Estée Lauder Bets Big on India: CEO Stéphane de La Faverie Reveals Growth Plans

Estée Lauder’s Global Reset: Why India Is Now a Strategic Powerhouse

In a time of global turbulence for beauty conglomerates, Estée Lauder is placing a confident bet on India. The $15.6 billion beauty giant, home to iconic names like La Mer, Tom Ford Beauty, Jo Malone London, and MAC, is undergoing a critical transformation under new leadership. Stéphane de La Faverie, the recently appointed President & CEO, is steering the brand through challenging waters—with India firmly in his sights as a key growth engine.

During his recent visit to India, de La Faverie shared insights with Business Today on how the company plans to rebound from market slowdowns and unlock new growth through strategic expansion in India and the global positioning of Indian luxury brand Forest Essentials.

🌍 Global Beauty Meets Local Power: Why India Matters

As Western markets mature and China experiences a decline in consumer spending, global beauty brands are actively scouting for the next frontier of growth. For Estée Lauder, India is no longer just a promising market—it’s a strategic imperative.

“India is extremely strategic for us,” said Stéphane de La Faverie. “It’s not just about growth, but about innovation, heritage, and global collaboration.”

India’s young population, rising disposable incomes, digital-first consumers, and growing appetite for luxury beauty are making it one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the world. With a burgeoning middle class and increasing beauty consciousness even in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, India offers long-term potential far beyond metro cities.

🌿 Forest Essentials Goes Global: An Ayurvedic Icon on the World Stage

One of the most significant aspects of Estée Lauder’s India playbook is the global expansion of Forest Essentials, a luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand that the company invested in back in 2012.

Founded by Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials has earned a cult following for its authentic, ingredient-led products rooted in Ayurveda. Estée Lauder now wants to take this Indian heritage brand global — a bold move that reflects changing consumer preferences worldwide.

“Ayurveda is no longer niche,” de La Faverie emphasized. “It’s what modern consumers are asking for: efficacy with authenticity.”

Forest Essentials is already available in select international markets like the UK and UAE, with plans for further expansion in Asia and Europe. The brand’s appeal lies in its ability to merge traditional Indian wisdom with luxury presentation, making it relevant both to Indian and international consumers.

📉 A Time of Churn: Reviving Estée Lauder’s Global Fortunes

The renewed focus on India comes at a critical moment. Estée Lauder Companies has faced multiple headwinds in recent quarters:

• Slowing sales in China, once the world’s most promising beauty market.

• Loss of market share to newer, niche and digital-first beauty brands.

• A changing global consumer behavior leaning toward wellness, sustainability, and authenticity.

Appointed CEO in January 2025, de La Faverie—a company veteran who has worked across La Mer and the Estée Lauder brand—has a clear mandate: restore momentum, restructure strategy, and revitalize growth.

India, with its diversity and depth, is central to that turnaround story.

🔍 Emerging Beauty Trends: India and Beyond

According to de La Faverie, several key trends are shaping the beauty industry’s future:

1. Clean and conscious beauty – Consumers now want ingredient transparency and ethical sourcing.

2. Ayurvedic and holistic wellness – Indian beauty rituals, long overlooked globally, are gaining renewed appreciation.

3. Hyper-personalization – Skincare that adapts to individual needs, powered by AI and dermatological science.

4. Digital-native experiences – India’s booming e-commerce and influencer ecosystem are reshaping how beauty is discovered and bought.

🚀 India’s Beauty Boom: Not Just Hype

India’s beauty and personal care market is expected to cross $30 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. Global brands are now competing with strong homegrown players like Nykaa, Mamaearth, and Sugar Cosmetics. Estée Lauder’s advantage? Brand legacy, luxury positioning, and now, local alignment.

With R&D, partnerships, and local manufacturing becoming part of the plan, the company is clearly here for the long haul.

💬 Final Thoughts: India at the Center of Estée Lauder’s Future

Estée Lauder is betting big on India — not just as a sales market, but as a cultural and innovation hub. Under Stéphane de La Faverie’s leadership, the company is aligning global strategy with regional relevance, and Forest Essentials is leading the charge in taking Indian beauty global.

As beauty becomes more personal, authentic, and conscious, India isn’t just catching up—it’s shaping the future.