According to the Financial Times, the French make-up giant L’Oréal announced a plan to acquire the British high-end skin-care brand Medik8 with 1 billion euros (approximately RMB 8.2 billion) to further consolidate its leadership in the global skin-care market. The acquisition was facilitated by the British private equity company Inflixion, the controlling party of Medik8, and the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, subject to the approval of shareholders and regulators.
According to media reports such as the Financial Times, the negotiations between Olea and Inflixion are nearing completion, with a transaction valuation of approximately Euro1 billion, which is significant compared to the current Medik8 market valuation premium. Upon completion of the acquisition, Medik8 will be integrated into the Olea ‘ s line of skin science beauty operations, which will be alongside brands such as La Roche-Posay, Vichy and CeraVe to help Léonéa deepen his layout in the field of fast-growing skin science skin protection.
In the first quarter of 2025, the O’Lea’s line of skin science beauty operations reached 2.1 billion euros, an increase of 3.5 per cent over the same period, and became one of the fastest growing sectors of the company. The acquisition was another major initiative by Olea following the acquisition of SkinBetter Science, the United States high-end skin-care brand, in 2023, reflecting its continued addition to the science-driven skin-care market. Medik8 is known for its precision and efficient anti-age and skin repair products, which are particularly popular with Asian consumers and are in line with the Olea ‘ s strategy to expand the global market.
Founded in 2009, Medik8 is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on skin-skin protection, anti-age, scabie treatment and skin barrier repair products. Its core technologies, which include retinol and vitamin C formulations, emphasize scientific validation and moderate and efficient, and are trusted by professional dermatologists and consumers. In 2024, the global sales of Medik8 amounted to approximately Euro250 million, an increase of 25 per cent over the same period, with the Asian market contributing nearly 40 per cent of income.
According to market data, the global high-end skin-care market, which reached $150 billion in 2024, is expected to surpass $200 billion in 2028, with an average annual increase of 15 per cent in the demand for science-driven skin-care products by Asian consumers. O’Lea’s skin science beauty line has been successful on the Asian market with skin-skin springs and affluence, and Medik8’s accession will further enhance its competitiveness in the field of anti-age and professional skin protection.
Medik8 will benefit from the L’Oréal’s global distribution network and R & D resources to accelerate its expansion in Asian, North American and European markets. O’Leaia plans to position Medik8 as the core brand of the skin science beauty line, with more customized products for high-end consumers. In the future, O’Lea may also enter the medical beauty field through Medik8, for example in cooperation with dermatology clinics, to further exploit market potential. The brand value and market share of Medik8 is expected to rise further as the demand for efficient skin care by Asian consumers continues to grow.