L’Oréal in Exclusive Talks to Acquire Medik8 for Reported £800 Million

L’Oréal is in exclusive negotiations to acquire UK-based skincare brand Medik8 from private equity firm Inflexion, according to multiple reports. The proposed deal, if finalised, would mark another strategic expansion for L’Oréal into the fast-growing dermocosmetics category.

Sources close to the talks revealed that L’Oréal has submitted an offer valuing Medik8 at around £800 million. Neither L’Oréal nor Medik8 have officially commented on the reports, although industry insiders suggest the deal is likely to proceed given the brand’s momentum and alignment with L’Oréal’s current acquisition strategy.

Founded in 2009 by biochemist Elliot Isaacs, Medik8 has become a cult favourite among professionals and consumers for its science-led, results-focused formulations. Known for its CSA philosophy—Vitamin C and sunscreen by day, Vitamin A by night—the brand has carved out a strong position in the premium active skincare space, particularly across the UK, Australia, and the US.

Inflexion first invested in Medik8’s parent company, Pangaea Laboratories, in 2021 through its fifth buyout fund. Since then, the company has doubled its revenues and expanded its global footprint with a heavy focus on digital and direct-to-consumer sales.

A potential acquisition by L’Oréal would bolster its Active Cosmetics Division, which already includes SkinCeuticals, CeraVe, and La Roche-Posay. Medik8’s positioning between consumer skincare and clinical-grade formulas makes it a natural fit as consumer demand grows for evidence-based, dermatologist-endorsed skincare.

The deal has not been finalised, and the outcome will likely depend on regulatory clearances and final valuation agreements. If completed, it would be one of the UK beauty industry’s most significant M&A events in recent years.