Kao to acquire Bondi Sands expanding global expertise in sun and skin care protection

01 Aug 2023 --- Kao Australia and Kao USA, subsidiaries of Japan-based Kao Corporation, have signed an agreement to acquire sun care expert Bondi Sands Australia and its related companies and brands. The deal will boost Kao’s expertise in skin care and protection. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“Bondi Sands is an incredible brand and a perfect fit for the Kao Consumer Care Business portfolio,” says Karen Frank, president of consumer care business, Americas and EMEA, at Kao.

“Quality, innovation, environmental responsibility, accessibility and community are at the forefront of everything it does, ideally aligning Bondi Sands to our brand values and corporate philosophy, the ‘Kao Way’.” 

Expanding skin and sun care
Bondi Sands specializes in self-tanning, sun care, skin care and body products. The Australian climate has caused people living there to be highly aware of the importance of skin care.

“The addition of Bondi Sands to our consumer family of brands will greatly advance our mission to be the preeminent leader in the global skin protection business and continue our journey of offering diverse products that promote a ‘Kirei’ lifestyle that is healthy, inclusive and sustainable for all,” continues Karen. 

The Kao Group’s global beauty brands include John Frieda, Jergens, Curél and Bioré.

“Kao’s values and principles match those of Bondi Sands, as we both share an unyielding commitment to delivering innovative products that protect the skin and enhance the lives of our valued customers worldwide,” adds Shaun Wilson, co-Founder, CEO at Bondi Sands.Bondi Sands comes from Melbourne, Australia. 

Scientific synergies
Bondi Sands’ products are available worldwide in more than 32 countries, with a “loyal” consumer base due to its “distinctive formulations combined with sustainable practices.” 

“The integration of Kao’s renowned scientific and technological resources into our operations is an unparalleled opportunity that will significantly contribute to the exponential growth of our brand, empowering us to expand our product offerings further and advance our R&D initiatives,” continues Wilson.

“With this partnership, we can confidently explore untapped markets, reach more customers worldwide and continue to fulfill our company mission.”

Kao shares that it focuses on skin care as the main driver for growth as part of its mid-term management plan.

With the acquisition, the company is strengthening its skin protection category, enabling skin safety from the effects of environmental factors. It will do so by leveraging its UV care technologies in the Japanese market and self-tanning technologies in the US market, leading to its global business expansion. 

Sun care innovation under light
In related news, Aptar Beauty supplies French cosmetics brand Nuxe with its PZ Twist spray pump packaging for sun cream and other skin care products.

Australian manufacturer of natural sunscreen actives, Advance ZincTek, released EcoZinc, a non-nano zinc oxide powder for reef-safe SPF-rated cosmetics and sunscreens. Meanwhile, Korean manufacturer Cosmax introduced Capsule Sun, an emulsifier-free sunscreen formula.

Research revealed that environmental contamination by octocrylene – an organic UV filter featured widely in formulations – may be less detrimental to wildlife than previously thought.

Edited by Venya Patel