In Review, December 2025: Headline highlights from L’Oréal, Byredo, This Works and more...

Sophie Smith

31 December 2025

From store openings and new launches to major leadership appointments and strategic investments, this month has seen a flurry of activity across the beauty industry.

We’ve rounded up the biggest beauty business headlines from December 2025, featuring key updates from names like Coty, Jo Malone London, Sol de Janeiro, and more - plus a look at the top features from TheIndustry.beauty you might have missed.

Apprentice winner buys out Lord Sugar to take full ownership of beauty tech firm

Apprentice winner and Stylpro founder Tom Pellereau bought out Lord Alan Sugar and took full ownership of his business 14 years after winning investment to start up his electrical beauty firm. Pellereau – the first Apprentice winner to secure a cash investment and business partnership in the popular TV series – bought Lord Sugar’s 50% share in Stylpro for an undisclosed sum.

CGC strengthens leadership with Jessica Diner and Veronika Ullmer as it enters next phase of growth

Communications and talent agency CGC expanded its leadership team with the appointments of Vogue's Jessica Diner and Veronika Ullmer, previously at Glossier, marking an important stage in the company’s continued global growth. Diner joined as Chief Global Brand & Creative Officer, while Ullmer stepped in as President & Chief Communications Officer.

Coty sells remaining stake in Wella

Coty sold its remaining 25.8% stake in Wella to global investment firm KKR, further simplifying its portfolio and operations. Under the terms of the transaction, Coty will receive $750 million in upfront cash, as well as 45% of any proceeds from a future sale or initial public offering of Wella. The sale completes a divestment programme initiated in 2020, aimed at simplifying Coty’s portfolio while realising the full value of its Wella business.

Penhaligon’s reopens Regent Street flagship with refreshed design celebrating 155 years

Penhaligon’s reopened its flagship boutique on Regent Street following an extensive refurbishment, marking a new phase in the British fragrance house’s 155-year history. Designed in collaboration with interior architecture studio Michaelis Boyd, known for projects including Battersea Power Station and Soho Farmhouse, the revamped space is intended to reflect both the brand’s heritage and its contemporary direction.

Sacheu strengthens leadership with new CFO and CMO

US beauty brand Sacheu made two senior appointments aimed at accelerating growth and scaling the business, welcoming Connie Kim as CFO and Michelle Miller as CMO. Kim brings a wealth of experience to her new role as CFO, having most recently served as CFO at skincare brand Topicals. Meanwhile, Miller has previously held roles including CMO at haircare brand Vegamour, Founding CMO at K18 Hair, and Vice President of Marketing at Kosas Cosmetics.

Jo Malone London GM exits after 35 years at Estée Lauder Companies

After 35 years with The Estée Lauder Companies, Rachel Baker stepped down from her role as Vice President and General Manager for Jo Malone London, Le Labo, Kilian Paris, and Frédéric Malle. Baker shared the news on LinkedIn, describing her departure as a "deeply personal decision".

L’Oréal expands stake in Cetaphil owner Galderma

L’Oréal acquired an additional 10% stake in Swiss skincare company Galderma Group AG and now holds a 20% ownership stake in the firm. The move comes as L’Oréal seeks to strengthen its presence in the aesthetics market, an area adjacent to its core beauty business.

Chappell Roan named MAC Cosmetics Global Ambassador

MAC Cosmetics named Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Chappell Roan as its newest Global Brand Ambassador. Roan will star in global campaigns beginning in 2026, with the brand promising "exclusive surprises and bold creative moments" throughout the long-term partnership.

Holland & Barrett unveils new store concept with Well Pharmacy

Holland & Barrett teamed up with the UK’s second-largest pharmacy chain to launch a new store concept designed to make health, wellness, and pharmacy services more accessible in one location. The collaboration with Well Pharmacy began with the opening of a new concept store in Birchwood, Warrington, combining the retailer's wellness offerings with the pharmacy’s clinical services.

Beauty scams on the rise: Shoppers lose nearly £50,000 to fake cosmetics and treatments

Christmas shoppers are being urged not to take “serious risks” with their health as Santander UK recorded nearly £50,000 stolen by beauty treatment scammers this year so far. The scams range from counterfeit perfumes and make-up to botox, lip and collagen fillers, and other cosmetic treatments, the bank said.

This Works advances functional fragrance with neuroscent innovation

This Works, known for its sleep-support expertise and functional fragrances, launched Own Time, an Eau de Parfum that combines neuroscience with luxury perfumery to aid the body’s natural transition to rest. Marketed as the first luxury "neuroscent," it activates the parasympathetic nervous system - the body’s "rest and digest" mode - using a blend of behaviour-altering terpenes. The fragrance is designed to calm the senses, reduce stress, and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.

L’Oréal moves toward potential acquisition of Armani Beauty

L’Oréal is reportedly moving to initiate a potential acquisition of Giorgio Armani’s beauty business, following the designer’s death in September 2025. Chief Financial Officer Christophe Babule confirmed that the company is "definitely" examining the possibility and expects to begin work on the deal "very soon".

Jo Malone London launches AI-powered scent adviser to enhance online fragrance discovery

Jo Malone London launched an AI-powered digital experience, the Scent Adviser, to help customers discover fragrances that suit their preferences. Combining AI with the brand’s fragrance expertise, the platform offers a personalised online shopping experience. Available in the US and UK, customers can describe the scent they’re seeking, and the platform provides tailored, expert recommendations based on the brand's fragrance attributes.

W-Wellness secures strategic investment following 1,300% year-on-year growth

W-Wellness completed its latest funding round, led by Dmg Ventures, following a period of "extraordinary" growth for the female-founded retail platform. The new funding arrives at a "pivotal" moment for the company, as expansion plans for 2026 are already in progress. With the support of its new partners, W-Wellness aims to build on its current momentum through measured growth, broader market reach, and ongoing innovation.

Sol de Janeiro bolsters UK leadership with new General Manager

Sol de Janeiro appointed Celine Basanisi Gilg as its new General Manager for the UK and Ireland. Basanisi Gilg brings experience from senior leadership roles at The Estee Lauder Companies, Puig, Guerlain and L'Oreal. She most recently served as Managing Director of Luxury, Home & Women Lifestyle Brands at media giant Hearst UK.

Faace signals surprise comeback as founder teases 2026 relaunch after near closure

Skincare brand Faace, which had been expected to cease trading this year after a failed acquisition, signalled a possible return. Founder Jasmine Wicks-Stephens announced on Instagram that the brand may relaunch in 2026, pending the completion of a new agreement. While no formal contracts have been signed, she noted that a potential deal is currently under consideration.

Byredo relocates to Covent Garden with new two-storey flagship

Byredo relocated its flagship store to Covent Garden in London, marking a new chapter for the luxury fragrance brand in the capital. Spread across two floors, the store reflects Byredo’s full universe, bringing together fragrance, beauty and design in a curated environment. The opening marked a relocation from the brand's previous store at 40 Lexington Street in London, which closed in October 2025.

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In Review, December 2025: Headline highlights from L’Oréal, Byredo, This Works and more...

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