7 April 2026, Mumbai
Parent entity of Nykaa, FSN E-Commerce Ventures is in advanced stage of negotiations to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare venture co-founded by Deepika Padukone. This strategic move aims to integrate the celebrity-backed label into the ‘House of Nykaa’ vertical, seeking to reverse the brand’s recent fiscal headwinds. Despite high initial visibility, 82°E reported a 30 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, coupled with a net loss of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry analysts attribute this trajectory to a premium pricing structure -averaging Rs 2,500 per unit - and a crowded direct-to-consumer landscape that increasingly demands localized operational scale.
Scaling through omnichannel infrastructure
The transition from a standalone digital model to a platform-led strategy mirrors successful precedents like Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty, which achieved Rs 132.4 crore in revenue in FY25 under Nykaa’s management. By leveraging its cumulative beauty customer base of 42 million and an expansive network of 313 physical stores, Nykaa intends to optimize 82°E’s distribution and inventory management. This acquisition aligns with a broader sectoral trend where major retailers, including Reliance Retail and Unilever, are absorbing niche labels to capture the burgeoning Indian beauty and personal care market, projected to reach $34 billion by 2028.
Market dynamics and future growth
Market observers note, while celebrity influence secures initial consumer trial, sustained growth necessitates the robust logistics and supply chain efficiencies inherent to established retail giants. The potential integration provides 82°E with the professional muscle required to navigate the complexities of multi-city retail and competitive digital marketing, notes a lead retail analyst. If the transaction concludes, Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake, shifting her focus toward creative direction while Nykaa spearheads commercial operations and market penetration across Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
India’s leading lifestyle retail platform, Nykaa specializes in beauty, wellness, and fashion across digital and physical touchpoints. Founded in 2012, the company has transitioned from a pure-play e-commerce startup to an omnichannel powerhouse with over 300 stores. Recent financial reports indicate, a 156 per cent increase in net profit, driven by the strong performance of its private labels and premium brand partnerships. Nykaa continues to expand its ‘House of Nykaa’ portfolio to capture the world’s fastest-growing beauty market.
