Estée Lauder to take full control of Forest Essentials in major India beauty push

Estée Lauder acquires full stake in Forest Essentials, boosting Ayurvedic luxury beauty in India with global expansion plans by late 2026.

The Estée Lauder Companies has agreed to acquire the remaining stake in Forest Essentials, the popular Indian luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand, achieving 100% ownership after an 18-year partnership. The deal, announced recently, follows Estée Lauder’s initial minority investment in 2008 and a hike to 49% in 2020, with closure expected in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory nods. Financial terms remain under wraps, but it underscores the US beauty giant’s deepening commitment to India’s booming prestige beauty sector.

Forest Essentials, founded by Mira Kulkarni in 2000, blends ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern formulations for skincare, haircare and body products, sourcing botanicals locally and manufacturing in-house. With nearly 200 stores across India, the brand has built a loyal following for its sustainable, high-end offerings rooted in holistic wellness. Post-acquisition, operations stay in New Delhi under Kulkarni and her son Samrath Bedi, preserving the brand’s Indian heritage while tapping Estée Lauder’s global network for wider reach.

Stéphane de La Faverie, Estée Lauder’s President and CEO, called it a “meaningful new chapter,” praising Forest Essentials’ equity and potential to lead luxury Ayurveda worldwide. Kulkarni echoed this, stressing continuity in craftsmanship and expansion without diluting the brand’s soul. The move positions Estée Lauder to capitalise on India’s rising demand for premium, culturally resonant beauty products amid global wellness trends.