CHOSEN, a Chennai-based skincare brand focused on science-backed solutions for melanin-rich skin, has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Fireside Ventures, with participation from BOLD, Alkemi Growth Capital, and several angel investors, including Avnish Anand, Co-founder and Ex CEO of CaratLane, along with a cohort of practicing dermatologists, Dr Chandan Asokan, Dr KC Nischal, Dr Punit Saraogi, Dr Nishita Ranka and Dr Mikki Singh, reinforcing the brand’s strong clinical foundation.
The startup had earlier raised $1.2 million in an angel funding round in 2024. With this latest investment, CHOSEN plans to strengthen its research and development capabilities, expand its pipeline of clinically validated products, scale its Centre of Excellence, and hire talent across key functions.
Founded in 2020 by Dr Renita Rajan, the brand focuses on developing skincare solutions tailored specifically for Indian skin. Its approach is rooted in the science of the exposome and addresses four key aspects of ageing: pigmentation, skin texture, contour, and hair ageing.
CHOSEN operates on a clinic-to-consumer model, combining dermatologist-led consultations with direct-to-consumer access. The company says it has built its offerings based on insights gathered from over 150,000 consultations. Its model allows users to begin treatment under clinical supervision and continue maintenance through its digital platform.
Currently, the brand offers around 58 SKUs across both its doctor-led and D2C segments. Its products are prescribed in more than 2,000 clinics across India, while its online platform serves customers nationwide. Notably, nearly 95% of its digital sales come through its own website.
The company also highlighted strong customer retention, with about 70% of its revenue coming from repeat users, particularly women in the 30 to 50 age group.
Looking ahead, CHOSEN is preparing to expand into global “skin of color” markets, including regions in Latin America and East Asia, where similar dermatological needs exist.
In the competitive skincare landscape, CHOSEN faces competition from established global brands such as Avène, Heliocare, Cetaphil, Sebamed, Shiseido, and Dr. Sturm.
With a growing focus on evidence-based skincare and increasing demand for personalised solutions, CHOSEN is positioning itself as a strong player in both the Indian and global dermatology-led skincare market.
-By Shivani Solanki
