Beauty Industry, Mergers and Acquisitions

Estee Lauder Cos to Acquire Remaining Forest Essentials Stock

Together, the companies enter a new chapter in their long-term partnership to bring Luxurious Ayurveda to the world.

March 5, 2026

Assistant Editor

The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has agreed to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials, the Indian beauty brand grounded in the science of modern Luxurious Ayurveda.

This announcement reflects the company’s strong confidence in Forest Essentials’ brand equity, its vertically integrated capabilities, and its sustainability ethos.

Stéphane de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies, said:

“Today marks a meaningful new chapter in a partnership built over the past 18 years on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. Forest Essentials is an exceptional brand, beloved in India and created and nurtured by its founder, Mira Kulkarni. Entrepreneurial spirit lives at the heart of The Estée Lauder Companies, and we have a deep, inherent appreciation for the vision and tenacity required to build a brand of this caliber… This next phase of partnership reflects our long-term commitment to India—one of our largest and most significant emerging markets—and our conviction in the global resonance of this remarkable brand. ”

Forest Essentials has redefined modern Luxurious Ayurveda, transforming time-honored beauty rituals into exquisitely crafted formulations and immersive retail stops, and has nearly 200 freestanding stores.

Under the continued guidance and direction of Mira Kulkarni and her son, Executive Director Samrath Bedi, Forest Essentials will remain headquartered in New Delhi.

The brand will maintain its fully integrated operational ecosystem in India, spanning Research & Development that is grounded in Ayurveda, responsible and local botanical sourcing, and in-house manufacturing.

Building on a trusted 18-year partnership, this milestone celebrates ELC’s long-term commitment to nurturing and growing this extraordinary Indian brand and to expanding its consumer reach globally.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2026 and follows ELC’s minority investment in Forest Essentials, initially made in 2008 and increased to 49% in 2020.