The B2B and B2C categories had previously been seen as separate entities, but now a small subset of indie brand owners, a majority with philanthropic and sustainability backgrounds, are reaping the benefits of managing both. With the US personal care and beauty market set to reach $128.7 billion in 2030 and the global cosmetics market estimated to hit a $463.5 billion value by 2027, it’s understandable that brands want to get in on the consumer action. Meanwhile, judging by the investments of the year past, BeautyMatter predicts that more brands will capitalize on B2B avenues. We spoke to a range of industry experts in order to delve into the challenges and benefits of diversifying businesses, and why it’s not a one-size-fits all solution.Change in NumbersPerhaps the most persuasive argument for having an ingredients- or innovations-led subsidiary is being able to impact bigger social and economic change with the support of other brands. Recent tech innovations like natural skincare brand Three Ships Beauty’s source map, which helps consumers trace ingredients from origin to final product, could easily be utilized for alternative businesses.Launched in 2012, Kadalys harnesses the antioxidant powers of bioactives in unused and rescued green, yellow, and pink bananas for its personal care range, helping to decrease the 22 million tons of bananas discarded annually. Founder Shirley Billot discovered the potency of banana by-products through a research program around the polar and nonpolar molecules of the banana tree, which evolved into the R&D branch of the company, and soon thereafter its raw materials side.