Estée Lauder To Acquire Remaining Shares of Forest Essentials

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials, the Indian beauty brand grounded in the science of “modern Luxurious Ayurveda.”

Building on an 18-year partnership, the milestone celebrates The Estée Lauder Companies’ long-term commitment to nurturing and growing this Indian brand and to expanding its consumer reach globally, officials said.

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

“Today marks a meaningful new chapter in a partnership built over the past 18 years on a foundation of mutual trust and respect,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, president and CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies. “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. We are honored to strengthen our partnership with Mira, who, like Mrs. Estée Lauder, has elevated the prestige beauty industry through a clear vision of authenticity and purpose.”

Redefining Modern Ayurveda

Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials represents the soul of Indian beauty. The brand has redefined modern Luxurious Ayurveda for today’s world, transforming time-honored beauty rituals into exquisitely crafted formulations, immersive retail experiences with nearly 200 freestanding stores, and sensorial indulgences rooted in purity and craftsmanship. Its uncompromising commitment to authenticity has resonated deeply with consumers, establishing it as the top-ranked brand in prestige Skin Care in India. The brand, which is forecasted to grow net sales low double digits, combined with The Estée Lauder Companies’ existing brand portfolio will make India the company’s largest emerging market. With this acquisition, The Estée Lauder Companies is well-positioned to gain prestige beauty share in one of the most dynamic beauty markets in the world.

Under the continued guidance and direction of 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. This Indian end-to-end model will continue to enable the brand to uphold “exceptional” quality, reduce its environmental impact and continue cultivating consumer trust, officials said.