The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) announced the BEAUTY&YOU 2025 winners. Read along to know who took home the awards.
Since its inception in 2022, BEAUTY&YOU India has become one of the country’s most influential programs for early-stage beauty brands. BEAUTY&YOU is supported by the Government of India’s Startup India initiative and launch partner Nykaa. The platform spotlights emerging talent redefining beauty with innovation, inclusivity, and impact. Over four successful editions, it has received nearly 2,500 applications from over 150 cities across India and abroad. Notably, there has been a strong representation of women founders, reflecting India’s rapidly evolving beauty entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Meet the BEAUTY&YOU 2025 winners
The 2025 winners were chosen for their pioneering ideas and disruptive approaches to beauty, from climate-adaptive formulations and indigenous ingredients to inclusive cosmetics and advanced skincare technology. Each winner will receive funding, mentorship from global experts, brand-building and distribution support from Nykaa, and national visibility through Startup India.
The winners across the four categories are:
- GROW (Best In-Market Beauty Brand):
Antinorm, founded by Aparna Saxena
Recognized for its high-performance, multitasking products tailored to India’s climate and designed for the modern, busy woman.
- IMAGINE (Best Pre-Launch Beauty Concept):
Mimiq, founded by Harsha Soundararajan
Celebrated for its inclusive, long-lasting complexion products designed for people with visible skin differences such as vitiligo.
- BREAKTHROUGH (Best in Innovation):
Hitech Formulations, led by Jaspreet Singh Gulati
Awarded for its pioneering encapsulation technology delivering advanced skincare solutions for pigmentation, anti-aging, and antioxidant protection.
- VISIONARY WOMEN’S AWARD (in partnership with Startup India):
Sohrai, co-founded by Khanak Gupta
Honoured for creating high-performing products using Mahua, an indigenous ingredient sustainably sourced through tribal and women-led community partnerships.
An esteemed jury and global recognition
The 2025 finalists were evaluated by a distinguished panel of beauty and business leaders, including:
- Akhil Shrivastava
- Rohan Vaziralli
- Nivruti Rai
- Katrina Kaif
- Anchit Nayar.
The finale event featured global leaders from The Estée Lauder Companies— Stéphane de La Faverie, William P. Lauder, and Nadine Graf. They were also joined by Falguni Nayar, Chairperson and CEO of Nykaa.
From the leadership desk
Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies:
“When we launched BEAUTY&YOU, our vision was simple yet powerful — to discover and support visionary entrepreneurs transforming India’s beauty landscape. This year’s winners reflect the incredible creativity, ambition, and innovation shaping one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The Estée Lauder Companies is proud to champion these bold new entrepreneurs who are redefining the future of beauty in India and beyond.”
Rohan Vaziralli, General Manager India, The Estée Lauder Companies, India:
“For me, the power of BEAUTY&YOU lies in unlocking possibilities – for entrepreneurs, consumers, and the broader beauty ecosystem – as we continue to build and imagine new futures together. The founders we celebrated tonight are scaling with ambition, setting new standards for Indian beauty on the world stage, and proving that India will be central to defining beauty’s next chapter.”
Anchit Nayar, Executive Director & CEO of Nykaa Beauty:
“As India’s leading beauty destination, Nykaa has been at the forefront of building the country’s beauty ecosystem—from discovery and consumer insights to digital storytelling and omnichannel retail. Through our partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies on BEAUTY&YOU India, we’re extending that ecosystem to nurture early-stage founders with the tools, visibility, and guidance they need to scale. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs who will define the future of Indian beauty, both at home and on the global stage.”
Nadine Graf, President of EMEA, UK & Ireland, and Emerging Markets at The Estée Lauder Companies:
“The winners of BEAUTY&YOU India 2025 reflect the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of The Estée Lauder Companies. India continues to inspire us—not only as a dynamic and fast-growing beauty market, but as a source of creativity and bold ideas. Every journey begins with a vision and a dream, and this program is about empowering founders to turn those into reality. I am especially proud of the new Visionary Women’s Award, which celebrates the ambition, ingenuity, and leadership of women founders.”
Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade:
“Our partnership with Estée Lauder for BEAUTY&YOU India reflects a shared commitment to strengthening India’s startup ecosystem and fostering innovation across sectors. This year’s introduction of the Visionary Women’s Award in collaboration with Startup India is particularly meaningful, celebrating the women whose ideas and leadership continue to redefine entrepreneurship. My warm congratulations to all the winners as they carry Bharat’s spirit of innovation to the world.”
