Boots has partnered with Growth Studio to launch a first of its kind accelerator programme, Breakout Beauty, designed to help the next generation of high potential UK beauty founders, get a step up ready to become the next global household names.

From gender-neutral deodorant and purpose-driven skincare to brands infused with cultural heritage, this year’s finalists represent the cutting edge of creativity in beauty.

“Seeing this year’s finalists come together is incredibly inspiring. Every founder represents the energy, creativity, and diversity that make the UK beauty scene so extraordinary. Breakout Beauty UK was designed to supercharge startup success — and this cohort is proof that when you give talent the right platform of support, they will soar.” Paul Finch, Co-founder of Growth Studio and Programme Designer, Breakout Beauty UK

Over 6 weeks, 10 finalist founders will access top-tier mentorship, investment guidance and opportunities, retail partnerships, expert clinics and award winning business development support, curated and delivered by Growth Studio.

Backed by headline partners Boots, TikTok Shop, HSBC Innovation Banking, FDD International and supported by Bird & Bird, the British Beauty Council and Venrex, Breakout Beauty UK is redefining the future of British beauty innovation.

Grace Vernon, Head of Global Foresight and Trends at Boots and No7 Beauty Company, said: “As the UK’s favourite beauty retailer, we are passionate about bringing the very best of beauty to our customers, and supporting new and emerging talent in the industry. We’re proud to partner with the Breakout Beauty UK programme and to play a role in offering more accessible routes for innovative and passionate brand founders to work with Boots. We are looking forward to supporting this unique programme and taking the opportunity to nurture emerging brands who have the potential to be the next big beauty names to hit the high street.”

Ambassadors Trinny Woodall, founder of Trinny London, and Mitchell Halliday, creator of Made by Mitchell, will inspire and guide participants. Boots will be offering behind-the-scenes access as well as dedicated support from its in-house experts to guide the finalists on what it takes to get a product listed. Esteemed beauty entrepreneurs, including Marina Kalenchyts (Wonderskin), Michael Douglas (MD London), Colette Laxton (The INKEY List) and Jamie Genevieve (VIEVE) will join the programme to share insider insights and expertise. 

A final pitch day will see two finalists awarded the Breakout Beauty UK Grand Prize, worth in excess of £350,000 combined.

Winners will benefit from a twelve-month online listing on boots.com and in-store activation in 10 of its biggest stores. Plus, access to its beauty business experts, free event space at the new Boots Beauty store at Battersea Power Station, as well as PR and marketing support. 

Following an unprecedented response from more than 200 beauty founders nationwide, this year’s selected participants stand out for their extraordinary diversity. 80% of the finalists identify as women, with the final 12 proudly championing underrepresented BAME talent across the industry.

The Breakout Beauty UK Finalists Redefining the Beauty Landscape include:

• Beard Surgeons – Luxury scented grooming for men, founded by three childhood friends, reinventing beard care with style and substance.
• BYERIM – A luxurious, inclusive hair and beard care line rooted in founder Erim Kaur’s cultural heritage of hair oiling and self-expression.
• Clear for Men – Created by 24-year-old Louis, this skincare brand blends self-care with mental health advocacy.
• Contour Cube – The viral ice facial tool designed by Sarah Forrai, combining innovation, beauty, and practicality.
• Project Plump – Clean, clinically proven, needle-free plumping products inspiring self-confidence and authenticity.
• Make Waves – The award-winning, refillable, gender-neutral antiperspirant brand championing sustainability and performance.
• Miriam’s Collection – Hair and skincare powered by the centuries-old Yao women’s rice water rituals, reimagined through modern science.
• Ominira Naturals – Science-led, heritage-inspired solutions for textured and Afro hair, made from pH-balanced, hand-infused botanicals.
• Spots & Stripes – A pioneering tween/teen brand tackling skin and haircare with 100% natural, effective, age-appropriate formulas.
• Stria Labs – Science-first skincare born from motherhood, offering evidence-based solutions for stretch marks and body confidence.
• Tootilab – Curl care with attitude, blending inclusivity, science, and sustainability with 100% Prevented Ocean Plastic™ packaging.
• 2bTanned – A vibrant, inclusive tanning brand built to celebrate every skin tone, confidence, and individuality.