As the industry shifts and markets change, beauty companies are often forced to enact layoffs as a cost-saving measure.

Below is a running list of recent layoffs at major beauty brands and retailers.

Check back for updates.

October 2025

Target announced plans to cut roughly 1,800 corporate roles in its first major layoff in about a decade. These plans aim to reverse years of stagnant sales and simplify its operations.

This is in response to ongoing sales slumps, as the company tries to rebound from declining store traffic, inventory troubles, and customer backlash. 

August 2025

The Estée Lauder Companies approved 3,200 job cuts because of weak sales in China and duty-free markets. Restructuring is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The company said these cuts could reduce headcount by another 3,800, with expected restructuring charges of up to $1.6 billion.

July 2025

Shiseido Americas announced workforce layoffs due to a decline in its business performance last year.

In an internal memo, Shiseido Americas Interim CEO Alberto Noé told the staff that the company will issue “wide-ranging and significant” layoffs across its U.S. operations. “These layoffs will impact many employees across multiple businesses, functions, and locations,” the company said.

June 2025

This month, P&G and Kenvue announced layoffs.

Procter & Gamble announced plans to cut up to 7,000 office jobs over the next two years. These cuts aim to improve productivity and the workflow of smaller teams. 

Kenvue announced a wave of layoffs from its new headquarters in Summit, New Jersey. The company will eliminate 69 positions. This decision is a part of Kenvue’s transition and consolidation to its new Global HQ in Summit.

April 2025

Retailer Saks Global and beauty company Coty initiated job cuts this month.

As part of consolidation efforts in response to U.S tariffs. Saks Global, the owner of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, plans to lay off roughly 550 workers. This represents 3% of Saks Global’s total workforce.

 These consolidation efforts occur across the company’s corporate offices. This is in addition to recent downsizing in February and the closure of Saks’ Tennessee fulfillment center. 

As for Coty, the company revisits a strategy originally launched during the pandemic. Coty will cut roughly 700 jobs in a strategic overhaul. 

In following the 2020 “All-in to Win” program, the company hopes to increase cost savings. 

February 2025

Estee Lauder Companies may have plans to cut up to 7,000 jobs worldwide in the works—as part of its restructuring plan—by the end of 2026.

This is in response to low third-quarter financial forecasts. As of June 30, 2024, ELC had roughly 62,000 employees worldwide. 

January 2025

In an effort to ‘protect the business,’ Chanel announced it is cutting 70 U.S. jobs. This cut represents roughly 2.5% of its total U.S. workforce. 

These job cuts aim to reduce headcount and help the company adapt to current economic challenges.

August 2024

Job cuts were issued in Sephora in China due to the economic slowdown in the country. This follows the appointment of a new Managing Director for Sephora’s China division. 

It was reported that Sephora cut 3% of its Chinese workforce, translating to roughly 120 jobs across offices and stores. 

May 2024

Kenvue’s new job cuts eliminate 4% of its global workforce despite exceeding first-quarter profit expectations. 
 
Through this, Kenvue hopes to improve the sales of skin health products by pushing to improve the presence of products in stores in the U.S. 

April 2024

Neutrogena’s parent company, Kenvue, is consolidating operations to New Jersey. As a result, the Neutrogena office in Los Angeles, CA, closed, laying off 84 employees. Out of the 84 laid-off employees, 74 have been offered employment at other company locations.

February 2024

Estée Lauder Companies reported cutting back up to 3,000 positions as part of ELC’s restructuring plan.
 
As part of a two-year plan, ELC will eliminate a range of 1,800 to 3,000 positions across the globe. This reduction eliminates some positions and will retrain and redeploy certain employees in select areas.

Photo: Adobe Stock/ JUN LI (Generated with AI)