12 finalists revealed for UK accelerator supporting emerging beauty entrepreneurs

Breakout Beauty UK, an accelerator programme designed to support emerging beauty entrepreneurs in building globally recognised brands, has named 12 finalists set to take part in its six-week mentorship and business development scheme.

The programme attracted applications from more than 200 founders. This year’s cohort showcases a diverse group of entrepreneurs, with 80% identifying as women and significant representation from BAME founders across the industry.

Alongside 11 UK-based participants, one entrepreneur from Australia has been invited to join virtually.

Over a six-week period, finalists will receive mentorship, investment guidance, retail access, and business development support curated by Growth Studio.

Following this, two participants will also secure a guaranteed listing in 10 Boots stores, alongside prizes valued at over £350,000 from Boots and TikTok Shop.

The finalists

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 Watkins, 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 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 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 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.

The programme is supported by headline partners including Boots, TikTok Shop, HSBC Innovation Banking, and FDD International, with additional support from Bird & Bird, the British Beauty Council, and Venrex.

Programme ambassadors Trinny Woodall, founder of Trinny London, and Mitchell Halliday, founder of Made by Mitchell, will offer guidance to participants.

Industry figures including Marina Kalenchyts, co-founder and Brand Director of Wonderskin; Michael Douglas, founder of MD London; Colette Laxton, co-founder of The Inkey List; and Jamie Genevieve, founder of VIEVE, will also share their insights throughout the accelerator.

Paul Finch, co-founder of Growth Studio and Programme Designer at Breakout Beauty UK, said: "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."