The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given its approval to L’Oréal India Private Limited to acquire 100 per cent ownership of Onesto Labs Private Limited. The decision allows the French beauty conglomerate to expand its footprint in India’s beauty and personal care market through the acquisition of another established player in the sector.
Key facts
- L’Oréal India Private Limited will acquire 100% shareholding in Onesto Labs Private Limited
- CCI approval granted on 23 September 2026
- Both companies operate in beauty and personal care (BPC) products in India
- Onesto Labs manufactures and sells products in skin care and hair care segments
- L’Oréal India markets multiple globally recognized beauty brands in India
What the companies do
L’Oréal India Private Limited is a subsidiary of the global beauty giant L’Oréal. In India, the company engages in research, innovation, manufacturing, marketing, sales and export of beauty and personal care products. It distributes its offerings through various channels and operates under several internationally established brands in the Indian market.
Onesto Labs operates as a manufacturer and seller of beauty and personal care products across multiple segments. The company has brands operating in skin care and hair care categories, serving consumers in these segments across different price points and consumer preferences.
Why the CCI approval matters
Any acquisition involving transfer of significant assets or ownership stakes in India requires approval from the Competition Commission of India under the Competition Act, 2002. The CCI evaluates whether a proposed merger or acquisition could harm market competition or result in monopolistic practices. By granting approval, the CCI has determined that this acquisition does not raise concerns about reduced competition or consumer harm in the beauty and personal care sector in India.
Market consolidation in beauty sector
The beauty and personal care industry in India has seen significant consolidation over recent years as global brands seek to strengthen their market position through acquisitions of local and regional players. This acquisition allows L’Oréal India to add Onesto Labs’ brands and customer base to its existing portfolio, creating a stronger combined entity with broader reach across skin care and hair care segments.
For consumers, such consolidation can mean either benefits through improved distribution, innovation and product range, or potential concerns if competition reduces significantly. The CCI’s approval suggests that sufficient competition remains in the Indian beauty and personal care market despite this merger.
What this means for consumers and employees
From a consumer perspective, the acquisition may lead to better access to Onesto Labs products through L’Oréal’s existing distribution network, which spans multiple channels across India. Products currently sold by Onesto Labs may become available in more locations and through additional retail formats.
The combined company will have access to L’Oréal’s global research and innovation capabilities, potentially leading to product improvements and new launches in skin care and hair care categories. Pricing and product availability may change as L’Oréal integrates Onesto Labs’ operations into its larger structure.
For employees of Onesto Labs, the acquisition brings both opportunities and uncertainties. While the company joins a larger global organization with potential for career growth and access to international expertise, restructuring and integration processes often follow acquisitions.
Regulatory framework
Acquisitions and mergers in India are governed by the Competition Act, 2002, administered by the CCI. Combinations that meet financial thresholds require prior approval from the CCI. The commission examines whether a proposed combination could have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in relevant markets. The CCI’s approval for this transaction indicates that it does not raise such concerns based on the commission’s evaluation of market conditions, competition intensity and consumer interests.