India is securing its place as one of the most highly sought-after beauty markets in 2026, amid a boom in investment and attention from global businesses.
But the country is equally investing in its homegrown talent, with premium Indian brand RAS Luxury Skincare receiving a minority investment from conglomerate Dabur, and beauty retailer Nykaa confirming talks on a potential acquisition of Indian skin care brand 82°E.
This has also seen India branch into more experimental experiences, with Nykaa recently launching Nykaa Perfumery, a dedicated fragrance-only retail format.
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Global brands have set their sights on the country, including Charlotte Tilbury, which opened its first-ever flagship boutique in partnership with Nykaa.
This has also seen an increase in investment from beauty giants such as Unilever, which invested in perfume brand Secret Alchemist and skin care brand SkinInspired in January, and Estée Lauder Companies, which acquired skin care businesses Forest Essentials in March as part of a “long-term commitment to India”.
Plus, L’Oréal India is allegedly in talks to take a majority stake in beauty company Innovist.
But why exactly has India made such an impression on the world stage, and can it maintain this explosive growth in 2026 and beyond?
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