The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced a minority investment in 111SKIN, a luxury clinical skincare brand founded by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
For the beauty market, this news is intriguing not only as an investment by a major group in a specific brand. It clearly illustrates how the premium skincare segment is increasingly moving towards clinical expertise, procedural experience, skin recovery, and products with a more pronounced scientific presentation.
111SKIN was founded in 2012. According to the release, the brand was initially created by Dr. Alexandrides to support the skin recovery of patients post-procedures. At the core of its approach is the NAC Y2™ complex, positioned as a technology for supporting skin repair, a healthy appearance, radiance, and the resilience of the skin barrier.
Why this investment is important for the skincare market
In the release, Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies, describes the current phase of skincare development as one where procedures, longevity, and beauty converge. This formulation effectively explains the overall market direction: consumers are increasingly seeking not just a pleasant cosmetic product, but one with visible effects, a clear application logic, and a connection to professional care.
For 111SKIN, such an investment could mean expanding international presence without completely losing the brand's independence. The release notes that Dr. Alexandrides will remain actively involved in the development of 111SKIN and will continue to lead the brand alongside the management team.
What is known about 111SKIN
111SKIN operates in the luxury clinical skin care segment and boasts a portfolio of over 30 products. Among the brand's key lines mentioned in the release are the Black Diamond and Reparative collections. The products are available through luxury retail, e-commerce, and high-end spa channels, including Harrods, Bluemercury, Nordstrom, Mandarin Oriental, and Aman.
The company also reports that the direct sales channel of 111SKIN accounts for approximately 20% of the brand's sales. Geographically, North America accounted for about 40% of 111SKIN's sales in 2025, and the brand also has a presence in China, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
What this means for professional cosmetology
The interest of a major beauty group in a brand with surgical origins and clinical presentation confirms a broader trend: the boundary between home care, professional procedures, and recovery care is becoming less rigid. For cosmetologists, this means that client requests are increasingly formed not only around "anti-aging care" but also around recovery, barrier support, prevention, and results inspired by in-clinic treatments.
For Estée Lauder Companies, the investment in 111SKIN also appears to be a logical step within the focus on science-driven innovation. For the market overall, this is yet another signal that clinically oriented brands with a distinct medical history are becoming a more important part of premium and luxury skincare.
Briefly about The Estée Lauder Companies
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of cosmetics, fragrances, skincare, and hair care products. The company's portfolio includes Estée Lauder, Clinique, La Mer, M·A·C, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Dr.Jart+, The Ordinary, NIOD, and other brands.
