In Review, March 2026: Headline highlights from Olaplex, Cowshed, Skin Rocks and more...

Sophie Smith

31 March 2026

It was another dynamic month for the beauty industry, with acquisitions taking centre stage amid a broader wave of transformation. Alongside significant deal activity, the sector also experienced a flurry of leadership appointments, rebrands, fresh investment rounds and new store openings.

We’ve rounded up the biggest beauty stories from the month, spotlighting major updates from industry heavyweights like Estée Lauder, Sephora, Boots, Skin Rocks and Olaplex. Plus, we revisit some of the standout features from TheIndustry.beauty that you may have missed.

Estée Lauder in talks to merge with Spanish beauty giant Puig

The Estée Lauder Companies entered discussions with Puig regarding a potential business combination that could see the two companies merge. In a statement, Estée Lauder said no final decision has been made and no agreement has been reached. The company added that there can be no assurance a deal will proceed or what its terms might be unless a formal agreement is signed.

Cowshed

Relaunch revealed: How Cowshed is reconnecting with its heritage while evolving for today’s consumer

British bodycare brand Cowshed relaunched with updated formulations, new packaging and a refreshed approach rooted in "fragrance, emotional uplift and unapologetic indulgence". The relaunch was introduced exclusively in Soho House spas and bathrooms this month, ahead of its global retail release on 6 May.

UK beauty industry gains recognition with updated SIC codes for first time since 1948

After seven years of lobbying, the British Beauty Council secured a historic update to the UK’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, marking the first change to the system since 1948. It aims to provide greater visibility for these sectors, acknowledging their unique contributions to the UK economy and formally defining professional hair, beauty and spa industries at a government level.

Henkel to acquire Olaplex in $1.4 billion deal

Premium haircare brand Olaplex entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Henkel for $1.4 billion. The deal combines their strengths in the professional channel, leveraging existing relationships with stylists and salons. It also merges Olaplex’s North American direct-to-consumer and specialty retail operations with Henkel’s global reach, to expand reach and support innovation.

Caroline Hirons expands Skin Rocks Pro with new training hub for professional facialists

Skin Rocks opened its first-ever training hub, bringing the brand’s BABTAC- and CIBTAC-endorsed professional training to London in a permanent location. Located in Farringdon, the Skin Rocks Pro Academy promises "best-in-class education in a friendly, hands-on environment" to train and upskill Skin Rocks Pro facialists.

Anna teal

Grown Alchemist CEO Anna Teal exits to launch new wellness brand

Grown Alchemist Global CEO, Anna Teal, stepped down after three years in the role as she prepares to launch a new wellness brand, "AFIMA". Teal said she will focus on The Growth Advisory, advising founders, operators and investors on growth, brand, strategy and scale, as well as building AFIMA - a modern wellness brand she describes as rooted in a white space I care deeply about".

Salt & Stone acquired by Olaplex owner Advent International

Advent International signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Los Angeles-based bodycare brand Salt & Stone. The deal followed the brand's $165 million revenue in 2025, driven by double-digit growth across all channels, including Amazon, Sephora, and its direct-to-consumer (DTC) site.

Sephora to open first Scottish stores this summer

Global beauty retailer Sephora announced it is opening two stores in Scotland this summer, with the firm saying it is bringing “double the magic to a country that has long been calling for it”. The stores in Glasgow’s Silverburn Shopping Centre and Edinburgh’s St James Quarter will mark the company’s first foray into Scotland, some three years after it opened its first UK outlet in London.

Holland & Barrett targets £1 billion revenue as digital and beauty overhaul drives growth

Holland & Barrett reported an 11% increase in revenue, reaching £981 million for the year ended 30 September 2025. The retailer expects to surpass £1 billion in annual revenue in the coming year. It also marked the third consecutive year of double-digit growth, with revenue rising more than 35% over the past three years. Despite ongoing pressures on the high street, store performance remained a key driver, generating £731.3 million in sales.

Boots

Boots to open second beauty-only concept store as brands bet on Bristol

Boots is opening its second beauty-only concept store in Bristol this spring, marking the first time the format will launch outside London following its debut at Battersea Power Station in 2023. Located at Cabot Circus, the 11,000 sq ft space will bring together more than 200 established and emerging brands across skincare, haircare, fragrance, cosmetics, premium beauty and electrical beauty.

Haircare innovator behind Cloud Nine and GHD Robert Powls dies

Robert Powls, founder of Cloud Nine and GHD, passed away, leaving a transformative legacy that reshaped the global hair styling industry. In a statement, Cloud Nine paid tribute to its founder, describing him as "a once-in-a-generation innovator who changed how women styled their hair - forever".

MAC unveils 'UK-first' affiliate programme ahead of launch on TikTok Shop

MAC Cosmetics is launching on TikTok Shop in the UK next month, introducing a discovery commerce model that combines live broadcast studios within its retail stores with an employee affiliate programme. The initiative aims to bring MAC to a new generation of consumers on the platform. Products will be available for purchase directly through TikTok Shop, brought to life through live broadcasts hosted by MAC Artists.

Townhouse targets 500 salons after £130 million valuation

Nail salons are next in line for Starbucks-style expansion after decades of being overlooked by investors, the boss of the UK’s largest luxury chain said, after clinching a £130 million valuation. Townhouse said it was targeting hundreds of new franchised sites after securing backing from the US private equity firm behind the Burger King and Tim Horton chains in China.

GHD

GHD names Chief Growth Officer as global roles realigned for expansion

GHD announced a series of leadership changes aimed at strengthening its global operating model and supporting continued expansion across markets. Liz Griffiths, previously Managing Director UK&I, steps into a new Chief Growth Officer role. The change reflects GHD's goal of integrating category strategy, brand building, consumer experience and professional advocacy, digital acceleration, and commercial performance under a single agenda.

Glossier names Ouai marketing boss as CMO amid strategic reset

Glossier appointed Nicole Solorzano as its new Chief Marketing Officer, marking a key leadership move as the brand undergoes a strategic reset. She will oversee product marketing, as well as content and community initiatives, while leading Glossier’s global brand vision during what insiders describe as a “re-founding” phase.

BRITA backs Hello Klean with first-ever beauty investment

Hello Klean, the London-based brand focused on shower filtration, announced a strategic investment from BRITA Group, marking the water filtration company's first move into the beauty and personal care sector. BRITA took a minority stake in the UK-based company, with an option to acquire a majority position over time. The investment will support further product development and international expansion from its UK and European base.

John Lewis expands digital strategy with AI shopping and TikTok Shop pilot

John Lewis is investing in AI-powered shopping as part of its £800 million transformation, enabling John Lewis products to appear to customers seeking inspiration through AI platforms such as Google Gemini and ChatGPT. It also announced a 90-day pilot on TikTok Shop, marking its latest step into new digital commerce channels.

Hourglass

Hourglass taps Olivia Dean for global brand partnership and new campaign

Grammy award-winning artist Olivia Dean was named as Global Brand Partner for Hourglass Cosmetics, entering a collaboration based on storytelling, creativity and luxury beauty. The partnership kicked off with a campaign and a series of global experiences designed to highlight artistry, community connection and modern self-expression.

Gatineau appoints former Elemis UK boss as Managing Director

Gatineau appointed Susan Harvey as Managing Director, joining the French skincare brand to support its next phase of growth and transformation. Harvey brings more than 15 years of experience in the prestige beauty sector and joined from Elemis, where she most recently served as UK General Manager until July 2025.

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

The Estée Lauder Companies entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials, the Indian beauty brand rooted in modern luxury Ayurveda. The move followed an 18-year partnership and underscores Estée Lauder’s commitment to supporting the brand's growth and international presence.

Charlotte Tilbury appoints former Rabanne exec as new CMO

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty named Jerome Leloup as its new Chief Marketing Officer, following his departure from fellow Puig-owned beauty brand Rabanne. Leloup joined Puig in 2012 as General Manager of Premium & Niche Brands. Prior to that, he spent more than seven years at Parfums Christian Dior and over five years at L'Oréal.

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In Review, March 2026: Headline highlights from Olaplex, Cowshed, Skin Rocks and more...

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