Skincare brand CHOSEN has successfully secured $5 million in a Series A funding round, primarily driven by Fireside Ventures, with additional support from L’Oréal’s corporate venture capital fund BOLD, Alkemi Growth Capital, alongside angel investors including CaratLane co-founder and former CEO Avnish Anand, Chandan Asokan, KC Nischal, Punit Saraogi, Nishita Ranka, and Mikki Singh. Previously, the Chennai-based startup raised $1.2 million in an angel funding round in 2024. The funds will be used to bolster research and development capabilities, enhance the lineup of clinically tested, evidence-driven products, scale the Centre of Excellence, and invest in impactful talent across various functions, as indicated by CHOSEN in a press statement.
Launched in 2020 by Renita Rajan, CHOSEN focuses on developing science-based skincare tailored specifically for melanin-rich Indian skin, rooted in the science of the exposome and concentrating on four primary domains of aging: pigmentation, skin texture, contour, and hair aging. The product lineup includes both topical solutions and nutraceuticals, adhering to a dermatologist-developed, clinic-to-consumer model.
CHOSEN claims its brand growth is based on insights garnered from over 150,000 consultations. Its business model combines a B2B network of dermatologists with a direct-to-consumer platform, enabling patients to commence treatment under clinical guidance and manage maintenance independently. Currently, the company offers approximately 58 stock-keeping units (SKUs) spanning its doctor-led and D2C segments. Its products are included in over 2,000 clinics across the nation, while its online sales channel caters to customers throughout India, with nearly 95% of digital transactions conducted via its own platform.
In addition, CHOSEN is gearing up to enter global markets that cater to “skin of color,” targeting regions in Latin America and East Asia where similar dermatological needs are prevalent. Remarkably, around 70% of its revenue comes from repeat customers, especially among women aged 30 to 50. The brand faces competition from other significant players in the market, such as Avène, Heliocare, Cetaphil, Sebamed, Shiseido, and Dr. Sturm.
