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Draft:CosIQ

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CosIQ (Skincare) CosIQ (legal name Inlabs Lifesciences Private Limited) is an Indian direct-to-consumer (D2C) skincare brand based in New Delhi. Founded in 2021, the company markets itself as an "intelligent skincare" brand, focusing on molecular formulations, scientific transparency, and clinical efficacy. It gained national recognition as the first skincare brand to be featured on the inaugural season of the reality show Shark Tank India.

History CosIQ was founded by husband-and-wife duo Angad Talwar and Kanika Talwar (also known as Kanika Vats) in 2021. Prior to launching the brand, the founders reportedly spent over a year in research and development to create formulations that utilized "functional actives" and "minimalist" ingredient lists.

The brand's philosophy centers on "Skincare with Integrity," which involves providing full ingredient transparency and conducting independent clinical trials—a practice the founders claimed was a first for a home-grown Indian skincare brand during their television pitch.

Shark Tank India Appearance CosIQ appeared in Season 1, Episode 4 (2021) of Shark Tank India. At the time of the pitch, the brand had been operating for only three months and had generated approximately ₹11 lakhs in revenue.

Initial Ask: ₹50 lakhs for 7% equity at a valuation of approximately ₹7.14 crore.

The Pitch: The founders showcased their Sunscreen Serum, highlighting its "hybrid" nature (using both chemical and physical filters) and its lightweight, serum-like consistency.

The Deal: After a competitive bidding session—including an offer from Ashneer Grover—the founders accepted a joint deal from Vineeta Singh (CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics) and Anupam Mittal (Founder of People Group/Shaadi.com) for ₹50 lakhs in exchange for 25% equity.

Products and Operations CosIQ operates in the "Clean Beauty" and "Molecular Skincare" segments, targeting Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Their product range includes:

Sunscreen Serums: Their flagship SPF 30 and SPF 50 products are formulated as serums to avoid the "white cast" common in traditional sunscreens.

Active Serums: Formulations featuring Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Vitamin C, and Retinoids.

Moisturizers: Including their "AirGel" NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) line.

Cleansers: Utilizing AHAs and BHAs for targeted skin concerns.

The brand primarily sells through its own D2C website and major e-commerce marketplaces like Amazon, Nykaa, and Myntra. In late 2024, the brand launched a special collection in collaboration with the show Emily in Paris.

Financials and Growth Following its television debut, CosIQ reported a significant surge in sales, frequently selling out of its flagship sunscreen within hours of the episode airing.

Revenue Growth: The company's revenue grew from ₹11 lakhs (pre-show) to approximately ₹7.69 crore for the financial year ending March 31, 2024.

Valuation: As of late 2024/early 2025, the brand's valuation was estimated to have reached approximately ₹10 crore to ₹15 crore following its post-show expansion.

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