Indie Beauty Brands: The Rising Stars Set to Revolutionize the 2026 Market
Independent beauty brands are on the cusp of revolutionizing the industry in 2026. Their fresh perspectives and unique product offerings are gaining significant traction. According to a recent analysis by Business of Fashion, cosmetic labels such as Sweed and Moonglaze, body care brand Cyklar, and fragrance houses Xinu and Fugazzi are among the indie brands to keep an eye on.
Fugazzi, a brand born in Amsterdam, is making waves with its rebellious spirit and premium perfumes. One of their standout products is Angel Dust ($105), a fragrance with notes of wood and cashmere. According to analytics firm Spate, searches for the brand across Google, TikTok, and Instagram surged by 122.8% in 2025, despite the brand’s relatively small size.
The indie beauty movement is steadily chipping away at the market share of major conglomerates. A prime example is Rhode, which scaled from a fledgling startup to a $1 billion acquisition in a mere three years. Industry experts predict that 2026 will be dominated by two major themes in skincare: K-beauty innovations and advanced beauty devices.
These emerging brands are fuelling rapid trends and intensifying competition through their unique positioning, global perspectives, and authentic storytelling. This resonates with modern consumers who are seeking alternatives to traditional beauty giants.
Source: Business of Fashion