French beauty giant L’Oréal is reportedly close to acquiring British premium skincare brand Medik8 in a deal worth approximately €1 billion ($1.6 billion), according to the Financial Times.
The acquisition would strengthen L’Oréal’s fast-growing Dermatological Beauty division, home to powerhouse brands including La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Vichy and SkinCeuticals. The division accounted for around 18% of the group’s total sales in 2024 and continues to be a key growth driver, with revenue rising 3.5% in the first quarter of 2025 to €2.1 billion ($3.4 billion).
Founded in 2009 by British scientist Elliot Isaacs, Medik8 has built a strong reputation for its science-led approach to anti-ageing skincare. The brand is best known for its Crystal Retinal range and peptide-based serums, and manufactures all products in-house at its Buckinghamshire facility. It also offers a range of facial-led treatments and is stocked in both professional clinics and high-end retailers such as Space NK.
In Australia, Advanced Cosmeceuticals is the exclusive distributor of Medik8 skincare. They are responsible for stocking Medik8 products and providing training and support to retailers. Catwalk.com.au, Activeskin, and Adore Beauty are also authorised stockists of Medik8 in Australia.
Backed since 2021 by UK-based private equity firm Inflexion, Medik8 has expanded rapidly, including the opening of a new research centre and entry into the US market. The brand reportedly reached sales between US$70–80 million ($106–122 million) in 2024.
The move follows a string of high-profile acquisitions by L’Oréal, including its 2023 buyout of Australian luxury skincare brand Aesop, then valued at US$2.5 billion ($3.9 billion). In 2024, the French group also struck a deal with Italian fashion house Prada to develop beauty products for Miu Miu and increased its stake in Swiss dermatology firm Galderma.
If finalised, the deal would see Medik8 join a robust portfolio of dermatological and clinical skincare brands under L’Oréal’s umbrella—further cementing the group’s focus on targeted skincare solutions backed by science.
Read the AUTUMN ’25 issue of Retail Beauty below:
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