Katrina Kaif and Nykaa-backed Kay Beauty has entered the skincare category, expanding its portfolio beyond makeup with a new hydration-focused range designed for sensitive skin.
The skincare launch marks Kay Beauty’s first move into skincare since its inception in 2019, as the brand looks to build a broader beauty portfolio spanning both makeup and skincare.
The debut range includes two hydration-focused products formulated to strengthen the skin barrier while supporting sensitive skin. The products are available from August 29 through the Nykaa app and website, Nykaa retail stores, and the Kay Beauty website.
Kay Beauty developed the range over three years, working with formulation teams in Korea and Italy. The products were clinically tested on Indian women with sensitive skin, with the brand positioning the range around performance, hydration and skin-barrier care.
According to Kay Beauty, both products are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic. Their efficacy claims are based on external clinical studies conducted in May 2026.
The brand’s skincare strategy is closely aligned with the growing focus on skin-first beauty routines. Katrina Kaif, Co-Founder of Kay Beauty, said her own experiences with sensitive skin, working on film sets and frequent travel influenced the development of the range.
The products focus on strengthening and supporting the skin barrier, deep cellular hydration and soothing the skin, while maintaining lightweight textures. Kay Beauty also aims for the products to create a smooth, well-prepped base for makeup.
For Nykaa, the expansion represents an opportunity to extend Kay Beauty’s consumer proposition beyond colour cosmetics. Adwaita Nayar, Co-founder and Executive Director of Nykaa and CEO of House of Nykaa, said skincare was a natural evolution as consumers increasingly adopt skin-first approaches to beauty.
The launch also builds on Kay Beauty’s existing positioning around performance and care through its #MakeupThatKares philosophy. The brand intends to bring the same performance-led approach into skincare through formulations described as thoughtful, effective and uncomplicated.
Founded by Katrina Kaif and Nykaa, Kay Beauty has built its brand around makeup since launching in 2019. Its entry into skincare now expands the brand’s addressable beauty portfolio and creates a new category for consumer engagement.
With the initial range centred on hydration and sensitive-skin needs, Kay Beauty is positioning skincare as a natural extension of its makeup business and taking another step towards becoming a more holistic beauty brand.
Source: Based on publicly available reporting, with additional editorial adaptation and analysis.
