US capital-investment group Carlyle has acquired the majority stake of Beautycounter in a transaction that values the company at USD 1 billion.

After the acquisition of Deciem by The Estée Lauder Companies, in Feruary, and of Pai Skincare, this week, by the the Courtin-Clarins family, this new historic deal confirms the attractiveness of clean beauty and mission-focused brands for investors.

Since its launch in 2013, Beautycounter has become an iconic brand of the so-called ‘clean beauty’ movement in the United States, in particular thanks to its list of 1,800 banned subtances. The brand was also involved in several advocacy actions to strengthen the cosmetic legislation in the U.S. or to promote a clear definition of what are "natural cosmetics".

The Carlyle Group aims to increase the brand awareness and bolster the company’s innovative, omnichannel business model. "BeautycounterBeautycounter products[fr]produits Beautycounter] is a pioneer and leader in the fast-growing clean beauty industry, and we see an opportunity to support a talented, founder-led team in amplifying the brand’s mission to change beauty forever," said Jay Sammons, Head of Global Consumer, Media & Retail, The Carlyle Group.

The Santa Monica, CA-based brand offers more than 100 products that are available today online, in physical retail stores, through strategic partnerships, and through its community of more than 65,000 independent sellers across North America.