The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. today announced that it 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. 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.
Building on a trusted 18-year partnership, this milestone celebrates The Estée Lauder Companies’ long-term commitment to nurturing and growing Forest Essentials to expanding its consumer reach globally.
Founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials represents the soul and artistry 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.
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.
Forest Essentials will remain headquartered in New Delhi, and under the continued guidance and direction of Mrs. Kulkarni and her son, Executive Director Samrath Bedi. The brand will maintain its fully integrated operational ecosystem in India, spanning Research & Development, and in-house manufacturing.
This Indian end-to-end model will continue to enable the brand to innovate with integrity, uphold exceptional quality, reduce its environmental impact, and continue cultivating enduring consumer trust.
Stéphane de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies, said, “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. Together, our ambition is clear: to further strengthen the brand’s leadership at home while thoughtfully introducing it to a global audience. We are committed to expanding this reach without compromising the integrity, craftsmanship, and cultural soul that define Forest Essentials, and look forward to supporting Mira and her son Sam in the brand’s exciting future.”
Mira Kulkarni, Founder and Managing Director, Forest Essentials, said, “Our shared mission has always been to establish Luxury Ayurveda as a globally respected pillar of modern beauty. Ayurveda is not folklore; it is a sophisticated system of science, ritual, and holistic wellbeing. By combining our heritage with the operational strength of The Estée Lauder Companies, we have the opportunity to bring this wisdom to a global audience—presented with the same integrity, elegance, and uncompromising standards that define Forest Essentials today. This next phase is about continuity and growth. We continue to lead the brand from India, strengthening our operational excellence and commitment to our Indian consumers, while thoughtfully expanding internationally.”
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally.
The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.
