MassChallenge

KerlyGirl is a B2C startup offering an e-commerce site selling hair masks, curl creams, and serums. Its products are specifically catered to people with Type 3 and 4 hair — the very tightest coils — and are all plant-based and COSMOS-certified organic.

Hue Beauty is a beauty technology and sampling platform designed to assist beauty shoppers in identifying makeup products that complement their unique skin tones. The platform integrates with beauty brands' e-commerce websites, utilizing photo technology and a community of beauty advisors to facilitate accurate shade matching. Additionally, Hue Beauty offers customized try-at-home shade sampling kits, enhancing the shopping experience. The company also develops shoppable video technology, allowing online beauty brands to incorporate user-generated videos into their marketing strategies. This approach fosters customer trust and engagement by providing authentic content. Moreover, Hue Beauty employs an artificial intelligence-powered recommendation engine to analyze shoppers' skin tones, types, and beauty preferences, enabling clients to generate genuine reviews in various formats.

Kura Skin is a skincare matchmaking platform. We use data and our proprietary matchmaking algorithm to help our customers cut through the clutter and find what works for a fraction of the cost and none of the hassle.

React4life is an Italian biotech company established in 2016 by Silvia Scaglione and Maurizio Aiello, following over 15 years of research and development. The company focuses on advancing biomedical research through its innovative technology, MIVO® (Multi In Vitro Organ), which represents a next-generation organ-on-a-chip system. This microphysiological platform allows researchers to simulate human biology more accurately in laboratory settings, addressing the limitations of traditional in vitro assays and animal testing. React4life's technology enhances the reliability and predictivity of various applications, including pharmaceutical drug testing, personalized medicine, immuno-oncology therapies, cosmetics, dermatology, and nutraceuticals. By enabling the cultivation of three-dimensional human-like tissues for in vitro testing, React4life aims to improve the effectiveness of laboratory experiments and promote ethical research practices.

Nul is a not-just-for-profit company with the mission to make the personal and household care industry more sustainable by offering eco-friendly alternatives that actually work. No water. No plastic. No toxins. No nonsense. Nul believe in giving back; pledging 1% of all sales to environmental charities as a member of 1% for the Planet.

Naturbeads Ltd, established in 2018 and located in Malmesbury, United Kingdom, specializes in producing biodegradable cellulose microparticles designed to replace plastic microbeads commonly found in cosmetics, toiletries, and various industrial applications such as paints and adhesives. The company's innovative technology, developed at the University of Bath, offers an eco-friendly alternative that aims to mitigate the environmental impact of microplastic pollution in oceans and soil. By substituting fossil-fuel-based plastic with natural cellulose beads, Naturbeads enables its customers to adopt more sustainable practices and contribute to reducing pollution associated with conventional microbeads.

Enzymit is focused on transforming global manufacturing by advancing cell-free bio-production technology, which aims to reduce reliance on scarce resources and enhance sustainability. The company develops novel enzymes using artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms, enabling the creation of innovative molecular machines that can convert abundant feedstocks into valuable products across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and materials. By employing small, modular bio-reactors, Enzymit enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional whole-cell bio-production methods. This approach not only fosters resource independence but also allows for greater flexibility in product customization, positioning Enzymit as a competitive alternative to conventional chemical manufacturing.

Renzoe Box is a beauty platform that combines hardware and software to simplify personal makeup organization. The company offers an innovative makeup storage and pod system designed to accommodate various makeup products within a single, compact box. This system allows users to create their personalized palettes while organizing their makeup accessories in designated compartments. By streamlining the makeup collection process, Renzoe Box enables users to manage and transport their beauty products more efficiently.

HanaBi wants to offer these customers a ready-to-go solution to penetrate the in-wash fabric solid scent booster market, and to their consumers better product to fulfill their long-lasting fragrance expectations.

Rayito de Luna is a Mexican company that develops beauty and personal care products for women and men. It is an eco-friendly 100% natural personal care brand, that practices fair trade and supports the development of local independent producers.

Upwell’s is a cosmetic industry provides patented algae wax with safe ingredients.

Enzymit is focused on transforming global manufacturing by advancing cell-free bio-production technology, which aims to reduce reliance on scarce resources and enhance sustainability. The company develops novel enzymes using artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms, enabling the creation of innovative molecular machines that can convert abundant feedstocks into valuable products across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and materials. By employing small, modular bio-reactors, Enzymit enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional whole-cell bio-production methods. This approach not only fosters resource independence but also allows for greater flexibility in product customization, positioning Enzymit as a competitive alternative to conventional chemical manufacturing.

Abeja Reyna specializes in the online production and marketing of honey-based products. The company manufactures natural beauty care items that harness the beneficial properties of honey, known for its moisturizing, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities. Their products are crafted using honey nutrients and are free of parabens, ensuring a focus on organic and sustainable ingredients. By emphasizing the health benefits of honey, Abeja Reyna aims to provide consumers with effective and environmentally friendly options in personal care.

Bellezacheck is the 'Tripadvisor' of beauty product and that provides consumer reviews&ratings on website.

ZeoVation Inc., founded in 2016 and located in Columbus, Ohio, specializes in the production of nanozeolites and hierarchical zeolites. These advanced materials are designed to enhance a variety of consumer products, including skin care lotions, sunscreens, and laundry detergents, by improving the efficiency of water softeners and filtration systems. ZeoVation also supplies zeolite materials to various markets such as sun and skin care, home care, healthcare, coatings, and water and gas purification. The company focuses on developing innovative solutions, including a controlled-release antimicrobial and antiviral particle that can be integrated into various applications like sprays, coatings, and textiles. This technology aims to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, thereby contributing to safer and cleaner products.

Yaupon Teahouse is an e-commerce website for skin care products, tea, bath, and body products. Their leaves were used for ceremonies, traditional medicine, and caffeinated tea. It develops teas and wellness products by pairing yaupon with other medicinal herbs and botanical plants. It also has a store to serve the local market.

Socialyte is a marketing agency based in Albany, New York, specializing in connecting brands with a curated network of 500 influential tastemakers. These tastemakers represent branded media across over 60% of the world's leading personal style blogs, as well as prestigious digital platforms for publications such as Vanity Fair, Glamour, and Teen Vogue. Socialyte develops and manages tailored digital marketing programs that address the specific needs of various brands, allowing them to effectively engage their target audiences and enhance purchase intent. The agency has successfully executed over 500 native advertising campaigns for a range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and prominent fashion and beauty brands.

KUSHAE offers feminine personal care items. They provide a wide range of goods, including spray, body wash, lotions, and more. They also provide free shipping on orders of $60 or more.

Soapen is a cosmetics company founded in 2016 by Amanat Anand and Shubham Issar, specializing in handmade soap designed for children. The company produces roll-on soap bottles that aim to promote hygiene habits in a playful manner. These innovative bottles contain non-irritating, non-toxic soap that is free from harmful substances such as SLS, parabens, phthalates, and any animal by-products. By providing a fun and engaging way for kids to wash their hands, Soapen encourages healthy hygiene practices among its young users.

GuestBox offers a subscription service that delivers curated welcome boxes for hosts of vacation rentals. These boxes contain high-quality essentials and luxury amenities, including toiletries, skincare products, and snacks, tailored to enhance the guest experience. By subscribing to GuestBox, hosts can easily select and order personalized gift boxes, ensuring their guests receive thoughtful and premium items during their stay. The service aims to provide a convenient solution for property owners looking to elevate their hospitality offerings.

SunZee is a company focused on revolutionizing the sunscreen application process by introducing an innovative capsule system that allows users to dispense sunscreen directly onto their fingertips with a single hand motion. The sunscreen capsules are integrated into a fashionable wristband, making sun protection both accessible and stylish. This product addresses the growing awareness of sun damage while modernizing how sunscreen is consumed, particularly catering to the needs of busy individuals, including children. SunZee aims to enhance the user experience and promote education on sun protection through its disruptive approach in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.

Giaran, Inc., based in Brookline, Massachusetts, specializes in developing software that enhances the cosmetics shopping experience through virtual try-on technology. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and augmented reality to allow users to sample makeup products in real-time, whether in-store, online, or on-the-go. By providing precise color matching and a personalized beauty experience, Giaran aims to transform how consumers interact with cosmetics. As of November 2017, Giaran operates as a subsidiary of Shiseido Americas Corporation.

Kreyol Essence is an agribusiness focused on providing affordable luxury beauty products sourced from Haiti. It serves as a leading platform for organic commodities from the region, offering a range of signature products that emphasize natural ingredients and social impact. The company is dedicated to empowering women by employing 400 local women and farmers, thus contributing to improvements in environmental, agricultural, and economic conditions in Haiti. Kreyol Essence operates with a mission to address complex social issues through its business model, promoting sustainability and community welfare.

Orchid Green has developed the natural compound AAPE1, which is an anti-aging antioxidant for skin. AAPE1 is chemically stable, resistant under high and low temperatures, and keeps its effectiveness over time. AAPE is water soluble and inhibits wrinkle formation.

BeautyLynk, Inc. is a beauty booking platform that offers on-location and web-based services, allowing users to schedule hair and makeup appointments at their homes, offices, hotels, and other locations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company primarily caters to women but also provides services for men and children aged 17 and older. BeautyLynk operates in major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, and Washington, D.C. The platform enables users to access professional hair stylists and makeup artists conveniently, addressing their grooming needs while saving time and money.

MesenFlow Technologies specializes in bio-imaging technology aimed at enhancing drug and cosmetic development. The company has created a platform that accelerates the drug development process by addressing challenges related to species cross-reactivity, animal testing, and understanding human diseases. Utilizing proprietary protocols on primary human cells, MesenFlow enables early definition of a drug's mechanism of action and translational relevance. The technology has also been adapted for the cosmetics and nutrition sectors, allowing for the assessment of the physiological impact of cosmetic or nutraceutical candidates during the early development phase. This approach supports environments where animal-free testing is essential and emphasizes the importance of understanding human biology in product development.

Beauty Van is a mobile shop concept who empowers beauty salons by providing: Product and service training, an Intelligent stock system, exclusive products and a great customer experience. They own 5 mobile stores and 76 customers. They plan to increase 40 units in 5 years and 42 customers per van.

Ecoflora Cares SAS specializes in developing natural color technologies tailored for the food and personal care industries. Established in 1988 and based in Sabaneta, Colombia, the company provides a variety of services including the development of natural colors according to client specifications, guidance on transitioning from synthetic to natural colors, and testing the performance of colors in food applications. This includes assessments of solubility, stability, precipitation, and concentration, ensuring that the colors meet the specific requirements of clients' industrial processes. Ecoflora Cares is committed to sustainable and socially responsible practices, utilizing bio-supplies derived from biodiversity to offer natural and healthy products across multiple sectors.

They are changing the story of the smallholder farmer starting with Moringa, known worldwide as “the miracle tree” for its highly nutritional leaves. They take the forgotten part --the seeds-- and process them into an oil with unmatched cosmetic benefits for hair and skin care and a press meal for animal feed and water purification. They manage the entire supply chain- training, micro-credit, miniaturized value-added processing, and marketing to a global audience.

Pixtr Ltd. is a mobile photo editing application company founded in 2012 and based in Haifa, Israel. The application is designed to enhance photographs automatically, allowing users to achieve professional-quality results without requiring photography expertise. By focusing on the main subjects of images, particularly people, Pixtr improves their appearance, ensuring they look their best regardless of personal insecurities. The application features tools for eliminating skin blemishes, correcting red-eye, and enhancing selfies, making it suitable for both individual and group photos. Pixtr aims to make advanced image improvement accessible to the general public, with aspirations to become a standard in the photography space, ensuring that all online images benefit from its technology.

Eyedoll Chatter is an application that offers scented eyeshadows, face shimmers, and lip glosses.

StyleShare Inc. is a South Korean company founded in 2011 that specializes in designing and developing a mobile and web application focused on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. The platform serves as a real-time space for users to share and receive updates related to these interests, allowing individuals to showcase their daily outfits and recent purchases. With millions of users across 120 countries, StyleShare has established itself as a leading mobile platform in the fashion and beauty sector, earning recognition from prominent publications such as VOGUE, Instyle, and Elle Japan. Through its innovative application, StyleShare facilitates a vibrant community where users can connect over their shared passion for fashion.

Casa Couture is a footwear company founded in 2011 by Claudia Espinola, specializing in stylish and comfortable shoes for women, particularly targeting expecting mothers and married women. The brand emphasizes the fusion of fashion and comfort, utilizing materials that self-adjust to the wearer's foot, ensuring a luxurious fit during the maternity period. Casa Couture has garnered recognition from notable outlets such as WWD, The Bump, and ABC News for its innovative approach to women's footwear, allowing women to express their style without compromising on comfort.