Agapi Sikkim, a skincare startup based in Sikkim, has received the Visionary Women’s Award at the 2026 edition of BEAUTY&YOU India. The programme is organised by The Estée Lauder Companies in partnership with Nykaa and Startup India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Founded in 2019, the brand develops skincare products using ingredients and traditional practices associated with the Eastern Himalayas. It operates through Trateng Greens Pvt. Ltd. and is led by founder Rinzing Choden Bhutia.
The award comes as the brand seeks to expand beyond its home market. Details of any financial grant, investment or commercial agreement linked to the recognition were not provided in the announcement.
Women Entrepreneurship
BEAUTY&YOU India is a platform for emerging beauty brands. The Visionary Women’s Award recognises Agapi Sikkim for its work as a women-led business drawing on regional ingredients and traditions.
The brand said the recognition could help it connect with industry networks and explore potential partnerships. However, no specific partnership or expansion agreement was announced alongside the award.
In a statement, founder Rinzing Choden Bhutia said, “For me, this award is not just a milestone; it’s an opportunity to open up possibilities beyond what we imagined.” The statement did not provide further details about the brand’s next expansion plans.
Himalayan Ingredients
Agapi Sikkim develops skincare products inspired by Himalayan botanicals and traditional healing practices. Its product approach centres on using ingredients associated with the region and presenting them in formats intended for modern skincare routines.
The company also identifies ingredient transparency and sustainability as part of its business approach. Its stated focus includes creating livelihood opportunities for women connected to its operations and sourcing activities.
Brand links its identity to the natural resources and cultural practices of the Eastern Himalayas. Information about its current product range, sales, distribution network and workforce was not included in the announcement.
About Agapi Sikkim
Agapi Sikkim was founded in 2019 by Rinzing Choden Bhutia and operates under Trateng Greens Pvt. Ltd. The Sikkim-based business follows a skincare model built around products inspired by Himalayan plant ingredients and traditional practices.
It aims to bring these ingredients and regional knowledge to consumers through commercially developed beauty products. The company has described women’s livelihoods, ingredient transparency and sustainability as parts of its approach, but has not disclosed revenue, funding raised or the number of people employed.
Domestic beauty and personal care market includes businesses selling skincare, cosmetics, haircare and body care products through online platforms, retail stores and direct-to-consumer channels. Smaller brands often build their identity around particular ingredients, regional traditions or specific customer needs.
For brands such as Agapi Sikkim, wider distribution can require investment in product development, manufacturing, packaging, marketing and retail partnerships. The award may provide industry exposure, but the extent of its commercial impact will depend on the partnerships and business opportunities that follow.
Agapi has said it wants to reach more consumers while maintaining its connection with Sikkim and the Eastern Himalayas. The company has not announced a timeline for entering new markets or disclosed targets for sales and distribution.
The recognition places Agapi Sikkim among emerging Indian beauty businesses receiving attention through industry programmes. Its next stage of growth will depend on how it develops its product range, reaches customers and builds distribution beyond its existing market.
