At this year’s New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) Suppliers’ Day held from Jun 3-4, the Indie 360° Pavilion spotlighted twenty emerging beauty brands reflecting key innovation trends in cosmetics and personal care. The curated showcase, organized and hosted by Daniela Ciocan, CEO of Access Beauty Insiders, provided industry stakeholders a close look at up-and-coming companies poised to influence product development and sourcing strategies.
“This year’s NYSCC Suppliers’ Day was better and bigger than ever, and the INDIE360° mirrored that success,” Ciocan told CosmeticsDesign US. “The indie brands represented trends shaping the beauty industry—from clean fragrances, to social media viral products, to Ayurveda, to high-performance patented brands and naturally based cosmetics. We’ve seen a plethora of innovation and interesting spin-offs on those concepts.”
Standout trends across the pavilion included patent-driven skincare, ingredient transparency, and formulations rooted in cultural heritage. Diversity was also a defining element of this year’s cohort.
“Particularly exciting was the diversity of the brands: out of 20 companies, nine were Latina founder-led brands and four were Black-owned brands,” Ciocan noted.
Strategic exposure for emerging brands
The Indie 360° Pavilion has become a strategic platform for brands seeking to establish connections with suppliers, formulators and media. “This is a great launchpad for beauty brands who want to generate relevant industry connections with key suppliers to fuel their innovation pipeline, with industry social media influencers and journalists,” Ciocan said. “This year’s lineup was the strongest and biggest with 20 companies represented.”
Three brands, Kayura Effects, Pareva Skincare, and Ki’Olal Biocosmetics, used the event as their official industry debut. According to Ciocan, “90% of the rest of the cohort [were] showcasing for the first time at an industry event,” underscoring the pavilion’s role in giving new entrants early access to industry networks and feedback.
Award-winning formulation and innovation
Pareva Skincare, a first-time exhibitor, earned the INDIE360° People’s Choice Award, voted on by chemists and R&D professionals. The brand stood out for its use of a patented molecule, Molecur 3, and its clinically validated claims. “This new brand utilized a unique patented molecule (Molecur 3) as its cornerstone, and it leverages its claims based on three clinical studies—not an easy feat for a newcomer,” Ciocan said.
Other notable exhibitors included:
Graydon Skincare
A Canadian brand known for its bioavailable plant-based formulas designed for sensitive skin. The brand showcased its latest launch, moon boost brightening multivitamin serum, which is formulated with PALMLESS Torula Oil, carrot oil, and raspberry seed oil to brighten uneven pigmentation, support skin elasticity, and defend against oxidative damage.
AcARRE
A multifunctional skin and scalp care brand integrating African and global botanical ingredients. The brand spotlighted its Multiuse Treatment Oil, which can be used as a skin essence, serum, and hydrator and is formulated with nourishing ingredients like kalahari melon seed, neroli and rosehip oils.
Cleverman
A men’s grooming line targeting multicultural consumers with customizable hair color products. The brand featured its Energizing Face and Beard Scrub, which is formulated with ingredients such as menthol, as well as argan, walnut, and baobab oils, to moisturize and refine skin texture and tone as part of a regular shaving routine.
Everyday Chemist
A scientifically grounded brand with a clinical-meets-lifestyle positioning, offering active-forward skin care. In addition to highlighting its new collection, which included Silky Water, a hydrating anti-aging body serum, Lip Grease in Aranciata, a moisturizing lip balm in a newly released citrus scent, and a fig and white floral roll-on Parfum Oil fragrance, the brand has also launched the NOUN AI platform.
According to the company’s website, “NOUN is a platform that connects beauty brands with the perfect vendors for their product creation needs. We leverage AI and industry expertise to streamline the beauty product development process.”
Kayura Effects
A new entrant promoting Ayurvedic-inspired formulations rooted in wellness traditions. The brand showcased its Kayura Core Collection at the Pavilion, featuring products such as No Rays, Thanks mineral sunscreen, Dew Restore barrier repair cream, and Bright Aura even tone serum.
All of the brand’s products are non-comedogenic, contain no synthetic colors or fragrances, and are vegan and cruelty-free in alignment with the brand’s mission to create products that address common skin concerns without harsh additives.
Ki’Olal Biocosmetics
A Latin American-founded brand focused on clean ingredients and eco-conscious packaging. Launched last year, the brand’s ethos is firmly tied into its cultural roots and its product collection, which includes an Antioxidant Hydrating Toner, Energizing Day Serum, Mayan Miracle Mist, Nourishing Cleanser, and Recovery Night Treatment are formulated with unique ingredients indigenous to Mexico like the resurrection plant, maqui berry, and chayote fruit extract.
