Spanish beauty and fashion conglomerate Puig has acquired a majority stake in German premium skincare brand Dr. Barbara Sturm, bolstering the group’s position in the luxury skincare market.

Brand founder and celebrity doctor Barbara Sturm will retain a minority stake in the business and stay on as chief product officer and brand ambassador.

Dr Barbara Sturm has a cult following, including high-profile celebrities such as Angela Bassett and Victoria Beckham. Dr Sturm popularised an in-clinic facial treatment known as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) that uses proteins from blood for an anti-aging result. This procedure inspired a product known as MC1 cream, and positioned Dr Sturm as a leading authority in anti-aging, as well as anti-inflammation, another current consumer preoccupation.

Puig owns 23 brands, including Charlotte Tilbury, Byredo and Paco Rabanne. In Sept. 2023, the family-controlled group confirmed reports that it was considering an initial public offering among other strategic options.

In a statement announcing the Dr. Barbara Sturm deal, Puig said it aimed to expand the brand internationally, growing its existing network of spas and boutiques.

Science-backed brands continue to outperform. In Dec. 2023, Shiseido acquired skincare line Dr Dennis Gross, while Unilever acquired K18, a hair care company with a proprietary molecular ingredient.