How Women Entrepreneurs are Breaking Stereotypes and Carving Niche to Drive the Skincare Industry in India!

The Indian skincare industry is witnessing a significant shift, with women entrepreneurs leading the charge. These founders are not just creating products; they are reshaping the beauty landscape by introducing innovative, science-backed, and consumer-centric solutions. From blending Ayurveda with modern skincare to challenging traditional beauty standards while incorporating tribal skincare in daily care routines these women-led brands are proving that the future of skincare is in their hands. 

The Rise of Women-Led Skincare Brands 

For decades, the Indian skincare market was dominated by international giants and legacy brands. However, the past few years have seen a surge in homegrown businesses led by women who deeply understand the needs of Indian consumers. Although cultural beauty rituals have traditionally influenced skincare in India, passed down through generations, these entrepreneurs bring personal experience, scientific knowledge, and a strong commitment to ethical and effective skincare to blend the traditional with the modern. 

Arya Khattiwala, the founder of Skin Deli, saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional skincare practices and modern dermatology. “Women in India often rely on DIY face masks but hesitate to use actives due to concerns about safety and cost. I wanted to create a brand that merges the best of both worlds—Ayurveda’s wisdom with clinically proven ingredients,” she explains. 

Similarly, Supriya Malik, founder of Indulgeo Essentials turned a personal struggle into a thriving business. “My mother struggled with alopecia (medical term for hair loss) and formulated a botanical blend that worked wonders. That’s when I realized the power of natural ingredients and decided to bring our formulations to a larger audience,” she says. 

The Roadblocks for Women Entrepreneurs 

While these brands are doing wonderfully well in the industry, their pathway was never simple. Especially, when they are run by women entrepreneurs who still have to face criticism, gender bias and stereotypes in the business world. “One of the biggest hurdles is being taken seriously,” says Khanak Gupta, co-founder of Sohrai Beauty. “There have been meetings where people directed questions at my male co-founder instead of me, even though I was leading the discussion.” However, she believes confidence and preparation are key. “I made sure I knew my numbers, my product, and my market better than anyone in the room,” she adds. 

For Dr. Suyomi Shah, the founder of Dr. Su, the journey came with its own set of biases. “There were moments when my expertise was questioned simply because I’m a woman. But I let my work speak for itself—formulating dermatologist-backed, science-driven products that deliver real results,” she says. 

Funding remains a major barrier as well. Studies show that female entrepreneurs often receive less venture capital funding compared to their male counterparts. Many investors still perceive beauty and skincare as "passion projects" rather than scalable businesses. 

Supriya recalls facing similar scepticism. “Many people assumed I was running Indulgeo Essentials as a side business rather than a serious, scalable venture. But I let my work speak for itself—delivering products that truly transform people’s skin.”

Despite these challenges, women-led skincare brands have managed to carve a niche in the industry, thanks to the trust they have built with their consumers. Arya points out that the shift towards female-led businesses is encouraging but believes there’s still room for growth. “There’s more visibility and funding for women entrepreneurs now, but scaling up and accessing larger markets remains a challenge. More mentorship and investment opportunities can help bridge that gap,” she says. 

Women Leading All the Way 

Women are not just leading the skincare revolution—they are also driving it as informed and conscious consumers. Today’s buyers are more aware than ever, paying close attention to ingredients, sustainability, and effectiveness before making a purchase. 

“Women are the heartbeat of the skincare industry. They know what works, and what doesn’t, and they demand better,” says Arya. “At Skin Deli, we listen to them and create products for real skin concerns.” 

Supriya echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that modern skincare isn’t just about aesthetics but about overall skin health. “Customers today want long-term solutions rather than just quick fixes. That’s why our products focus on holistic wellness rather than temporary results,” she explains. 

At Sohrai Beauty, the approach is about making skincare simple and accessible. “We don’t believe in 10-step routines or playing on insecurities. Our goal is to create products that seamlessly fit into a woman’s life—effective, fuss-free, and affordable,” says Khanak. 

The Future of Women in Skincare 

As more women step into leadership roles within the skincare industry, the market is expected to become even more inclusive, innovative, and consumer-driven. The success of these entrepreneurs has already paved the way for a more diverse beauty landscape, but there are still areas that need attention. 

According to Dr. Suyomi, one of the industry's biggest gaps is the lack of regulatory standards for skincare brands. Sustainability is also becoming a priority, with more brands pursuing eco-friendly packaging, ethical sourcing, and sustainable production methods. 

As more women enter the skincare industry as both entrepreneurs and consumers, the industry is bound to see even more innovation and inclusivity. 

For Arya, the message is clear: “The key is to keep showing up, keep believing, and keep pushing forward.” And as these women continue to lead the way, the future of Indian skincare looks brighter than ever.