THE WHAT?  Estée Lauder Companies’ investment division, New Incubation Ventures (NIV), has revealed its acquisition of a minority share in Code Mint, a renowned clean beauty brand from China.

THE DETAILS  Code Mint operates under the umbrella of Jianfa Meixue Technology Co. Ltd., based in Hangzhou. The brand’s creation and vision are credited to its founder, Yangqing Zhou, who transitioned from a prominent Chinese influencer to a successful entrepreneur.

THE WHY?   While specific details regarding the investment remain undisclosed, this strategic move marks NIV’s debut venture in the Chinese market. Market insiders have hinted that this partnership was solidified approximately two years prior.