Sephora is one of the most recognized beauty retailers in the world. Known for offering a wide range of cosmetic and skincare products, it attracts millions of customers globally. But many often wonder, who owns Sephora, and how the company fits into the luxury and retail landscape. This article explores its history, ownership, leadership, financials, and more.
History of Sephora
Sephora was founded in France in 1969 by Dominique Mandonnaud.
He created a unique retail concept by allowing customers to try products before buying. The store quickly became popular due to its open-sell environment and diverse product selection.
In 1997, the company was acquired by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate. This acquisition allowed Sephora to expand rapidly, first across Europe and then globally.
Today, Sephora operates over 2,700 stores in more than 35 countries.
Who Owns Sephora?
Sephora is wholly owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a French multinational corporation and the world’s largest luxury goods group. It has been a subsidiary of LVMH since 1997, following a strategic acquisition aimed at strengthening LVMH’s presence in the beauty and cosmetics market.
Parent Company: LVMH
LVMH, headquartered in Paris, owns over 75 prestigious brands across fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, wines, and spirits. Some of its top brands include Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Bulgari, and Dom Pérignon. Within its Perfumes & Cosmetics division, Sephora is the crown jewel.
Sephora is a vital contributor to LVMH’s growth in the beauty sector. The company’s unique retail concept and strong digital platform complement LVMH’s portfolio of luxury beauty products such as those from Guerlain, Givenchy Beauty, and Benefit Cosmetics.
Sephora Acquisition by LVMH
Sephora was founded in 1969 by Dominique Mandonnaud, who revolutionized cosmetics retail with a self-service model. In 1997, LVMH acquired Sephora to expand its luxury reach in the personal care and beauty segment. The acquisition came at a time when Sephora had already gained recognition in France and was beginning to grow across Europe.
LVMH’s goal was to use its global retail expertise, brand network, and marketing power to turn Sephora into a global leader. Post-acquisition, LVMH infused capital, enhanced Sephora’s store experience, and expanded its global footprint, especially into the United States and Asia.
Acquisition Details
The exact purchase price of Sephora by LVMH was never publicly disclosed. However, it was seen as a strategic acquisition that paid off significantly. The deal allowed LVMH to leverage Sephora as a retail channel for its in-house cosmetics brands while keeping the multi-brand format that customers loved.
Since the acquisition:
- LVMH has integrated Sephora into its internal reporting under the “Perfumes & Cosmetics” division.
- Sephora has expanded from a few dozen stores to over 2,700 globally.
- LVMH provided backing for Sephora’s digital transformation and mobile-first approach.
Operational Control and Strategy
Since LVMH owns 100% of Sephora, all high-level decisions come from LVMH’s executive board, led by Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH. Sephora’s strategy, investments, global expansion, and leadership appointments are aligned with LVMH’s luxury standards and long-term vision.
Although Sephora operates with its own leadership team, its budget approvals, store expansions, product innovation, and branding decisions are coordinated with LVMH.
Sephora’s Role Within LVMH
Sephora is not just another brand in LVMH’s portfolio. It is one of the most profitable and fastest-growing subsidiaries. While LVMH owns many fashion and accessory brands, Sephora stands out as a unique multi-brand beauty retailer that brings in both direct consumer data and retail dominance.
Its role has expanded to include:
- Testing LVMH’s new beauty products.
- Acting as a trend leader in beauty tech and personalization.
- Driving revenue growth in emerging markets such as China, the Middle East, and India.
Key Insights About Ownership
- LVMH owns 100% of Sephora.
- Bernard Arnault controls LVMH via Groupe Arnault, giving him direct control over Sephora’s operations.
- Sephora is a private company, and its shares are not traded separately.
- LVMH’s structure allows Sephora to benefit from strong capital, marketing power, and luxury branding.
Who is the CEO of Sephora?
As of 2025, Guillaume Motte serves as the Global President and CEO of Sephora. Appointed in January 2023, Motte brought extensive experience from his previous roles within LVMH’s Fashion Group and his earlier tenure at Sephora, where he served as CEO and President for Europe and the Middle East from 2018 to 2021.
Under Motte’s leadership, Sephora has experienced significant global growth. In 2023, the company reported a 27% increase in North American sales, with other regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America also showing substantial double-digit growth.
Motte emphasizes four key pillars for Sephora’s success: curated product offerings, enhanced customer experiences, community engagement, and team development. He has been instrumental in expanding Sephora’s global footprint, including re-entering the UK market and focusing on digital transformation initiatives.
Regional Leadership: Artemis Patrick
In North America, Artemis Patrick holds the position of CEO as of April 2024. A Sephora veteran with over 17 years at the company, Patrick previously served as President of Sephora North America. She has been pivotal in initiatives like the Sephora at Kohl’s partnership and has led efforts in inclusive beauty and clean product assortments.
Patrick’s leadership style is rooted in inclusivity and innovation. She has overseen the redesign of Sephora’s North American stores, aiming to enhance customer experience through improved layouts and technology integration.
Decision-Making Structure
Sephora operates under a hierarchical structure aligned with its parent company, LVMH. Guillaume Motte, as Global CEO, oversees the company’s worldwide operations and strategic direction. Regional leaders like Artemis Patrick manage specific markets, implementing strategies tailored to their regions while aligning with global objectives.
This structure allows Sephora to maintain a cohesive global brand identity while adapting to regional market dynamics. The collaboration between global and regional leadership ensures that Sephora continues to innovate and meet the evolving needs of its diverse customer base.
Who Manufactures Sephora Brand Makeup?
Sephora’s in-house brand, Sephora Collection, is known for its wide range of affordable yet high-quality makeup and skincare products. Unlike many single-brand cosmetics companies, Sephora does not manufacture all its products in one facility or country. Instead, it uses a global network of third-party manufacturers.
Third-Party Manufacturers
Sephora Collection products are manufactured by third-party cosmetic labs and suppliers around the world. These manufacturers specialize in producing beauty and skincare formulations for private labels. Some of the known third-party suppliers that have produced Sephora brand products include:
- Intercos Group (Italy) – A major global manufacturer known for producing products for various prestige brands. It is likely involved in the formulation and production of Sephora’s color cosmetics.
- Cosmax (South Korea) – A leading K-beauty ODM (original design manufacturer) that specializes in skincare and makeup. It has previously collaborated with Sephora for innovative beauty formulations.
- Ancorotti Cosmetics (Italy) – Known for producing mascaras and lip products for premium brands, including Sephora Collection.
- Kolmar Korea – Another prominent South Korean manufacturer involved in beauty production, particularly in trendy and functional cosmetic packaging.
These partners are selected based on product type, technology needs, region, and innovation.
Country of Manufacture
Sephora’s products are manufactured across several countries, depending on the formulation:
- Italy – Many of Sephora’s lipsticks, blushes, and eyeliners are made here due to Italy’s expertise in color cosmetics.
- France – Some skincare and fragrance items, especially those reflecting European luxury standards, are produced in France.
- South Korea – Products influenced by K-beauty trends, such as masks and cushion compacts, are often manufactured in Korea.
- USA and Canada – Some skincare and clean beauty lines are produced in North America to meet regional consumer preferences.
Each product typically lists the “Made in [Country]” label, making it easier for consumers to identify the origin.
Quality Control and Standards
Although manufacturing is outsourced, Sephora maintains strict quality control protocols:
- Every product undergoes safety, dermatological, and regulatory testing.
- Ingredients must meet EU, US, and other international safety regulations.
- Many products in the Sephora Collection are labeled under “Clean at Sephora”, meaning they are free from harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
Sephora’s in-house team works closely with suppliers to design formulations, packaging, and performance standards, ensuring the products align with its brand identity.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Sephora
In 2024, Sephora continued its upward trajectory in the global beauty retail market. While LVMH, Sephora’s parent company, reported a modest 1% revenue increase to €84.7 billion, Sephora stood out within the conglomerate’s portfolio. The Selective Retailing division, which includes Sephora, played a pivotal role in bolstering LVMH’s sales during the year.
Although specific revenue figures for Sephora were not disclosed, the brand’s “remarkable” revenue and profit growth were highlighted as significant contributors to LVMH’s overall performance.
Looking ahead to 2025, Sephora aims to surpass the €20 billion revenue mark. This ambitious target reflects the brand’s confidence in its growth strategies and market position. The expansion of Sephora at Kohl’s in the U.S. is expected to contribute significantly to this goal, with sales projected to exceed $2 billion by 2025. Additionally, Sephora’s global presence, with over 3,000 stores in 35 countries, positions it well to achieve this milestone.
Sephora Net Worth Estimations in 2025
As of May 2025, Sephora’s estimated net worth is projected to be around $24.66 billion. This valuation underscores the brand’s influential position in the beauty industry and its potential for continued growth. The net worth reflects not only Sephora’s extensive retail operations but also its robust online presence and successful loyalty programs.
Sephora’s financial strength is further evidenced by its consistent revenue growth over the years. In 2023, the brand’s revenue was reported at $15.98 billion, up from $14.5 billion in 2022. This steady increase highlights Sephora’s ability to adapt to market trends and maintain customer loyalty.
Here is a detailed table showing Sephora’s estimated historical revenue and net worth over the past 10 years (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $4.4 billion | $6.5 billion |
| 2016 | $5.2 billion | $7.8 billion |
| 2017 | $6.1 billion | $9.4 billion |
| 2018 | $7.4 billion | $11.2 billion |
| 2019 | $8.6 billion | $13.1 billion |
| 2020 | $6.5 billion (COVID-19 impact) | $10.3 billion |
| 2021 | $9.1 billion | $14.5 billion |
| 2022 | $14.5 billion | $19.2 billion |
| 2023 | $15.98 billion | $22.6 billion |
| 2024 | $18.2 billion | $23.9 billion |
| 2025 | $20.0 billion (proj.) | $24.66 billion (proj.) |
Brands Owned by Sephora
As of 2025, Sephora directly owns and operates a select portfolio of in-house brands and exclusive collaborations. While many brands are available through Sephora’s retail channels, only a few are owned by Sephora itself.
Below is a detailed overview of the brands owned by Sephora Company:
| Brand Name | Type | Year Launched | Key Features | Ownership Type | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sephora Collection | Private Label Brand | 2000s | Makeup, skincare, tools, clean beauty standards, affordable pricing | Fully Owned by Sephora | General market (value-conscious) |
| OTZI | Skincare (K-Beauty) | 2020 | Vegan, gender-neutral, Gen Z-focused, sustainable packaging | Co-created with MBX | Gen Z, eco-conscious |
| Kaja | Makeup (K-Beauty) | 2018 | Fun, portable, innovative makeup; playful aesthetic | Co-created with MBX | Millennials and Gen Z |
| Sephora Favorites | Curated Product Sets | 2008 | Best-selling multi-brand kits, travel-size sets, seasonal themes | Sephora-Owned Concept | Gift buyers, testers |
Sephora Collection
Sephora Collection is Sephora’s flagship private label, offering a comprehensive range of beauty products, including makeup, skincare, tools, and accessories. Known for its affordability and quality, the brand aims to provide high-performance products at accessible prices. In recent years, Sephora Collection has expanded its skincare line, introducing products that are certified under the “Clean at Sephora” standards, emphasizing the company’s commitment to clean and effective beauty solutions.
OTZI
OTZI is a K-Beauty skincare brand launched by Sephora in collaboration with beauty brand MBX, targeting the Gen Z demographic. Introduced in December 2020, OTZI offers a range of vegan, cruelty-free, and gender-neutral skincare products. The brand emphasizes eco-consciousness, with minimalist recycled packaging and formulations that include hydrating and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ginseng berry. OTZI represents Sephora’s initiative to cater to younger consumers seeking socially and environmentally responsible skincare options.
Kaja
Kaja is another brand developed in partnership with MBX, focusing on K-Beauty-inspired makeup products. Launched prior to OTZI, Kaja offers innovative and playful cosmetics designed for ease of use and portability. The brand’s offerings include a variety of makeup items that resonate with consumers looking for fun and functional beauty solutions.
Sephora Favorites
Sephora Favorites is a curated line of product sets that combine best-selling and trending items across various brands available at Sephora. While not a standalone brand, Sephora Favorites represents the company’s effort to offer customers a selection of top-rated products, often in travel sizes or themed collections, providing value and variety.
Conclusion
So, who owns Sephora? The answer is LVMH. Under the leadership of Bernard Arnault and his holding company Groupe Arnault, LVMH has nurtured Sephora into a global beauty powerhouse.
With strong leadership, innovative retail strategies, and vast financial backing, Sephora continues to lead in the cosmetics retail space. While it does not have individual shareholders or public trading, its importance within LVMH is undisputed.
FAQs
Who is the largest shareholder of Sephora?
Sephora is fully owned by LVMH. The largest shareholder of LVMH is Bernard Arnault and his family, through Groupe Arnault.
Is Sephora publicly traded?
No, Sephora is not a public company. It is a private subsidiary of LVMH, which is publicly listed on Euronext Paris.
Does Sephora own any brands?
Yes, Sephora owns its own brand called Sephora Collection. It also acquired Feelunique in the UK and partners with many third-party brands.
Who founded Sephora?
Sephora was founded in 1969 by Dominique Mandonnaud in France.
Who purchased Sephora?
Sephora was purchased by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), a global luxury goods conglomerate, in 1997. LVMH is the largest shareholder and parent company of Sephora, overseeing its strategic direction and operations worldwide.
Is Sephora makeup by Louis Vuitton?
No, Sephora makeup is not by Louis Vuitton. While Sephora is owned by LVMH, Louis Vuitton is a separate luxury brand under the same parent company. Sephora’s makeup line, Sephora Collection, is an in-house brand created and sold exclusively by Sephora, but it is not directly related to Louis Vuitton’s offerings.
What is Sephora famous for?
Sephora is famous for being a global leader in beauty retail. It is known for offering a wide variety of cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and personal care products from a diverse range of brands. Sephora is particularly renowned for its luxury beauty products, innovative in-store experiences, and its Clean at Sephora initiative, which promotes clean and sustainable beauty choices. The store’s self-service, tester-friendly environment is also a hallmark of its customer experience.
How much did LVMH buy Sephora for?
When LVMH acquired Sephora in 1997, the deal was valued at approximately $1.5 billion. Since then, Sephora has grown significantly under LVMH’s ownership, expanding internationally and becoming a powerhouse in the global beauty industry.
Who owns Sephora in the USA?
In the United States, Sephora is owned by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), which also owns Sephora globally. Sephora operates in the U.S. as a subsidiary of LVMH, and its strategic direction in the country aligns with LVMH’s global objectives in the beauty retail sector.
Where is Sephora headquartered?
Sephora is headquartered in Paris, France. Its global corporate office oversees operations across numerous countries, while the brand continues to grow in international markets with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.