TIME100 Most Influential Companies isn’t just another PR-friendly ranking. It’s a barometer of who’s truly shaping global conversations — in tech, economics, culture, and, of course, beauty. And if you still think beauty innovation is just about another TikTok highlighter or “clean girl skin” trend, you might want to look again.
So, who made it to TIME’s list of the 100 most influential companies in 2025 — and what did they do to get there?
1. Debut — Biotech Meets AI for Future-Forward Beauty
If there was a 2025 Netflix show called How I Met My Molecule, Debut would be the lead. This biotech startup is blending artificial intelligence with lab-grade innovation to create next-gen active ingredients — effective, sustainable, and ethical.
Debut isn’t just making “clean” formulas. They’re making intelligent ones: molecularly designed, environmentally conscious, and clinically effective. In 2025, they officially stepped out of the niche and into the industry spotlight, offering a real alternative to conventional cosmetic raw materials.
Why TIME loves them: Because they’re proving that the future of skincare isn’t just green — it’s molecular.
2. L’Oréal — When Dermatology Becomes a Power Move
The king keeps the crown. L’Oréal has long evolved from a brand to a full-fledged ecosystem. This year, it doubled down on its dermo-cosmetic category — La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and Skinbetter Science — all backed by strong R&D, strategic acquisitions, and medical-grade credibility.
And guess what? That strategy worked. Reports show the derm segment as one of L’Oréal’s fastest-growing pillars — driven by rising demand for sensitive-skin-friendly, proven products. Science is no longer niche — it’s the new mainstream, and L’Oréal is steering the ship.
Why TIME loves them: For making clinical skincare cool — and wildly scalable.
3. Touchland — Sanitizer, But Make It Chic
Who thought hand sanitizer could become a beauty accessory? Touchland did. With sleek packaging, elevated scents, and a design-first approach, they turned hygiene into lifestyle.
In 2025, they hit a major milestone: Touchland was acquired by Church & Dwight (of Arm & Hammer and Batiste fame) for $700 million. That wasn’t just an exit — it was a cultural reset for personal care.
Why TIME loves them: For turning a utilitarian product into a must-have — and keeping it on everyone’s vanity post-pandemic.
4. e.l.f. Beauty — Fast, Fearless, and Extremely Online
If there’s one brand that doesn’t just follow trends but creates them in real time, it’s e.l.f. With lightning-fast product drops, affordable price tags, and viral TikTok campaigns, they’ve perfected the art of beauty-on-demand.
In 2025, e.l.f. doubled down on its edge: inclusive marketing, high-performance dupes, collabs that actually make sense, and formulas that punch way above their price point.
Why TIME loves them: For showing the industry what agility really looks like — and doing it without sacrificing quality or relevance.
What Does This Tell Us?
In 2025, a truly influential beauty brand isn’t just “making a good cream.” It’s a brand that:
bets on science,
blurs the lines between skincare and health,
talks to its audience (not at them),
and reshapes the structure of the industry from the inside out.
TIME sees it. We see it. And if you want to keep watching — or be a part of that transformation — come join our Open Beauty Hub. It’s where strategy, substance, and skin-deep trends come together for people who think beauty is bigger than packaging.