Launched: 2009
Key Executives: Deren Ozturk Mataraci, Founder + CEO
2025 Full Year Expected Revenue Range: $20 to $30 million
2025 Projected Offline Distribution Points: 5,000
Primary Category: Skincare
Other Categories: Haircare
Key Markets: Middle East, China, United States
Retail Partnerships: Sephora, Watsons, Amazon
Primary Distribution Channel: Drugstore
Other Distribution Channels: Amazon, Prestige, Department Store, Third-Party E-Commerce, TikTok Shop
Accelerator Programs: EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program Turkey, Sephora Accelerator Program Turkey
Funding Rounds: Self-funded
My dad is my lifetime role model, he was my inspiration to dream and achieve. I had the dream of this brand when I was 16 created when I was 20. On the way to succeed I recognized the importance of role models in young girls for the future. Rather than just a dermocosmetics brand targeting skin and hair concerns, Cosmed Cosmeceuticals is now on a mission to become a success story for girls’ empowerment and let new generations realize if she could do it then I can do it.
Insights provided by Deren Ozturk Mataraci, Founder + CEO
Key business initiatives for 2025?
2025 will be our triathlon year. Our focus will be on three pillars: science, global expansion, and branding. Our #1 strength is our R&D and production. As the daughter of a chemical engineer, the process of building something from the ground up has always been special to me. Now, as we are celebrating Cosmed Cosmeceuticals's 15th year, we’re nearing the completion of our second factory. This journey has been a labor of love, and we’re almost at the finish line! It’s time to talk more on science.
The most important strategy since 2021 is to target the globe. Instead of acting like a local brand in Turkey, we are trying to build a worldwide brand; all the mindset is planned to meet with all our consumers and markets. Right now we are in 37 countries; the target is to reach 80 in the near future. Step by step we are on our way to reach the goal. With the core focus of differentiation, building a brand like Cosmed Cosmeceuticals has been a journey of passion, creativity, and relentless hard work. This year we will talk more about Turkish hospitality and culture, dive more into Turkish tradition.
What are you most proud of having accomplished?
I’ve learned over the years: underestimation is inevitable. When people underestimated the girl at age 16, 21, 24, 30, I could’ve believed them. But instead, I chose to challenge them—and in doing so, I can proudly say that we created Cosmed and are celebrating its 15th year today with a growth of 50x compared to 2021. As a society, we often give more weight to “you can’t” than “you can.” But what if we did the opposite? What if we used doubt not as a wall but as a ladder? If I’ve learned anything, it’s this: Don’t let doubt silence your belief. Let it push you forward!
What has been the biggest surprise?
The whole story is full of surprises. Some are the consequences of hard work, some are lessons to learn and grow. This year we achieved the same pieces of sales by unit with our #1 global competitor in Turkey— it was like a “yes we did it!” moment.
What fuels your competitive advantage?
As a Turkish cosmetics brand, we differentiate ourselves with our hero ingredient coming from our history. The beauty secret of Harem women since 1500, Crocus chrysanthus, has been part of Cosmed’s story from the beginning. This flower isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a symbol of everything we believe in—heritage, strength, and experience. At Cosmed Cosmeceuticals, we’ve always been committed to honoring these timeless roots, blending tradition with science to create skincare that stands the test of time. Every product is a reminder of where we come from and where we’re headed.
Insight on the future of the beauty industry.
The consumer of the future is more conscious, always looking for ethical acts, seeking for innovation and sustainability. Promoting skin health will be much on the rise, and clinical efficacy will be questioned a lot in the future.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never give up! This mantra has guided me through many challenging moments, especially during Cosmed's seventh year. At that time, I was facing significant uncertainty about our future. Just when I was at the brink of giving up, a businessman I had once met on a flight sent me an unexpected video. The video shared the story of bamboo trees in China, which are watered for six years without any visible growth, but in the seventh year, they suddenly grow tall. This profound message arrived right after a difficult conversation with my father about whether to continue with Cosmed or consider alternative plans. Have you ever been at a crossroads, waiting for a sign to move forward? That video was my sign. It reminded me that growth takes time, patience, and resilience. Cosmed is my bamboo, and today, it’s growing stronger and taller than ever.
What is the best mistake you've ever made and what did you learn?
Being a girlboss at a very young age taught me a lot. My first learning was about trust. I learned that it’s not built on words or promises alone—it must be backed by actions and verified over time. Establishing trust requires consistent communication, clear expectations, and monitoring performance. Always balance trust with accountability and verify credentials before committing to critical partnerships.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating launching a beauty brand?
The beauty brands we recognize are the ones that think differently and try to be unique. It all starts with one brave move! It starts with one person willing to stand up, take a risk, and lead the way. There are tons of similar, same products in the market. What is your story? How you differentiate yourself should be your first focus on the strategy. Do not forget to check yourself by asking yourself: would I buy this product on the shelf?
If you could change one thing in the beauty industry what would it be?
Instead of competing, women should stand together and support each other. There is a lot to do for the industry, and there is a place for everyone. Let's dream for the success of all.
