The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced its purchase of a minority stake in a privately held Indian company that manufactures, markets and sells beauty products under the Forest Essentials brand, which is based on ayurvedic formulations.

"Forest Essentials gives us a stronger presence in the rapidly expanding prestige beauty business in India," said William P. Lauder, CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies.

The company's products are rooted in age-old treatments from ancient ayurvedic scriptures, updated with innovative textures and scents.