Over Q1 of 2025 we tracked 18 beauty brands and beauty tech startups that collectively raised more than $130m. Among the key trends we can highlight:
- Skincare brands dominate with 8 out of 18 brands being into skincare
- India is emerging as a key beauty hotspot with 5 out of 18 companies being based in India in front of the USA (4 companies) and South Korea (3 companies)
- Interest for niche perfume is growing in East Asia with 2 Korean brands raising money from leading international investors like L’Oréal
Skincare
Last round: $5m on 07/03/25
Total amount raised: $8m
Top investors: True., Unilever Ventures, Tess Ventures, SoGal Ventures
HQ: Netherlands
Created: 2021
Indē Wild is a beauty brand that fuses ancient Ayurvedic beauty rituals with modern biochemistry to create skincare and haircare products that promote holistic beauty. Their approach, known as Ayurvedistry, is designed to target common beauty concerns such as acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and hair loss, while providing luxurious, effective treatments.
Key USPs
- Combines traditional Ayurvedic practices with cutting-edge biochemistry.
- Clinically backed formulas with high efficacy.
- Focuses on skin and hair transformations.
- Award-winning, all-natural ingredients.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Dewy Lip Treatment – A viral lip treatment that hydrates and gives a plump, glossy finish.
- Champi Hair Oil – An award-winning hair oil for nourishing and strengthening hair.
- Moonlight Scalp Serum – Designed to promote healthy hair growth and scalp health.
Last round: $30m on 15/01/25
Total amount raised: $67.1m
Top investors: Z47, Kae Capital, Stride Ventures, Panthera Growth Partners, NuVentures
HQ: India
Created: 2021
Foxtale is a skincare brand based in India, focusing on creating modern, high-performance products rooted in scientific formulations. The brand aims to offer effective solutions to common skin issues such as acne, pigmentation, and aging. Their products are designed to be easy to use and provide visible results, making skincare routines simple yet effective.
Key USPs:
- Scientifically-backed formulations tailored for Indian skin.
- Affordable luxury skincare products with high-quality ingredients.
- Solutions for specific skin concerns like pigmentation, acne, and aging.
- Emphasis on sustainable packaging and cruelty-free practices.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- 12% Niacinamide Clarifying Serum – Helps clear acne marks and pigmentation in a short time.
- Vitamin C Serum – Known for its brightening effects and improving skin tone.
- SPF 50 Glow Sunscreen – Offers sun protection while providing a glowing finish.
Last round: $7.5m on 22/01/25
Total amount raised: $9.5m
Top investors: Kalaari Capital, DSG Consumer Partners, BEENEXT, Binny Bansal, Sparrow Capital
HQ: India
Created: 2020
Deconstruct is an Indian skincare brand that emphasizes simplicity, scientific efficacy, and a beginner-friendly approach to skincare. Their products are designed for those looking to build an effective skincare routine with formulations backed by research. The brand promotes transparency by providing detailed information about the ingredients and their benefits.
Key USPs:
- Research-backed, beginner-friendly skincare.
- Focuses on solving specific skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, and aging.
- Products are designed to be effective yet gentle on the skin.
- Emphasizes ingredient transparency and product education.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- 12% Niacinamide Serum – A bestseller known for its ability to brighten skin and reduce acne marks.
- Vitamin C Serum – Targets pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
- Brightening Gel Sunscreen – Offers high SPF protection while brightening the skin.
Last round: $5m on 08/01/25
Total amount raised: $8.5m
Top investors: Sixth Sense Ventures, Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund, Unilever Ventures, Green Frontier Capital, Keki M Mistry
HQ: India
Created: 2017
Description: RAS Luxury Oils is an Indian skincare brand that combines luxurious natural ingredients with Ayurvedic wisdom. Their products are designed to deliver high-performance results with a focus on wellness and holistic beauty. RAS’s approach is rooted in farm-to-face skincare, using sustainably sourced ingredients and blending them with science-backed formulations.
Key USPs:
- Farm-to-face skincare using sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Focus on luxurious oils, botanical blends, and Ayurvedic traditions.
- High-performance, results-oriented formulations for skin and hair.
- Clean, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious products.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- 24K Gold Radiance Beauty Boosting Face Elixir – Known for its anti-aging and brightening properties with the infusion of 24K gold.
- Nourish & Protect Face Oil – A hydrating oil that nourishes the skin with deep hydration and protection.
- Hair Repair Oil – A powerful hair oil designed for repairing and strengthening damaged hair.
Last round: $3m on 28/01/25
Total amount raised: $3m
Top investors: Silas Capital, Joyance Partners, Habitat Partners, Top Knot Ventures, Fab Ventures
HQ: Japan
Created: 2019
DAMDAM is a Japanese skincare brand that combines luxury with a scientific approach to skincare. They focus on the philosophy of “skin beauty as an experience,” creating products that incorporate high-quality ingredients like rice, mushrooms, and botanical oils. Their products are designed to nurture and enhance skin through modern yet traditional ingredients, ensuring a luxurious self-care experience.
Key USPs:
- Utilizes high-quality, natural ingredients like mushrooms, rice, and plant-based oils.
- Emphasizes a holistic and luxurious skincare routine.
- Offers innovative products backed by scientific research and traditional beauty practices.
- Focuses on sustainable and clean beauty with a commitment to cruelty-free practices.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Snow Mushroom Salt Cleanser – A unique cleanser using snow mushroom and salt for gentle exfoliation and hydration.
- Rice Drops – A nourishing product designed to hydrate and brighten the skin using the power of rice.
- Ritual Mask – A special mask that deeply nourishes and rejuvenates the skin
Last round: Undisclosed amount on 23/01/25
Total amount raised: $8.3m
Top investors: Vaultier7, SKKY Partners
HQ: United Kingdom
Created: 2012
111SKIN is a luxury skincare brand founded by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides. The brand is known for combining cutting-edge technology with highly effective ingredients to create clinical-grade skincare solutions. With a focus on high-performance, results-driven formulas, 111SKIN is known for offering products that target skin concerns like aging, pigmentation, and dullness.
Key USPs:
- Clinical-grade formulas developed by a leading plastic surgeon.
- Innovative technology that focuses on skin regeneration and anti-aging.
- Premium, luxurious packaging and formulations.
- A focus on immediate and visible results.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Repair Serum NAC Y² – A powerful serum that improves skin tone and reduces signs of aging.
- Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask – A luxurious mask that targets under-eye issues like puffiness and dark circles.
- Black Diamond Eye Cream – A nourishing eye cream that reduces fine lines and restores skin’s elasticity.
Distribution Network:
111SKIN operates through its official website, offering worldwide shipping. Their products are also available through high-end retail partners like Harrods, Selfridges, and other luxury department stores. The brand is renowned for its strong online presence and is often featured in exclusive beauty events and collaborations.
7 – AromeManpo
Last round: Undisclosed amount on 20/01/25
Total amount raised: $1.4m
Top investors: Cathay Capital, Challenjers Capital, Neixiang Fund
HQ: China
Created: 2014
AromeManpo is a domestic Chinese skincare brand specializing in aromatherapy and emotional skincare. Founded on the banks of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, the brand blends the European aromatherapy system with biopatent fermentation technology. AromeManpo offers a variety of products, including functional skincare, home fragrances, and body care items, all made from carefully sourced natural aromatic plants. Its standout feature is its focus on creating emotional and functional skincare experiences through plant-based products.
Key USPs:
- Combination of European aromatherapy systems and traditional Eastern culture.
- Utilization of unique natural raw materials like tuberose, combined with biopatent fermentation technology.
- Products designed for both skincare and emotional healing through aromatherapy.
- Focus on sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and recycling programs.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Tuberose Light-Sensing Fermentation Products – Including essence water, essence oil/cream, cleansing honey, masks, and eye oils, all featuring rare tuberose essential oil.
- Big Gold Brick Essence Water – A popular essence for skin hydration and improvement.
- Eye Oil & Essence Oil – Known for nourishing and rejuvenating skin with aromatic benefits.
Distribution Network:
- Initially focusing on online platforms such as Tmall and JD.com, AromeManpo also utilizes social media tools like Xiaohongshu and Douyin for influencer marketing.
- Sales through live-streaming on Douyin have exceeded 10 million yuan per month, with Xiaohongshu’s official store seeing over 110,000 units sold.
- In 2025, the brand plans to expand into offline retail, with pop-up stores and official locations in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Beijing.
Last round: $1.2m on 30/01/25
Total amount raised: $1.2m
Top investors: Fireside Ventures
HQ: India
Created: 2024
Sammmm is a beauty brand designed specifically for teens, focusing on skincare and cosmetics that meet the unique needs of young skin. The brand promotes a community-driven approach by co-creating products with its audience, offering clean, ethical beauty solutions free from harmful chemicals. Sammmm’s products are formulated to be effective yet gentle, promoting natural beauty and radiance.
Key USPs:
- Teen-Centric Formulas: Specifically designed for the skincare needs of young skin.
- Co-Creation with Consumers: Products are developed in collaboration with the Sammmm Squad, ensuring the brand resonates with its target audience.
- Clean Beauty: Free from sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, and animal testing.
- Ethical and Conscious: Focused on responsible sourcing and product development.
- Inclusive Beauty: Encourages self-expression and individuality, catering to a diverse range of skin types.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Sammmm Glow Up Serum – A lightweight, hydrating serum designed to give a natural, dewy glow while nourishing the skin.
- Clear Skin Spot Treatment – A targeted acne treatment formulated with natural ingredients to reduce breakouts and clear blemishes.
- Sammmm Fresh Face Cleanser – A gentle cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
Fragrance
Last round: $1.7m on 23/01/25
Total amount raised: $1.7m
Top investors: Aju IB Investment, FuturePlay, Eugene Asset Management, Villa Bleu
HQ: South Korea
Created: 2019
Selvatico is a luxury fragrance brand that combines the art of scent with philosophical and literary influences. The brand seeks to transform everyday experiences through its carefully crafted perfumes and home fragrances. By focusing on the power of scent to evoke emotions and memories, Selvatico aims to offer customers a unique, narrative-driven sensory experience.
Key USPs:
- Strong focus on the narrative power of fragrance, influenced by literature and philosophy.
- Aiming to create subtle, transformative changes in everyday life through scent.
- Elegant and unique perfume offerings for individuals seeking both familiarity and novelty in fragrances.
Product Categories:
- Eau de Parfum
- Perfumed Hand & Body Wash
- Home Fragrance
Last round: Undisclosed amount on 18/02/25
Total amount raised: Undisclosed
Top investors: L’Oréal BOLD, Touch Capital
HQ: South Korea
Created: 2022
BORNTOSTANDOUT is a luxury perfume brand focused on unique and rebellious fragrance experiences, offering perfumes, body care, and room fragrances. The brand emphasizes individuality, encouraging customers to embrace their distinctive essence through a selection of bold, high-quality products. With a touch of audacity, BORNTOSTANDOUT crafts scents that make a statement and redefine the traditional notion of luxury.
Key USPs:
- Premium, rebellious fragrances that break traditional boundaries.
- Bold, narrative-driven scents inspired by individual expression and modern luxury.
- High-end body care and room fragrances designed to elevate everyday experiences.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Fugazzi – A perfume representing audacious luxury.
- Filthy Musk – A fragrance with rich, sensual notes.
- Mary Jane – A scent capturing the essence of freedom and individuality.
Haircare
Last round: Undisclosed amount on 08/01/25
Total amount raised: Undisclosed
Top investors: Aurea
HQ: Unites States
Created: 2008
Zenagen is a brand focused on providing plant-powered hair products designed to improve scalp and hair health. Their products are specifically formulated to combat hair loss and thinning, using natural ingredients backed by scientific research. Zenagen offers tailored solutions for both men and women, along with additional treatments for hair repair and color preservation.
Key USPs:
- Plant-powered ingredients that support hair health and regeneration.
- Specialization in hair loss prevention, hair repair, and color preservation.
- Products designed for both men and women with different hair needs.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Revolve Thickening Shampoo – Popular for thickening fine and thinning hair.
- Densifying Hair Serum – Helps improve scalp health and stimulates hair growth.
- Eclipse Color Preservation Shampoo – Designed to preserve color-treated hair.
Last round: Undisclosed amount on 08/01/25
Total amount raised: Undisclosed
Top investors: Aurea
HQ: Unites States
Created: 2016
Actiiv Hair Science is a haircare brand dedicated to helping people tackle hair thinning, loss, and scalp health using advanced, scientifically-backed products. The brand focuses on promoting hair regrowth and repair with a unique blend of plant-based ingredients and innovative technologies to improve scalp health and restore hair vitality.
Key USPs:
- Specialized treatments for hair loss, thinning, and scalp rejuvenation.
- Formulas backed by scientific research and clinical testing.
- Natural, plant-based ingredients combined with cutting-edge technology.
- Focus on scalp health as a foundation for overall hair wellness.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Recover Shampoo – A treatment shampoo designed to combat hair thinning.
- Renew Conditioner – A nourishing conditioner to revitalize damaged hair.
- Amplify Lash + Brow – A serum designed to enhance the appearance of lashes and brows.
Supplements
Last round: $0.35m on 04/03/25
Total amount raised: $1.1m
Top investors: LetsVenture, Real Time Accelerator Fund, Fluid Ventures, Arjun Vaidya, Aman Gupta
HQ: India
Created: 2013
Beautywise is an Indian brand specializing in advanced beauty and anti-aging supplements. Their products are designed to promote overall skin and hair wellness through scientifically formulated, biomolecular supplements. With a focus on holistic health, Beautywise aims to provide effective, natural beauty solutions for people looking to enhance their skin’s radiance, hair health, and overall well-being.
Key USPs:
- Advanced, biomolecular supplements targeting skin and hair health.
- Focus on holistic beauty with natural ingredients for long-term results.
- High-quality products backed by clinical research.
Iconic/Bestselling Products:
- Skin Brilliance – A supplement featuring 4X Glutathione, NAC, and Vitamin C for brightening and skin radiance.
- Hair Rescue – A dual-action formula with Biotin and Pro Keratin Aminos for hair repair and growth.
- Advanced Marine Collagen – A supplement designed to improve skin elasticity and hair texture.
Beauty Tech
Last round: $0.35m on 14/01/25
Total amount raised: $1.5m
Top investors: Bpifrance, BNP Paribas, Google for Startups, Enzo Didi, TF Capital
HQ: United States
Created: 2021
Description: Perfumeo is a beauty tech brand specializing in smart home fragrance systems. Their flagship product, the connected fragrance diffuser, blends technology with scent to offer personalized olfactory experiences. With a mobile app for easy control, users can adjust the scent atmosphere in their homes, tailored to specific moods and times of day, while using scent capsules containing a range of over 60 fragrances.
Key USPs:
- Smart home fragrance diffuser with mobile app control (iOS and Android compatible).
- Personalized scent experiences based on user preferences and moods, utilizing AI.
- A wide variety of over 60 fragrance capsules with a shelf life of one month.
- Adjustable settings for creating a custom ambiance, such as fresh or cozy scents.
- Sleek, modern design that integrates seamlessly into any home.
Last round: $85k on 12/02/25
Total amount raised: $115k
Top investors: Sergey Budyakov
HQ: United States
Created: 2024
AI Beauty Bot is a digital assistant designed to optimize client communication and appointment management for beauty businesses. It leverages AI to automate customer interactions, including answering queries, booking appointments, and sending personalized promotions. The bot operates 24/7 across multiple messaging platforms, ensuring continuous engagement without the need for human intervention.
Key USPs:
- 24/7 automation for client communication across platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, and Instagram.
- Personalized recommendations and promotions based on client data.
- Seamless integration with CRM systems for efficient management.
- Reduces administrative workload by automatically handling appointment scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups.
- Multilingual support, ensuring communication with global clientele.
Last round: Undisclosed Series A on 15/01/25
Total amount raised: Undisclosed Amount
Top investors: Graphit Lifestyle
HQ: Germany
Created: 2018
IONIQ Skincare is a beauty tech brand that revolutionizes skincare application through its innovative IONIQ ONE Sprayer, utilizing magnetic skin technology. This device ensures an even and precise application of skincare formulas, including self-tanners, body moisturizers, and sun protection products, providing effortless, streak-free results. The brand combines cutting-edge technology with high-quality skincare products, aimed at delivering a more effective and luxurious experience.
Key USPs:
- Magnetic Skin Technology: Ensures even and complete coverage without the need to rub in.
- Smart Sprayer Device: The IONIQ ONE Sprayer delivers fast and precise application.
- Vegan Formulas: Dermatologically tested, enriched with active ingredients and skin-soothing nutrients.
- Versatility: Offers a range of products, including self-tanners, sun protection, and body care.
- Eco-Friendly: The system is designed for efficient, mess-free application, minimizing waste and enhancing user experience.
Beauty Accelerators/Studios
Last round: $7.5m on 12/03/25
Total amount raised: $28.3m
Top investors: Icebreaker.vc, Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company, Rettig Group, Veikko Laine Oy
HQ: Finland
Created: 2020
eBrands is a global e-commerce accelerator and incubator that helps brands scale internationally by providing end-to-end solutions. They offer comprehensive services including logistics, marketplace management, branding, sales channel optimization, and compliance for brands looking to expand their reach. With a focus on direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and online marketplaces, eBrands utilizes proprietary technology, Apollo, to streamline operations and drive growth across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Key Strengths:
- Extensive global marketplace network and retail expertise
- Proprietary technology (Apollo) for optimized global operations
- Full-service offerings covering logistics, sales, and compliance
- International growth strategies tailored for diverse brands
Last round: Undisclosed Seed Round on 21/01/25
Total amount raised: Undisclosed amount
Top investors: Kakao Ventures, Bass Investment
HQ: South Korea
Created: 2024
Tect Group is a global beauty brand that focuses on launching skincare and hybrid makeup brands, with an emphasis on North America and Japan. The company is driven by the concept that “Skin doesn’t always want the same thing,” aiming to offer personalized solutions in the emotionally charged skincare market. Tect Group combines the agility of IT startups with the creativity of fashion and beauty brands, excelling in the development of hero products and dynamic brand growth through community-based, agile marketing strategies. The company is led by CEO Myungkyu Kim, a seasoned entrepreneur with a strong background in both IT startups and the fashion industry.
Key Strengths:
- Agile marketing strategies, blending IT startup culture with beauty expertise
- Focus on global growth, particularly in North America and Japan
- Strong leadership with experience in e-commerce and fashion
- Innovative approach to skincare and makeup, offering personalized solutions
- Support from prominent investors like Kakao Ventures
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