Nykaa was launched in April 2012 by Falguni Nayar, a former managing director at Kotak Mahindra Capital Company. It began as an ecommerce service that curated a selection of beauty and health products. Nykaa is derived from the Sanskrit word nayaka, which means “actor” or “one who is in the spotlight.” The website was first introduced around the time of Diwali in 2012, and it became commercially available in 2013.
The company transitioned from an online-only to an omnichannel model in 2015, and began selling fashion items.
Nykaa Man, India’s first multi-brand internet store for men’s grooming, was launched in 2018. Nykaa Design Studio, which was later renamed Nykaa Fashion, was the company’s first foray into the fashion industry.
Nykaa released Nykaa PRO in 2020. It’s a premium membership programme that gives Nykaa App users exclusive access to professional beauty products and deals.Â