauty formulations. The brand operates nearly 200 standalone stores in India and has built a portfolio of products based on Ayurvedic research, in-house manufacturing, and local botanical sourcing.

"Ayurveda is not folklore; it is a sophisticated system of science, ritual, and holistic wellbeing. By combining our heritage with the operational strength of The Estée Lauder Companies, we have the opportunity to bring this wisdom to a global audience - presented with the same integrity, elegance, and uncompromising standards that define Forest Essentials today," said Kulkarni.

"This next phase is about continuity and growth. We continue to lead the brand from India, strengthening our operational excellence and commitment to our Indian consumers, while thoughtfully expanding internationally."

Following the acquisition, Forest Essentials will remain headquartered in New Delhi under the leadership of Mira Kulkarni and her son, Samrath Bedi, Executive Director. The brand will continue its operations in India, including research and development, sourcing and manufacturing.

Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO at The Estée Lauder Companies, said: "Today marks a meaningful new chapter in a partnership built over the past 18 years on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. We are honoured to strengthen our partnership with Mira, who has elevated the prestige beauty industry through a clear vision of authenticity and purpose.

"This next phase of partnership reflects our long-term commitment to India - one of our largest and most significant emerging markets - and our conviction in the global resonance of this remarkable brand.  Together, our ambition is clear: to further strengthen the brand’s leadership at home while thoughtfully introducing it to a global audience."

The transaction is intended to provide a platform for Forest Essentials to expand globally, leveraging The Estée Lauder Companies’ distribution network, brand-building capabilities and operational resources.