Los Angeles Beauty Accelerator Completes Three Exits
The firm successfully scaled and sold three independent brands over four years, including the $355 million Naturium deal.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Beauty
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Los Angeles-based beauty accelerator The Center has achieved three major brand exits over the last four years, including the 2026 acquisition of Saltair. This milestone highlights a consistent trend of scaling and selling independent beauty lines as legacy-focused entities.
Why it matters
The Center’s recent exits, including the 2023 sale of Naturium to E.l.f. Beauty for $355 million, reflect a significant shift in how boutique beauty brands are brought to market. By focusing on sustainable business development, the firm aims to build brands that remain viable for long-term ownership and eventual acquisition.
The firm has completed three major brand exits in four years, including the $355 million acquisition of Naturium. While these exits demonstrate a successful growth model, the total number of brands currently in development remains unquantified.
The players
The Center
A Los Angeles-based beauty accelerator that focuses on scaling independent brands for long-term legacy.
Ben Bennett
The founder and CEO of The Center who previously cofounded Hatch Beauty.
E.l.f. Beauty
A major cosmetics corporation that acquired the brand Naturium in 2023.
TSG Consumer
A private equity firm that entered acquisition agreements for Phlur and Saltair.
The details
The Center works directly with founders to commercialize beauty operations by refining business infrastructure and scaling production. By prioritizing the creation of legacy-ready entities, the accelerator positions brands for successful integration into larger portfolios. This approach effectively prepares small, independent labels for strategic purchase by major consumer groups.
Timeline
2010: Ben Bennett cofounded Hatch Beauty.
2019: Ben Bennett launched The Center.
2023: E.l.f. Beauty acquired Naturium.
July 2025: TSG Consumer reached an agreement to acquire Phlur.
July 2026: TSG Consumer reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Saltair.
Health Landscape
The beauty industry increasingly favors accelerator-led models that prioritize robust supply chains and long-term brand viability. The Center’s recognition as the 2026 WWD Private Beauty Company of the Year illustrates the growing influence of these structured development programs.
As new beauty brands scale through accelerators, consumers gain access to more specialized skincare and wellness products. Keep an eye on ingredient labels and brand ownership when evaluating new beauty items, as these transitions often indicate shifts in product formulation.
The takeaway
The model of building brands for sustainable legacy is becoming a primary driver for innovation in the beauty sector. Consumers interested in brand transparency should note that ownership changes can lead to updates in product sourcing or ingredient efficacy.
Further reading
For more on industry trends, explore our Beauty section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWD.
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When buying beauty products, do you prioritize brand reputation over specific product ingredients?
