Skincare brand ISLAND Beauty has raised ₹2.58 crore from AJVC and angel investors, including Vahdam India founder Bala Sarda. The round is a small but telling data point for startup funding in India, where early cheques are still flowing to sharply positioned consumer brands.
The brand was co-founded by singer and actor Shirley Setia, Korean skincare expert Jinsoon Lee, former VAHDAM India chief business officer Mayank Jain and entrepreneur Sakshi Jain. Its positioning centres on combining Korean skincare ingredients and formulation expertise with products developed in India for local skin needs and weather conditions.
ISLAND Beauty’s proprietary Core Barrier Matrix approach focuses on both skin-barrier repair and defence, encouraging simpler and more consistent skincare routines. Its current portfolio includes cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers and lip-care products.
The company will use the funds to support product development, increase brand awareness and reach more customers. Over the next three years, ISLAND Beauty plans to expand its product range, strengthen its market presence and deepen its understanding of Indian consumers.
AJVC founder Aviral Bhatnagar said India needs a tailored brand for its skin, bringing the best of K-beauty, and that the ISLAND team is well positioned to build a new brand here. Setia said the company wants consumers to focus on their skin’s needs rather than trends.
Why it matters for founders
ISLAND Beauty did not try to be everything to everyone. It picked one wedge, barrier care adapted to Indian conditions, and built a story around it. Founders entering crowded consumer categories should note: a narrow, credible promise is easier to fund and to remember than a broad catalogue.