Indian Beauty Brands set to rival K-Beauty in Global Skincare Boom

Indian beauty has been named one of the world’s fastest-rising beauty movements, with analysts predicting “I-Beauty” could follow K-Beauty as the industry’s next global powerhouse.

A new 2026 Beauty Hotspots Trend Report by Cosmetics Business identifies Indian beauty as one of five global hubs reshaping how consumers approach skincare, wellness and ritual.

The report positions India alongside South Korea, Arab beauty markets, Scandinavia and Taiwan as regions driving innovation rather than simply following Western beauty standards.

Experts say the global beauty landscape has become increasingly polycentric, meaning influence now comes from multiple cultures rather than traditional European or American prestige brands.

“I-Beauty” refers to Indian brands that blend Ayurvedic heritage with advanced skin science, climate-adaptive formulations, and technology-led branding, designed to appeal to modern global consumers.

Ayurveda, a holistic system developed over thousands of years, treats beauty as part of overall wellbeing, linking skin health with stress, sleep, digestion and emotional balance.

Modern Indian brands are updating these traditions through dermatology research, transparent ingredient sourcing and slow beauty rituals that prioritise long term results over quick fixes.

Hero ingredients such as neem, turmeric and ashwagandha are increasingly paired with clinical testing and eco-conscious packaging, helping position Indian beauty as both traditional and scientifically credible.

Michael Nolte of Beautystreams said consumers are now inspired by a mosaic of cultural perspectives, with each region offering its own blend of heritage, innovation and identity-driven beauty.

Industry leaders argue that today’s Indian consumer expects tradition alongside proven efficacy, accelerating a fusion model that combines ritual with measurable skincare performance.

Analysts also link I-Beauty’s rise to younger shoppers prioritising sustainability, circularity and ethical sourcing when choosing products.

Globally, consumers are becoming more sceptical of synthetic heavy formulations and are increasingly drawn to plant-based products aligned with wellness and environmental responsibility.

The Ayurvedic skincare segment is expected to see continued double-digit growth as consumers shift away from chemical-heavy routines toward sustainable and holistic alternatives.

In the UK, changing consumer attitudes are helping fuel interest in Indian beauty philosophies.

Retailer Boots reported that wellness is now firmly embedded in beauty routines, with 40% of shoppers viewing wellness as essential to their regime.

The same report found 84% of customers believe they look better when they feel well, highlighting the growing link between health, mood and skincare choices.

Boots expanded its offer significantly in 2025, introducing hundreds of new cosmetic lines, dozens of brands and more than 750 wellness products across stores.

The retailer also noted strong demand for international beauty, with 65% of customers purchasing products from global brands within the past six months.

While Korean skincare remains a major driver, Boots identified Ayurvedic practices and Indian beauty concepts as an emerging influence shaping UK routines.

Rising interest in adaptogens and stress-supporting ingredients mirrors Ayurveda’s focus on resilience and balance.

Analysts say climate adaptive formulations developed for heat, pollution and humidity are increasingly relevant as global consumers seek skincare suited to changing environmental conditions.

This shift reflects a wider industry move away from universal beauty ideals toward hyper personalised solutions based on skin tone, lifestyle and cultural context.

For British South Asians, the recognition of I-Beauty as a global hotspot represents a cultural turning point.

Ingredients and rituals long familiar within South Asian households are now being validated as luxury innovations rather than niche traditions.

Experts believe diaspora Gen Z and millennial consumers will increasingly gravitate towards brands that combine Ayurvedic authenticity with clinical credibility.

As retailers bring more culturally rooted beauty into mainstream spaces, I-Beauty’s rise signals not just a trend but a broader redefinition of global beauty leadership.