CHOSEN Raises $5M Series A to Advance Science-Led Skincare in India

Renita Rajan, CHOSEN Founder

CHOSEN, a Bengaluru-based dermocosmetics startup, raised $5M in Series A funding led by Fireside Ventures in 2026. Targeting India’s $20B+ skincare market, the company leverages clinical dermatology and exposome science to develop products for melanin-rich skin, signaling rising investor confidence in science-backed personal care solutions.

Who are the key investors backing CHOSEN?

The cap table highlights a mix of consumer-focused VCs and strategic global players:

• Fireside Ventures – Known for backing Indian consumer brands scaling toward IPO readiness
• BOLD (L’Oréal’s VC arm) – Strategic investor aligning with global beauty innovation
• Alkemi Growth Capital – Growth-stage investor focused on healthcare and wellness
• Angel & Clinical Backers – Including Avnish Anand and leading dermatologists

This blend mirrors global models seen in ecosystems like Hub71 (Abu Dhabi) and ADGM, where strategic capital meets domain expertise to accelerate category leaders.

Founded in 2020 by cosmetic dermatologist Dr Renita Rajan, CHOSEN focuses on science-led skincare tailored for melanin-rich Indian skin, drawing on the concept of the exposome—the environmental and lifestyle factors that influence skin health. The company operates a clinic-to-consumer model, combining dermatology-led product development with direct consumer distribution.

The fresh capital will be used to deepen research and development capabilities, expand its pipeline of clinically validated products, and scale its dermatologist-led Centre of Excellence. The company also plans to hire across functions as it builds out its product and clinical infrastructure.

What makes CHOSEN’s skincare approach different?

CHOSEN differentiates itself through a science-first framework tailored to Indian consumers.

Core Differentiators:

• Focus on melanin-rich skin, often underserved by global brands
• Use of the exposome concept (environment + lifestyle factors)
• Integration of genomic and dermatological insights
• Development of both topicals and nutraceuticals

“Personal care in India has largely followed global trends that don’t fully reflect local conditions,” said founder Dr Renita Rajan, emphasizing localized innovation.

What products and solutions does CHOSEN offer?

Category	Key Offering	Target Concern
Sunscreen	SAFESCREEN NEXGEN	UV protection, pigmentation
Topical Systems	CHOSEN Sculpt Protocol	Contour, skin tightening
Nutraceuticals	Internal supplements	Hair aging, skin health
Clinical Treatments	Dermatology-led services	Texture, pigmentation, aging

The portfolio reflects rising demand for hybrid solutions—products that sit between pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Investors are betting on the growing demand for clinically backed skincare in India, where dermocosmetics, products positioned between pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, are gaining traction. Fireside Ventures said CHOSEN’s combination of clinical rigor and repeat consumer adoption stood out, while BOLD highlighted its embedded dermatologist network and science-first approach.

 

 

FAQ

1. What is CHOSEN skincare?
CHOSEN is an Indian dermocosmetics startup founded in 2020, focused on science-backed skincare for melanin-rich skin using dermatology and exposome research.

2. How much funding did CHOSEN raise?
CHOSEN raised $5 million in a Series A round in 2026 led by Fireside Ventures, with participation from L’Oréal’s BOLD and Alkemi Growth Capital.

3. What is dermocosmetics?
Dermocosmetics are products positioned between pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, offering clinically validated skincare solutions.

4. What makes CHOSEN different from other skincare brands?
CHOSEN uses a clinic-to-consumer model, focusing on Indian skin biology and environmental factors, supported by dermatologists.

5. Why is India’s skincare market attracting investors?
India’s $20B+ beauty market is growing rapidly due to premiumization, awareness of clinical skincare, and demand for personalized solutions.