The dynamics of cosmetics and personal care companies have remained active amid ongoing recalibration across the industry in light of economic uncertainties. As recently reported by BeautyMatter, M&A deal volume in the beauty sector rose by 12.9 percent year-over-year in the first half of 2025, even as overall growth-stage deal activity fell by 28.1 percent.
A report from Capstone Partners echoed this finding as analysts explained that “middle market operators have continued to transact, propped up by corporate divestitures, product expansions, and manufacturing consolidation.”
Reflecting this activity, two acquisitions announced this week underscore how established brands and emerging players alike are turning to science-driven strategies to fuel growth.
Magic Science Corporation funds expansion and strategic integration
Magic Science Corporation, the health sciences company behind skin care brand Magic Molecule, announced a strategic investment from NexPhase Capital alongside the acquisition of a U.S.-based hypochlorous acid manufacturer. As detailed in the company’s press statement, the move strengthens the company’s vertically integrated model, allowing it to manage production from solution through to retail packaging.
“This partnership with NexPhase allows us to scale and spread awareness about hypochlorous acid, a fascinating molecule our white blood cells naturally produce to fight bacteria,” Justin Kerzner, co-founder and chief executive officer of Magic Science Corporation, said in the company’s announcement.
“Your body makes it. We bottled it,” he quipped further.
NexPhase Capital characterized the partnership as an opportunity to accelerate innovation. “The team has built a standout brand, powered by a vertically-integrated platform that enables both consistent quality and rapid product innovation,” said Jamie Kaufman, partner at NexPhase, in the company’s release.
Magic Science’s portfolio includes its FDA-cleared Antimicrobial Skin Spray, formulated with hypochlorous acid for a wide range of skin health applications.
Olaplex makes first acquisition with biotech entry
On the same day, Olaplex Holdings, Inc. announced the acquisition of Purvala Bioscience, a Boston-based biotech company developing bioinspired molecules for use across the health and beauty industries. As confirmed in the company’s press statement, the transaction marks Olaplex’s first acquisition since its launch more than ten years ago and reflects the company’s focus on expanding its innovation pipeline.
“Since the very beginning, OLAPLEX was founded on the concept of innovation with groundbreaking bond technology that empowered stylists and their clients to achieve transformative results,” said Amanda Baldwin, chief executive officer of Olaplex in the release. “We believe that with Purvala we have the potential to create the next generation of disruptive science-backed product innovation alongside our patent-protected bond-building technology,” she added.
Purvala, founded in 2020 by Drs. Bradley Olsen, Justin Paloni, and colleagues specialize in creating high-performing molecules inspired by naturally occurring biological structures.
While the two announcements represent different approaches to growth, both highlight the rising importance of science in beauty product development.
