With a number of South Korean beauty brand manufacturers taking the lead in developing innovative products, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has taken a direct approach to acquiring some of the cutting edge technology, and expanding it internationally. The New York-based company has signed an agreement to purchase an interest in Have & Be Co. Ltd., the South Korean company behind skin care brands Dr. Jart+ and Do The Right Thing. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close in December 2015.

Dr. Jart+ has been a pioneer in the development and rapid proliferation of BB creams across the globe.

Launched online in 2005 by ChinWook Lee, Dr. Jart+ is a Seoul-based, global high-growth skin care brand, focused on what it calls “a unique fusion of dermatological science and art” – as reflected in the brand name, which is inspired by the phrase “Doctor Joins Art.” Lee says the brand appeals to a broad range of consumers, especially millennials. Dr. Jart+ is sold in many countries around the world, primarily in Asia and the United States, through various department stores, specialty-multi and e-commerce channels including Sephora.”
Do The Right Thing (DTRT) is a men’s-focused skin care brand that fuses Korean innovation with what it calls “a bold New York style.” Founded by Mr. Lee in 2012, DTRT’s line of cleansers, lotions, moisturizers and serums are sold in Korea through various channels and in the United States through Sephora and BirchboxMan.