We are excited to present the Brand Capital Fund’s latest insights in the consumer space with the release of our Q125 Consumer Benchmark Report, focused on Science-Based Skincare.  


Discover the Trends — This in-depth report provides valuable insights into the Beauty & Personal Care market, covering market trends, deal activity, and early-stage fundraising benchmarks — plus a snapshot of current venture capital sentiment. Learn what’s driving decisions today and what that signals for the years ahead—download your complimentary copy today!

 
 

CONTENTS

Section 1: Beauty & Personal Care Overview + Trends

  • Part 1: “Show Me the Efficacy”: The Rise of Science-Based Skincare  

    💡 Key Insight: Today’s beauty consumers are results driven— 92% say  efficacy matters, and over half are more influenced by product claims than two years ago. Brands and investors are responding: 36% of science-backed launches in the past five years happened last year, while science-based brands captured 26% of CPG VC dollars in 2024, up 17% in the prior five years.

  • Part 2: Trends in Science-Based Skincare

    💡 Key Insight: In this market, great products— not just great marketing— win by driving higher retention and brand value. As growth slows and CACs climb, biotech-led and derm-backed brands are rising to meet consumer demand for results. 52% are excited about biotech’s performance potential, and dermatologist-founded brands are now preferred 150% more than influencer lines.

Section 2: Our Survey Results

  • Part 1: Will VCs Be Investing More or Less?


    💡 Key Insight: Investors are still bullish on beauty— over 90% plan to maintain or increase investment in 2025— but they’re sharpening their focus.

  • Part 2: What Matters to Investors?

    💡 Key Insight: Repurchase rate was the #1 metric cited as a potential dealbreaker, beating out CAC-to-LTV and even sales growth. Category wise, skincare, fragrance, scalp care and hair care are leading investor interest, while categories like men’s grooming and sexual wellness are seeing far less interest.

Participating Venture Firms: