One of Maesa’s incubator brands, Kristin Ess Hair, has just launched Kristin Ess+ at Target, a peptide-based hair care solution.
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Maesa, the leading disruptor in beauty and has sold its European and Middle Eastern operations (Maesa EMEA) to manufacturer Knowlton Development Corporation, Inc. (KDC/One). The transaction will allow Maesa to focus on growing its portfolio brands, including Kristin Ess Hair, which has just launched a new collection exclusively at Target.
Maesa EMEA’s Sale
The acquisition of Maesa EMEA will pair KDC/One’s packaging and formulation capabilities with Maesa EMEA’s brand-building, design and product innovation functions.
The sales comes as “Maesa is doubling down on its core business,” including the Kristin Ess, Being Frenshe, Hairitage by Mindy McKnight and Fine’ry brands, all of which have key placement with major U.S. retailers.
Maesa designs fragrances for fashion brands and retailers.
Moving ahead, the company is aiming for further U.S. and international growth.
“Maesa EMEA is an important part of Maesa’s origin story, and it became a leading partner for makeup and fragrance brands across Europe and the Middle East,” says Piyush Jain, CEO at Maesa. “Our EMEA team accelerated this incredible business, and we believe KDC/One is the right partner to support this team’s next chapter of growth. We expect the combination to further strengthen their ability to deliver exceptional and innovative solutions to customers. We sincerely thank the team for their valuable contributions over the years and wish them great success in the future. With this transaction, I am excited to continue to strengthen Maesa’s focus on innovation and redefining the consumer experience in beauty through leading innovation both on our existing portfolio of brands and launching exciting new ones. This strategic move will enable Maesa to continue to accelerate our rapid growth globally.”
Olga Nazarkova, president at Maesa EMEA, added: “KDC/One shares our unwavering focus on supporting customers and innovation, and this partnership will enable us to access new capabilities, accelerate our development, and better service our customers. We are confident this is the right next step for our team and the brands we support, and we look forward to bringing the combined strength of our capabilities to better service our customers.”
“Over the last five years, Maesa has consistently delivered high double-digit growth,” says Zaheer Ferguson, group CFO at Maesa. “This growth has been driven by our portfolio of high-growth global brands, including Kristin Ess, Hairitage by Mindy McKnight, Being Frenshe and Fine’ry, and a portfolio of fragrance offerings created for some iconic fashion brands and retailers. This strategic divestment of Maesa’s European and Middle Eastern operations is set to simplify our portfolio and add further fuel for the rapid growth and expansion of our portfolio of brands both in the U.S. and globally. Additionally, it will allow Maesa to lean in further into its strength as an incubator of new brands.”
Kristin Ess+ Launches at Target
One of those incubator brands, Kristin Ess Hair, has just launched Kristin Ess+ at Target, a peptide-based hair care solution.
Kristin Ess+ features peptides for bond repair and color protection. The collection features two key lines: Peptide Restore, which combines bond building with biomimetic peptide technology to strengthen and repair hair, and Peptide Protect, offering peptide-powered UV defense and a silicone-free color shield for vibrant, shiny hair. Clinically tested, these new formulas work on multiple levels to repair damage and protect hair from future harm, bringing salon-quality results into the home.
The Peptide Restore range includes strengthening shampoos and conditioners, a restoration serum, and a bond-recovery treatment and overnight dry mask, while the Peptide Protect range includes an Anti-Fade shampoo and conditioner.
The SKUs feature the brand’s Bondmimetic2 Molecular Complex, which “supports hair strength and measurably improves moisture, shine, manageability, and protection against future damage with continued use,” per the company.
Available exclusively at Target, the Kristin Ess+ collection builds on the brand’s focus on accessible, luxury-level hair care. The collection is designed to pair high-performance technology with an affordable price point.
“Since its launch, Kristin Ess Hair has been dedicated to making salon-quality hair care accessible at mass, and Kristin Ess+ is the next step in that journey,” says Molly Kennedy, VP of marketing at Maesa. “With Kristin Ess+, we’re proud to introduce a revolutionary advancement in hair care technology—where salon performance meets science. We’re deliberate yet easy, chic without overthinking, perfectly imperfect—and now clinically tested to strengthen, repair and protect your hair.”
“We’re thrilled to bring Kristin Ess+ to Target and offer our customers a true breakthrough in hair care,” says Target hair care buyer, Mimi Udezi. “Kristin Ess+ will be available exclusively in all Target stores nationwide, offering a revolutionary bond-building and biomimetic peptide technology that provides luxury salon-quality results at an accessible price point. It’s never been easier for our shoppers to experience the future of haircare from the comfort of their own homes.”