L’Oréal Groupe is making significant moves to tap into the rapidly growing K-beauty market by acquiring Gowoonsesang Cosmetics Co., Ltd., including its renowned 21-year-old Korean skincare brand, Dr.G. This acquisition will be integrated into L’Oréal’s consumer products division, though the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
This acquisition follows L’Oréal’s previous K-beauty success with the purchase of Nanda Co. Ltd. in 2018, which is the parent company of the popular makeup brand 3CE. L’Oréal Rides the Growing K-Beauty Trend with Dr. G Acquisition, further solidifying its position in the booming skincare segment driven by innovative Korean beauty products.
Dr.G was founded by dermatologist Gun Young Ahn, M.D., Ph.D., and has grown a strong presence across Asia with increasing global growth potential. The brand is best known for its high-performing solutions, such as the R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream, which caters to sensitive skin types. According to L’Oréal, this acquisition will help further expand Dr.G’s reach and growth worldwide.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr.G into the L’Oréal Groupe family,” says Alexis Perakis-Valat, global president of L’Oréal’s consumer products division. “Created by a dermatologist and offering high-performing solutions suitable for even the most sensitive skins, Dr.G perfectly complements our existing skincare portfolio. We have been following the brand and its success for many years and we look forward to accelerating its growth in South Korea and the rest of the world, staying true to our mission to democratize and premiumize beauty by bringing the best of Korean skin care to consumers everywhere.”
L’Oréal Rides the Growing K-Beauty Trend with Dr. G Acquisition, reflecting the company’s long-term strategy of capitalizing on K-beauty’s success in both local and global markets. Dr.G’s skincare solutions and its dermatologist-led approach are a perfect fit for L’Oréal’s mission to expand its presence in the ever-growing beauty market, especially in Asia.
“We are thrilled that Gowoonsesang Cosmetics is joining L’Oréal,” says Ahn. “Our mission has always been to provide healthy and radiant skin through advanced research. We believe that becoming part of L’Oréal will serve as a significant turning point in the global realization of our mission.”
Samuel du Retail, president of L’Oréal Korea, also added, “Following the successful acquisition of 3CE, we are glad to welcome a second Korean brand into L’Oréal and contribute to bringing the best of Korean beauty to the world. Dr.G is a well-known brand founded by a Korean dermatologist, rooted in his vision that everyone deserves healthy skin. Having Dr.G brand and Gowoonsesang’s talented teams with us will further strengthen L’Oréal’s engagement with the Korean beauty ecosystem and allow us to expand the reach of K-Beauty globally.”
This acquisition marks a major milestone for L’Oréal, reinforcing its commitment to embracing and promoting the best of Korean beauty globally, and continuing to build on its strong K-beauty portfolio. L’Oréal Rides the Growing K-Beauty Trend with Dr. G Acquisition, setting the stage for even more growth in this dynamic and rapidly expanding sector.
