Kao Acquiring Bondi Sands to Expand Skin Protection Sector

“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,” said Shaun Wilson, co-founder, CEO of Bondi Sands.Kao Corporation, owner of John Frieda, Jergens, Curél and Bioré, is acquiring sun product company Bondi Sands brands via the acquisition of Bondi Sands Australia Pty Ltd and related Bondi Sands companies. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, though Financial Review puts the price estimate at 450 million Australian dollars.

Founded in 2012, Bondi Sands is well known for its self tanning, sun care, skin care and body products.

The brand currently has sun care distribution in 32 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Bondi Sands reportedly has a leading share of the Australian self tanning market and aims to drive further growth via the skin care segment of its business.

Cosmetify last year named Bondi Sands' 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam one of the hottest beauty products of 2022. 

Kao's investment will expand the focus on skin protection, in part by tapping its own UV care technologies in the Japanese market and self tanning technologies in the U.S. market.

“Bondi Sands is an incredible brand and a perfect fit for the Kao consumer care business portfolio,” said Karen Frank, president, consumer care business, Americas and EMEA. “Quality, innovation, environmental responsibility, accessibility and community are at the forefront of everything it does, ideally aligning Bondi Sands to our own brand values and corporate philosophy, which we call the ‘Kao Way’.”

She continued, “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.”

“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,” said Shaun Wilson, co-founder, CEO of Bondi Sands. “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 further expand our product offerings and advance our research and development initiatives. With this partnership, we can now confidently explore untapped markets, reach more customers around the world and continue to fulfill our company mission.”