CCI clears L'Oreal India’s takeover of Onesto Labs
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) announced on Tuesday that it has approved the proposed acquisition of Onesto Labs Pvt. Ltd. by L'Oreal India Pvt. Ltd. The transaction involves L'Oreal India acquiring 100 % of the shares of the target company.
### L'Oreal India’s expanding footprint
L'Oreal India, a wholly‑owned subsidiary of French cosmetics giant L'Oreal SA, has been operating in India since 1994. The company currently markets 26 brands, including L'Oreal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York and NYX Professional Makeup, all of which are mass‑market products. In addition to its retail presence, L'Oreal India runs two manufacturing plants – one in Chakan, Maharashtra, and another in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh – and research and innovation hubs in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
### Onesto Labs: a science‑first platform
Onesto Labs, founded in 2019 by Rohit Chawla, Sifat Khurana and Vimal Bhola, operates as a “house of brands” that designs, formulates and sells science‑first personal‑care products such as SunScoop and Anecdote. In 2022, the company rebranded to Innovist, a digital‑first personal‑care firm with brands like Bare Anatomy and Chemist at Play.
### The deal in context
The approval follows L'Oreal’s earlier move in June to acquire a majority stake in Innovist, further cementing its strategy to tap India’s rapidly expanding beauty market. While the financial details of the Onesto Labs transaction were not disclosed, the acquisition is expected to broaden L'Oreal’s product range and strengthen its presence in the Indian consumer‑products division.
### Regulatory backdrop
In India, acquisitions that cross certain thresholds must receive CCI clearance to ensure fair competition. The commission’s approval indicates that the transaction is unlikely to create a monopoly or significantly hinder competition in the personal‑care sector.
What this means for the market
The integration of Onesto Labs into L'Oreal’s portfolio could accelerate the launch of new science‑led products in India, leveraging the target’s expertise in formulation and digital distribution. For consumers, this may translate into a wider array of innovative beauty and personal‑care options.
What to watch next
- **Integration timeline**: How quickly L'Oreal India will roll Onesto Labs’ brands into its existing distribution channels. - **Competitive response**: Other Indian beauty players may accelerate their own digital or science‑first initiatives to keep pace. - **Future regulatory reviews**: Any subsequent CCI scrutiny on related deals or market concentration concerns.
The approval marks another step in L'Oreal’s aggressive expansion strategy in India, a market that is projected to become one of the world’s fastest‑growing beauty hubs.