Kosé


Kosé Corporation is a Japanese multinational personal care company, whose products include cosmetics, skin care and hair care products.

History

The company was founded in 1946 by Kozaburo Kobayashi with his son as the chief chemist. In 1956 the company established Albion, a manufacturer of premium cosmetics. Kosé and L’Oréal of France signed an agreement for technological cooperation, a joint venture that lasted until 2001. The company expanded its international presence in Asia during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The company's name was changed to its present one in 1991 while in 2000 it was listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Kazutoshi Kobayashi, the founder's grandson, took over as the company's CEO in 2007. Under the leadership of the new CEO, Kosé introduced the Jill Stuart branded cosmetics after the company acquired the global trademark rights for the brand in 2009. Kosé expanded into the European and the North American market when it acquired Tarte Cosmetics in 2014.

Advertising

Kosé's products were advertised over the years by renowned models like Kate Moss, for its Decorté brand photographed by Mario Testino, and Yui Aragaki, for the Esprique line of makeup.