After J, K and C-beauty, India stakes its claim in global beauty market as 'I-beauty'

Indian beauty brands are blending Ayurveda with modern science to court global shelves. Forest Essentials and peers are drawing M&A interest from L'Oreal and Estée Lauder, even as K-beauty incumbents and a crowded home market raise the stakes.

— FiledThu, 14 May, 2026, 12:20 IST·First seen Thu, 14 May, 2026, 22:46 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

Indian Beauty Industry · India's beauty sector is rising as 'I-beauty,' blending Ayurveda with modern science. Growing exports and acquisitions by majors like

Why this matters

Map Indian Ayurveda-meets-science assets for partnership or acquisition before L'Oréal or Estée Lauder lock up the category-defining brands.