India’s beauty industry is gaining global momentum with “I-beauty,” blending Ayurvedic roots and modern science. Buoyed by growing exports and high-profile acquisitions by major multinationals, Indian brands are positioning affordable, dermo-focused luxury for international consumers. Yet the path is tough, with a crowded global market and entrenched K-beauty competitors.
Handcare is exploding as the next big skincare frontier after a viral 15-step routine popularised by influencer Victoria Ortega. Experts link the momentum to the pandemic, when heavy use of soaps and sanitisers revealed dryness, damage and early ageing. Now, hands are being treated like a dedicated beauty category, and India is rapidly catching up with the trend.
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Kolkata-based Emami is set to acquire a 60% stake in IncNut Digital, the company behind beauty brands Vedix and SkinKraft, in a deal valued at Rs 321 crore. Emami plans to purchase the remaining stake over the next four and a half years, signaling a long-term push into the fast-growing skincare and wellness segment.
Bengaluru skincare startup CHOSEN has raised $5 million in a Series A led by Fireside Ventures, with participation from L’Oréal’s BOLD and Alkemi Growth Capital. The round also included angel investor Avnish Anand and a slate of dermatologists. Founded by cosmetic dermatologist Dr Renita Rajan, CHOSEN builds science-led products for melanin-rich Indian skin using the exposome concept, scaling R&D and its dermatologist-led Centre of Excellence.
Walmart is upgrading its beauty section by placing trained beauty experts directly in stores to deliver personalized makeup and skincare consultations. The program is expanding quickly across the United States, aiming to deepen customer engagement and sharpen competition with other retailers. Walmart’s focus is turning product browsing into an interactive, expert-led in-store experience powered by trending recommendations.
Be Clinical has raised Rs 6 crore in seed funding as it builds clinically validated formulations designed specifically for Indian skin. The brand is positioning its science-driven approach to close a perceived market gap, aiming to translate clinical validation into everyday skincare products. The round signals investor interest in evidence-led beauty and dermatology-focused consumer brands.
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