Estée Lauder and Nykaa reveal Beauty&You India 2026 winners

US cosmetics group The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), in partnership with Indian omnichannel beauty retailer Nykaa and Startup India, an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) within India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has announced the winners of Beauty&You India 2026. Marking its fifth year, the program supports the country’s next generation of beauty entrepreneurs by providing funding, mentorship, industry expertise, distribution support and strategic opportunities.

The winners across five distinct categories represent emerging talent in high-performance formulas, green chemistry, package design and local empowerment.

Winners across five award categories

In the Grow category, designed for the best in-market beauty brand, founder and chief executive officer Nirja Bhatt secured the award for Laani, an Indian brand creating high-performance sweat and odor control products tailored for regional heat and humidity.

The Imagine award for best early-stage beauty concept went to Indian skincare concept Boldpurity, led by chief executive officer Khatija Shabana and director Syed Mohammad Fouzan. The scientist-led company develops proprietary formulation technologies to enhance active ingredients on the skin.

Indian green chemistry platform Goyam Green Tech, directed by Ajaykumar Mehta, Shriya Rambhia and Dheer Rambhia, won the Breakthrough category. The award focused on fragrance innovation and was led by ELC’s Fragrance Atelier in Paris.

The newly introduced Design category recognized Indian agency De Icebreaker Creative Studio, founded by creative director Pankti Sheth, for culturally aware packaging and brand designs.

Founder Rinzing Choden Bhutia took home the Visionary Women’s Award for Indian Himalayan skincare brand Agapi Sikkim. Presented in partnership with Startup India, the award recognizes women entrepreneurs driving social impact, with Agapi Sikkim providing employment and training to women in the Northeast region of India.

Long-term commitment to Indian beauty market

“India is one of the most exciting and inspiring forces in global beauty,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, president and chief executive officer at ELC. “We have a deep admiration for the country’s creativity, talent, culture, and entrepreneurial energy—and for the way India continues to shape and inspire beauty around the world.”

Nadine Graf, president, EUKEM (Europe, UK&I, and Emerging Markets) at ELC, highlighted the potential of Indian founders: “From emerging founders in smaller cities to women entrepreneurs building businesses with real impact, India is showing us just how much innovation can come from understanding local consumers, culture, and needs.”

The awards ceremony in Mumbai brought together industry leaders and executives, including Nykaa Beauty executive director and chief executive officer Anchit Nayar and couturier Gaurav Gupta.