French beauty giant L’Oréal has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Indian beauty and personal care company Innovist, strengthening its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
Founded in 2018, Innovist has built a strong reputation in the premium beauty segment through science-backed and digital-first brands such as Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, SunScoop and Inveda. The company has gained popularity among young consumers by offering skincare, haircare and personal care products tailored to Indian needs.
The acquisition reflects L’Oréal’s growing confidence in India’s beauty and personal care market, which continues to attract global investors amid rising consumer spending and demand for specialised products. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
For Innovist, the partnership marks a major milestone. What started as a home-grown startup has grown into a recognised player in India’s competitive beauty industry. With access to L’Oréal’s global expertise, research capabilities and distribution network, Innovist is expected to accelerate product innovation and expand its reach in India and overseas markets.
L’Oréal already has a strong presence in India across skincare, haircare and cosmetics. The company views the country as a key growth market, supported by a young population, rising incomes and increasing digital adoption.
Industry experts say the deal highlights the growing appeal of Indian beauty startups to multinational companies. Instead of building brands from scratch, global firms are increasingly investing in local businesses that have already earned consumer trust and established a strong market presence.
The acquisition also reflects the rising popularity of science-led beauty brands in India. As consumers become more aware of ingredients and product performance, companies like Innovist have carved out a niche in the premium personal care segment.
With L’Oréal taking a controlling stake, Innovist is set for its next phase of growth, while India’s beauty startup ecosystem receives another strong vote of confidence from a global industry leader.
