Kao Corporation is an independent company.

Japanese personal care and chemical conglomerate founded in Tokyo in 1887 by Tomiro Nagase as Nagase Shokai, initially importing Western toiletries before manufacturing its own bar soap under the Kao name in 1890. Kao grew into one of Japan's largest consumer goods companies, with core businesses spanning skincare, haircare, body care, cosmetics, laundry, and industrial chemicals. Its beauty brands include Bioré, Curel, Jergens, John Frieda, Goldwell, and KMS. Kao is publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and generates annual revenues exceeding ¥1.5 trillion.