May 2026 | Startup Funding News | India – Chennai-based skincare startup CHOSEN has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round led by Fireside Ventures, with participation from BOLD, Alkemi Growth Capital, and several angel investors.
Notable backers include Avnish Anand along with leading dermatologists such as Dr. Chandan Asokan, KC Nischal, Punit Saraogi, Nishita Ranka, and Mikki Singh.
This follows an earlier $1.2 million angel round in 2024, highlighting growing investor confidence in the brand’s science-led approach.
Funding to Strengthen R&D and Product Innovation
CHOSEN will use the fresh capital to:
- Enhance research and development (R&D) capabilities
- Expand its pipeline of clinically validated skincare products
- Scale its Centre of Excellence
- Invest in talent across key functions
The focus remains on building evidence-based skincare solutions tailored for Indian consumers.
Science-Driven Skincare for Melanin-Rich Skin
Founded in 2020 by Renita Rajan, the brand develops skincare products specifically designed for melanin-rich skin, an area often underserved by global skincare companies.
Its approach is based on the concept of the exposome—the environmental and lifestyle factors that influence skin health.
The company focuses on four key aspects of aging:
- Pigmentation
- Skin texture
- Facial contour
- Hair aging
Its product portfolio includes both topical treatments and nutraceuticals, following a clinic-to-consumer model.
Strong Clinical Foundation and D2C Growth
CHOSEN has built its platform using insights from over 150,000 dermatology consultations.
Its hybrid model combines:
- A B2B network of dermatologists
- A direct-to-consumer (D2C) digital platform
This allows customers to begin treatment under medical supervision and continue care independently.
Key business highlights:
- Around 58 SKUs across product categories
- Presence in 2,000+ clinics across India
- Nearly 95% of online sales via its own platform
High Customer Retention and Target Demographic
The brand has achieved strong customer loyalty, with approximately 70% of revenue driven by repeat customers.
Its core user base includes women aged 30 to 50, a segment increasingly seeking targeted, science-backed skincare solutions.
Global Expansion Plans
CHOSEN is preparing to expand into international markets focused on “skin of color”, including:
- Latin America
- East Asia
These regions share similar dermatological needs, offering significant growth potential.
Competitive Landscape
The company operates in a competitive global skincare market, competing with established brands such as:
- Avène
- Heliocare
- Cetaphil
- Sebamed
- Shiseido
- Dr. Barbara Sturm
However, its focus on Indian skin types and clinical validation provides a differentiated positioning.
Conclusion
With fresh funding and a strong focus on science-led innovation, CHOSEN is well-positioned to scale in India and expand globally.
As demand for personalised, clinically backed skincare continues to rise, the company aims to build a category-defining brand for melanin-rich consumers.
Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. She has written extensively on fintech, AI and emerging startups.