CosIQ
CosIQ is an Indian skincare brand headquartered in New Delhi, founded in March 2021 by Kanika Talwar and Angad Talwar. The company specialises in molecular skincare, offering scientifically-backed, cruelty-free products designed for the Gen Z demographic. With a focus on clean ingredients, minimalist formulations, and transparency, CosIQ has gained recognition for its innovative approach in the $7.6 billion Indian skincare market. The brand secured ₹50 lakhs for 25% equity on Shark Tank India Season 1, boosting its visibility and growth. CosIQ operates as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, available on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Nykaa, and Flipkart. The company is noted for its rapid growth, achieving a valuation of ₹2 crore by 2024 and maintaining EBITA-positive status since inception.[1]
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Skincare, Cosmetics |
| Founded | March 2021 |
| Founder | Kanika Talwar, Angad Talwar |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
Key people | Kanika Talwar (Co-founder, Operations), Angad Talwar (Co-founder, Product & Branding) |
| Products | Skincare products (serums, sunscreens, exfoliators, moisturisers) |
| Revenue | ₹2 crore (US$230,000) (valuation, 2024) |
Number of employees | Not disclosed |
| Website | mycosiq |
Founders & Leadership
- Kanika Talwar (Co-founder, Operations, Marketing, and Finance): Kanika holds a degree in Advertising and Sales Promotion from Delhi University. She previously served as team manager at Money Saving Champions Ltd. and Operations Manager at Keyoscks Company, with a year as Head of Operations at RI Ayurveda Research Labs. Kanika oversees operations, marketing, and financial strategy at CosIQ, leveraging her experience in management and branding.[2]
- Angad Talwar (Co-founder, Product & Branding): Angad leads product development and branding for CosIQ. His background details are not publicly disclosed, but he is recognised for his role in formulating CosIQ’s cutting-edge skincare products, including India’s first two-ingredient Vitamin C serum. His strategic vision focuses on combining scientific innovation with market appeal.[3]
Origin & Founding Story
CosIQ was founded in March 2021 by Kanika Talwar and Angad Talwar, a married couple who identified a gap in the Indian skincare market for affordable, scientifically-backed products. Launched as their “first baby,” the brand aimed to disrupt traditional skincare with transparent, clean formulations. After a year of research, they introduced products like India’s first two-ingredient Vitamin C serum and sunscreen serum. Their appearance on Shark Tank India Season 1 in December 2021, where they secured ₹50 lakhs from investors Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh, marked a turning point, propelling CosIQ into mainstream recognition. The founders’ complementary roles—Kanika handling operations and Angad focusing on product innovation—have driven the brand’s rapid growth.[4]
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Kanika and Angad Talwar begin researching skincare formulations.[5] |
| 2021 | CosIQ founded in March; launches first products, including two-ingredient Vitamin C serum.[4] |
| 2021 | Featured on Shark Tank India Season 1, secures ₹50 lakhs for 25% equity.[6] |
| 2022 | Expands product line with face cleansers, moisturisers, and sunscreens.[1] |
| 2024 | Achieves valuation of ₹2 crore, reports 30% monthly growth.[1] |
Funding
| Date | Round | Amount | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2021 | Seed | ₹50 lakhs | Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh[3] |
Business Model
CosIQ operates as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) skincare brand, selling exclusively online through its website and major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Nykaa, Flipkart, Myntra, and others. The company targets Gen Z consumers with affordable, scientifically-backed products emphasising clean ingredients and transparency. Revenue is generated through product sales, with a focus on high-performance serums, sunscreens, and exfoliators. CosIQ avoids traditional performance marketing, relying on word-of-mouth and influencer partnerships to build trust and drive sales. The brand’s EBITA-positive status since inception reflects its lean operational model and cost-effective marketing strategy.[4]
Products / Services
CosIQ offers a range of cruelty-free, dermatologist-approved skincare products, including:
- Two-Ingredient Vitamin C Serum: India’s first minimalist Vitamin C serum for brightening and anti-ageing.[7]
- Sunscreen Serum: A lightweight, non-greasy formula with UV protection.[1]
- Face Cleansers: Designed for various skin types, including oily, dry, and sensitive.[8]
- Moisturisers and Exfoliators: Formulated with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides.[8]
The brand emphasises transparent labelling and clean formulations, catering to informed consumers seeking visible results.[9]
Growth & Metrics
CosIQ has reported a 30% month-on-month growth rate and achieved a valuation of ₹2 crore by 2024.[1] The brand’s user base is primarily Gen Z, though specific user numbers are not disclosed. CosIQ is available on major Indian e-commerce platforms, expanding its reach nationwide. The company remains EBITA-positive, indicating profitability from its inception. Team size and specific revenue figures are not publicly available, but its lean operations and focus on organic growth have contributed to its financial stability.[4]
Legal Entity Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | Inlabs Lifesciences Private Limited |
| Foundation Date | January 2022 |
| Registrar of Companies (ROC) | ROC Delhi |
| Corporate Identification Number (CIN) | U74999DL2022PTC392849 |
| Registered Address | New Delhi, India |
| Email ID | inlabsofficial@gmail.com |
| Company Status | Active |
| Directors | Kanika Talwar, Vidhu Jain |
| Authorized Share Capital | Rs. 1,000,000.00 |
| Paid-up Capital | Rs. 114,040.00 |
Media & Public Recognition
- Shark Tank India Appearance (2021): CosIQ gained nationwide recognition after securing a deal on Shark Tank India Season 1, with investors praising its innovative products and packaging.[10]
- Media Coverage: Featured in outlets like Entrepreneur India, YourStory, and StartupTalky for its disruptive approach in the Indian skincare market.[9][4]
- Innovative Product Recognition: India’s first two-ingredient Vitamin C serum was highlighted as a market differentiator by Medicircle.[7]
FAQs
- What is CosIQ?
- CosIQ is an Indian skincare brand offering scientifically-backed, cruelty-free products targeting Gen Z consumers with a focus on clean ingredients and transparency.[8]
- Who founded CosIQ?
- CosIQ was founded by Kanika Talwar and Angad Talwar in March 2021.[3]
- What was CosIQ’s Shark Tank India deal?
- CosIQ secured ₹50 lakhs for 25% equity from Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh on Shark Tank India Season 1.[6]
- What products does CosIQ offer?
- The brand offers serums, sunscreens, cleansers, moisturisers, and exfoliators with active ingredients like Vitamin C and niacinamide.[8]
External Links
Related Startups
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Shark Tank India Featured CosIQ Disrupting the Indian Skincare Market with Innovative Products". startuparticle.com. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ "COSiQ Cosmetic Shark Tank India Update". sharktanktalks.com. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Funding Alert: Shark Tank India Infuses Rs 5 mn in a Skincare Start-up CosIQ". indianretailer.com. 27 December 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "CosIQ Success Story - The Leading Intelligent Skincare Brand". startuptalky.com. 6 December 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ "30 Best Shark Tank India Products of 2025". blog.bigship.direct. 9 August 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Shark Tank India Season 1 Company CosIQ Raised Investment". sharktankseason.com. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "CosIQ gains Rs 50 lakhs due to Shark Tank". medicircle.in. 29 December 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "CosIQ - Buy Cruelty-Free Science Backed Skincare Products Online". mycosiq.com. 13 July 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "CosIQ Company Profile Funding & Investors". yourstory.com. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ "Shark Tank India Invests INR 5 Million in Skincare Startup CosIQ". entrepreneur.com. 24 December 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2025.