Medical aesthetic products. We’re still exploring our options: Natura &Co remains coy as beauty bids for Aesop

THE WHAT? Natura &Co is said to have received multiple non-binding offers for its popular Aesop brand, according to a report published by Reuters. The Brazilian behemoth emphasized that it was still reviewing various options for the luxury fragrance brand.

THE DETAILS The offers are said to range from complete buyouts to minority stakes. Natura &Co declined to name interested parties ‘unless or until it determines that further disclosure is appropriate or necessary’, per Reuters quoting a securities filing.

THE WHY? The sale of Aesop would help Natura &Co balance the books in the wake of its major acquisitions; the Brazilian owner of The Body Shop and Avon is in the midst of a restructure. With sales up 18.2 percent in Q4, Aesop is an attractive prospect for fellow beauty brand owners.

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.