Every transformative business begins as a spark, a founder’s conviction that the industry can and should look different tomorrow than it does today. The BeautyMatter NEXT50 list highlights independent brands from around the globe with the promise to reshape the future of beauty and wellness through innovation, creativity, and purpose.

"There is no set playbook for building a great startup. It requires relentlessly reimagining how you create, deliver, and capture value," BeautyMatter founder and CEO Kelly Kovack believes. Everyone's path to growth looks different. For some, it happens quickly, while others gain traction slowly and methodically."

Every breakout brand has a moment when the industry starts paying attention. The BeautyMatter NEXT50 is that moment. It’s where independently owned beauty and wellness brands on the verge of scale get recognized, resourced, and put on the radar of industry movers and shakers.

We’re looking for founders and teams who are not just playing the game, but changing it—those building brands with a sharp point of view, real traction, and a clear plan for what comes next. If you are relentlessly iterating on product, sharpening your positioning, and proving demand, the NEXT50 is designed for you.

What Makes a BeautyMatter NEXT50 Brand:

• Visionary founders and talented teams. You see white space before everyone else and have the discipline to execute against it.
• Strong brand and product-market fit. Your story is resonating, your positioning is clear, and you’re building a community—not just a customer file.
• Evidence of traction. Maybe it’s velocity, retail doors, waitlists, or margin discipline. Whatever your metric, you can show momentum and a path to scale.
• A clear vision for the future. You know where you’re going and how your brand will shape the next era of beauty and wellness.

Our requirements:

• Independently owned.
• Have 2026 projected revenue under $10 million.
• Are based anywhere in the world—because beauty has no borders.
• Commit one leadership team member to attend the BeautyMatter NEXT50 M.B.A. Bootcamp, Summit, and Dinner in Los Angeles on October 21–22, 2026.
• Pay no fee to submit.

If you are a high-potential, early-stage brand challenging norms, driving growth, and daring to imagine what’s possible, the BeautyMatter NEXT50 list was created for you. Fill out this short form. The deadline for consideration is May 1, 2026.

Mark your calendar for NEXT50 in Los Angeles on October 21–22, 2026.