Reliance Retail to bring Europe’s top cosmetics brand 'essence' to India

Reliance Retail announced on Monday that it has signed an exclusive distribution partnership with Germany-based cosnova Beauty to launch essence in India. The move further expands Reliance Retail’s growing beauty portfolio.

Under the deal, Reliance Retail will distribute essence across its omnichannel network including online platforms, standalone beauty stores and partner retail formats, which makes the brand widely accessible to consumers nationwide.

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Founded in 2002, essence is said to be known for its “Make Beauty Fun” philosophy and high-quality, affordable, cruelty-free makeup. The brand said that over 80% of its products are manufactured in Europe, and it refreshes roughly half its range twice a year, adding trend-focused limited editions.

With its India entry, essence aims to encourage creative self-expression and everyday beauty experimentation — a move Reliance Retail says aligns with its broader goal of bringing leading global beauty brands to Indian shoppers.