The cosmetic and beauty product stores industry in Europe is vibrant and rapidly evolving. It features a mix of large multinational corporations and smaller niche brands, each offering innovative skincare, makeup, fragrances, and haircare solutions. Demand is driven by changing consumer preferences and trends focused on sustainable and cruelty-free products. Technology is also reshaping the industry, with e-commerce continuing to flourish. As consumers increasingly turn to online shopping, the landscape is poised for growth, with brands looking to connect with audiences through savvy marketing and influencer partnerships. Overall, the industry is adapting to a more conscious and digital-savvy market.

This article highlights 17 prominent investors in the European cosmetic and beauty product stores market. The list includes corporate giants, venture capitalists, and private equity firms, hailing from key financial hubs like Paris and London. Most of these investors were established in the past two decades, illustrating a recent flourishing of investment in beauty. In 2024, they collectively focused on 213 transactions across various brands, underscoring their active engagement in the sector. Their varying investment strategies are indicative of a dynamic market rich with opportunities for new and existing brands.

Top 17 Cosmetic and Beauty Product Stores Investors in Europe

1. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including Faith in Nature, which raised $973,163 in July 2023, War Paint, which raised $604,985 in November 2021, and Doctor Jackson, which raised $23,892 in April 2012. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting the growth of beauty and cosmetic brands through equity crowdfunding, showcasing their commitment to this industry.

2. L'Oréal

• Website: loreal.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1909
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: lor%c3%a9al

L'Oréal S.A. is a prominent cosmetics manufacturer based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1909. The company specializes in a diverse range of personal care products, including skin care, make-up, hair care, and perfumes. L'Oréal is known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability in its operations. Over the years, L'Oréal has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its portfolio in the beauty industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of IT Cosmetics for $1.2 billion, which added over 300 skin-care and makeup products to its Luxe division. Additionally, L'Oréal acquired NYX Cosmetics, a popular make-up brand, and Urban Decay, further enhancing its presence in the cosmetics market. These acquisitions demonstrate L'Oréal's active role in expanding its influence and offerings within the cosmetic and beauty product stores sector.

3. Unilever Ventures

• Website: unileverventures.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: unileverventures

Unilever Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly within the beauty and wellness sectors. They provide capital and leverage Unilever's extensive network to help startups grow. Notably, Unilever Ventures has invested in Beauty Bakerie, a cosmetics brand, contributing to their funding rounds in 2017 and 2018, which focused on expanding their consumer base. Additionally, they have invested in Plum, a beauty product company, across multiple funding rounds from 2018 to 2022, showcasing their ongoing commitment to the beauty industry. This focus on empowering innovative entrepreneurs to build strong consumer brands further solidifies their role as a key player in the cosmetic and beauty product stores market.

4. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website: bpifrance.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The organization aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in several cosmetic and beauty product companies, including La Bouche Rouge Paris, which raised over $11 million in a Series A round, WAAM Cosmetics, which secured €1.5 million in its first fundraising round, and Beautigloo, which raised €2.7 million to expand its product line. Additionally, Maison Hädenn received nearly $1 million in a seed round, further showcasing Bpifrance's active role in the beauty sector.

5. Lvmh

• Website: lvmh.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: lvmh

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Paris, is a leading luxury goods manufacturer and retailer. The company offers a diverse range of high-quality products across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. LVMH serves affluent consumers and businesses, providing exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage. Notably, LVMH has made significant investments in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, acquiring brands such as Benefit Cosmetics in 1999, Guerlain in 1994, Urban Decay in 2000, and more recently, Officine Universelle Buly 1803 in 2021. These acquisitions highlight LVMH's strategic focus on expanding its presence in the beauty market, making it a key investor in this industry.

6. Unilever

• Website: unilever.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1872
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: unilever

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products, including food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, serving consumers globally. Unilever has a strong focus on sustainability, aiming to make sustainable living commonplace through its product offerings. In the beauty and personal care sector, Unilever has made significant acquisitions, including Tatcha, a California-based beauty brand known for its popular skincare products, acquired for approximately $500 million in June 2019. In July 2015, Unilever acquired Murad, a skincare brand, and in June 2021, it signed a deal to acquire Paula's Choice for around $2 billion, enhancing its portfolio in the premium skincare segment. Additionally, Unilever acquired Hourglass in June 2017, further solidifying its presence in the beauty market. These transactions highlight Unilever's strategic focus on expanding its influence in the cosmetic and beauty product industry.

7. Index Ventures

• Website: indexventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, but has also made notable investments in the beauty industry. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses. Among their significant transactions in the beauty sector, Index Ventures has been a key investor in Glossier, participating in multiple funding rounds including Series C, D, and E, which collectively raised substantial capital to help the brand scale its operations globally. Additionally, they led a seed funding round for Beautystack, a platform designed to empower beauty professionals and enhance their economic independence. These investments highlight Index Ventures' active role in the cosmetic and beauty product stores industry.

8. Eurazeo

• Website: eurazeo.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, Eurazeo has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, focusing on tailored investment strategies that promote growth and expansion across various sectors. Notably, Eurazeo has made substantial investments in the beauty industry, including a $60 million investment in Pat McGrath Labs, an acquisition of Aroma-Zone, a leading online retailer of essential oils and natural beauty products, and a majority stake in the clean skincare brand Beekman 1802 for $62 million. Additionally, Eurazeo led a Series B funding round for Gisou, a haircare brand, to enhance its business capabilities. These transactions highlight Eurazeo's active role in the cosmetic and beauty product stores sector, reinforcing its relevance in this industry.

9. Bgf

• Website: bgf.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market by making minority investments and offering extensive support services to help businesses scale. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including Grace Cole, a bodycare products manufacturer, which received a multimillion-pound investment to support its market expansion. Additionally, BGF invested in Arran Aromatics, providing £2.8 million in growth capital to enhance brand development and e-commerce capabilities. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in the cosmetic and beauty industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.

10. Enterprise Ireland

• Website: enterprise-ireland.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 48
• LinkedIn: enterprise-ireland

Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions relevant to the cosmetic and beauty product stores sector, such as the investment in Human+Kind, which raised funds in a venture round in 2017. Additionally, it has provided grants to companies like Sam McCauley Chemists, indicating its active role in supporting businesses within the beauty and personal care market.

11. Cvc

• Website: cvc.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, CVC acquired Douglas Holding in 2015 for $3 billion, a significant player in the beauty retail sector, which operates numerous beauty and cosmetic stores across Europe. Additionally, their acquisition of Matas in 2007, a Danish retail chain with a strong presence in beauty products, further highlights their commitment to the cosmetic and beauty product stores industry. CVC's investment in PT Matahari Department Store Tbk, Indonesia's largest department store, also indicates their broader retail strategy, which includes beauty products. These transactions illustrate CVC's active role in the beauty and cosmetics market, making them a relevant investor in this category.

12. 3i Group plc

• Website: 3i.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including a 45% stake in Selective Beauty, a distributor of perfumes and cosmetics, for €50 million in 2006. In 2012, they acquired a majority stake in Geka, a packaging manufacturer for the cosmetic industry, for approximately €120 million, aiming to expand its operations into South America and Asia. Additionally, in 2018, 3i acquired Koninklijke Sanders B.V. (Royal Sanders), a toiletries manufacturer, further emphasizing their commitment to the beauty and personal care market. These transactions highlight 3i Group's active role in the cosmetic and beauty product stores industry.

13. Venrex

• Website: venrex.partners
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: venrex

Venrex is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries, providing both funding and strategic support to help these businesses thrive. Venrex has been actively involved in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, notably through its investments in Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, where they participated in multiple funding rounds from Seed to Series B, supporting the brand's expansion and growth. Additionally, Venrex invested in Lisa Eldridge, further demonstrating their commitment to the beauty industry. With a total of 11 investments in 2024, Venrex continues to play a significant role in the consumer market, particularly in cosmetics and beauty products.

14. Thg

• Website: thg.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: thehutgroup

THG plc, founded in 2004 and based in Manchester, England, is a digital e-commerce retailer that specializes in beauty and nutrition products. The company operates through its divisions, THG Beauty and THG Nutrition, offering a wide range of cosmetics and dietary supplements directly to consumers. THG has made several notable acquisitions in the beauty sector, including:1. **Cult Beauty** - Acquired for £275 million, this acquisition aims to enhance THG's global expansion in the beauty market.2. **DermStore** - Acquired from Target for $350 million, this strategic move positions THG as a leading digital partner in the beauty sector.3. **Illamasqua** - Acquired for GBP 25 million, this acquisition adds a prestigious cosmetics brand to THG's luxury beauty portfolio.4. **Lookfantastic Group** - Acquired for £19.4 million, this acquisition supports THG's strategy to expand into the luxury goods market.5. **Biossance** - Acquired for $20 million in a bankruptcy auction, this brand is known for its sustainable beauty products, aligning with current consumer trends towards sustainability.With a focus on innovation and customer engagement, THG leverages its proprietary technology and extensive infrastructure to enhance the shopping experience for beauty products.

15. Frasers Group

• Website: frasers.group
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn: frasers-group

Frasers Group plc is a retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates various brands primarily in the sports and fashion sectors, including well-known names like Sports Direct and Jack Wills. The company has a diverse product offering that includes clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, as well as fitness services through its Everlast Fitness Club chain. In recent years, Frasers Group has made significant investments in the beauty and cosmetics sector, notably acquiring Lancaster, which aligns with their strategy to expand their shopping centre portfolio and diversify their retail offerings. Additionally, Frasers Group has participated in post-IPO equity transactions with companies such as THG and Boohoo Group, both of which have strong ties to the beauty and personal care markets. These transactions highlight Frasers Group's commitment to investing in the cosmetic and beauty product stores industry, making them a notable player in this space.

16. Ardian

• Website: ardian.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. With a global presence and a commitment to sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including the acquisition of ADA Cosmetics International for 500 million euros in 2014, which highlights their active role in this industry. Additionally, their investments in companies like HSE24 and Santédiscount by atida suggest a broader interest in beauty and wellness products, reinforcing their position as a relevant investor in the cosmetic and beauty product stores market.

17. Azelis

• Website: azelis.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider founded in 2001, headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium. The company serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial markets. Azelis has made significant strides in the personal care and cosmetics industry through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Ross Organic in 2017, enhancing their resources in the personal care market in the Western US. In 2022, they further strengthened their position by acquiring Eurotrading in Italy and Chemical Solutions Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, the latter focusing on the growing Halal cosmetic sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Vigon International in 2021, a distributor and manufacturer of ingredients for cosmetics, underscores their commitment to this market. These transactions highlight Azelis' focus on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to the cosmetic and beauty product sectors.

Cosmetic and Beauty Product Stores Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
L'Oréal	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1909	4
Unilever Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	9
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
Lvmh	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
Unilever	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1872	0
Index Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
Eurazeo	Paris, Île-De-France, France	201-500	1969	40
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Enterprise Ireland	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	501-1000	1998	48
Cvc	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
3i Group plc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
Venrex	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
Thg	Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	2004	1
Frasers Group	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
Ardian	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
Azelis	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5

Want to find more investors focusing on the cosmetic and beauty product stores industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the cosmetic and beauty product storesindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!