What MAVALA does

MAVALA is an independent Swiss family-owned beauty laboratory founded in 1958/1959, operating as a vertically integrated formulator, manufacturer, and marketer of nail, hand, foot, skincare, eye, lip, and color cosmetic products. The company's product portfolio spans more than 50 distinct SKUs across specialized collections including Mini Color and Mini Bio Color nail polishes (the latter with 85%+ naturally derived ingredients), nail treatments such as Scientifique K+ (crystalline resin tears and mastic tree extract), Mavala Stop anti-biting serum, and Mava-Med antifungal solution; skincare lines (Pore Detox, Anti-Age Pro, Aqua Plus, Nutri-Elixir, Skin Vitality); and a recently expanded color cosmetics range featuring Dream Foundation, Serum Foundation, Nutri Lip Oil, and the Double-Brow and Double-Lash treatment serums. Underlying technology centers on proprietary Swiss formulations combining active botanical ingredients (alpine plant extracts, sugarcane- and beetroot-derived nail polish bases, organic silicon complexes) with dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested delivery systems, with several products carrying vegan and 90%+ natural-origin credentials.

The company generates revenue through one-time-purchase transactions across three primary go-to-market channels: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via mavala.co.uk (with free delivery over £49.99 and bundle pricing at roughly 20% off RRP), third-party retail distribution through selected UK pharmacies and department stores, and a professional channel serving beauty therapists in salons and spas. Pricing spans £6.80 for entry-level Mini Color polishes up to £52.50 for premium skincare serums, with curated gift sets reaching £97.20. The customer base is broad and horizontal, segmented by use case (nail care consumers, hand/foot care consumers, skincare consumers) and by persona (professional beauty therapists), with no named enterprise accounts or B2B anchor customers. MAVALA's UK operations are headquartered in Sevenoaks while manufacturing and corporate identity remain anchored in Switzerland, and the company markets itself as a family business with over 65 years of brand heritage.

Name

MAVALA

Website

https://mavala.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MAVALA is an independent Swiss family-owned beauty laboratory (founded 1958/1959) that develops, manufactures, and sells nail care, hand/foot care, skincare, eye/lip care, and color cosmetics through DTC e-commerce, pharmacies, department stores, and professional salons, primarily serving UK and Swiss consumer markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nail Care & Beauty Products

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hand & Body Care (Lotions, Creams, Body Oils) (CRADANAC), Eye & Lip Skincare (CRABAAAC), Manicure & Pedicure Tools (Files, Clippers, Cuticle Tools) (CRABAKAE)

Keywords

• Nail care products
• Hand care creams
• Swiss skincare
• Lip care products
• Color cosmetics

Headquarters

HQ city

Sevenoaks

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Nail Care Products: MAVALA's original and core product category, including nail polishes (Mini Colors with iconic small bottles since 1962, Mini Bio Colors with 85% natural ingredients), base coats, top coats, nail hardeners, strengtheners, ridge fillers, and nail polish removers. One-time purchase model with individual product and bundle/set options.
2. Hand and Skin Care Products: Specialized hand creams (Collagen Hand Cream, Prebiotic Hand Cream, Mava-Plus, Repairing Night Cream for Hands), anti-spot creams, and foot care products (Hydro-Repairing Foot Care, Refreshing Foot Gel, Smoothing Foot Scrub). Sold as individual products and curated bundles/sets.
3. Skincare, Eye and Lip Care Products: Face care lines including Pore Detox, Anti-Age Pro, Aqua Plus, Nutri-Elixir, Skin Vitality collections, plus eye care (Eye Contour Gel, Double-Brow serum, Double-Lash), and lip care (Lip Balm, Lip-shine, Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Nutri Lip Oil). Premium positioning with prices ranging from £13.25 to £52.50 for serums and creams.
4. Cosmetic/Make-Up Products: Full makeup range including mascara (Waterproof Lengthening, Volume & Length, Creamy Lengthening), eyeliners, eyeshadows, concealers, foundations, powder, and makeup removers. Blends skincare benefits with cosmetic performance.
5. Bundles and Gift Sets: Curated product bundles and gift sets (Mavala On Holiday, Mavala On The Go, Mavala Party Time Make Up, Mavala Man Essential Set, Mavala Home Spa for Hands/Feet) offered at discounted bundle prices, creating upsell and cross-sell opportunities across all product categories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

MAVALA is a Swiss family-owned cosmetics laboratory that develops, manufactures, and sells nail care (polishes, treatments, cuticle care, base and top coats, removers), hand care (collagen and anti-spot creams), foot care (hydro-repairing cream, refreshing gel), skincare (anti-age, hydra, pore detox, serums, mists), lip care (lipstick, gloss, lip oil), eye care (mascaras, liners, brow pencils, contour creams), and complexion makeup (foundation, concealer, powder) products. The line is sold direct-to-consumer via mavala.co.uk and through pharmacies, department stores, salons, spas, and nail professionals worldwide.

Product overview

MAVALA is a Swiss beauty brand founded in 1959, operating as an independent family laboratory that develops, manufactures, and markets comprehensive nail, hand, skin, eye, and lip care products. The portfolio is organized into distinct collections including: Nail Care (Mini Color Nail Polish, Mini Bio Color with 85%+ natural ingredients, nail treatments like Scientifique K+, base/top coats, polish removers, and hand/foot tools); Skincare (Pore Detox, Anti-Age Pro Chronobiological, Aqua Plus moisturising, Nutri-Elixir nourishing, Skin Vitality radiance, and Clean & Comfort lines); Eye & Lip Care (Double-Brow serum, Double-Lash lash serum, eye contour creams/gels, lip oils, lipsticks, lip-shine, mascaras, eyeliners, eyeshadows, and concealers); and Hand/Foot Care (specialized creams, gels, scrubs, and spa treatments). Products emphasize Swiss formulation expertise with dermatological and ophthalmological testing, vegan formulations where noted, and integrate both therapeutic care and cosmetic enhancement. The company distributes through pharmacies, department stores, and salons, with recent innovation including the April 2025 Double Brow serum launch targeting the growing brow serums market.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mini Color Nail Polish Iconic Swiss-made 5ml nail polish in MAVALA's signature Mini Color range, sold in many shades for personal manicure use.
• Mini Bio Color Nail Polish 5ml nail polish in the Mini Bio Color range, formulated with bio-sourced ingredients for personal manicure use.
• Scientifique K+ Nail Hardening Treatment Hardening treatment formulated to strengthen soft, brittle, or splitting nails, applied as a base treatment in a personal nail care regimen.
• Mava-Flex Nail Serum Serum formulated to improve nail flexibility and resilience for consumers with weak or damaged nails.
• Ridge Filler Base coat that fills ridges and evens the nail surface before polish application.
• 002 Base + Silicium Fortifying base coat formulated with silicium to harden and protect nails before polish.
• Nail Shield Protective coating applied to nails to shield them from damage and improve resilience.
• Gel Finish Top Coat

Quantifiable outcome

• Double Brow serum is 93% natural-origin, vegan, ophthalmologically & dermatologically tested
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• OPI: OPI is a leading global professional nail polish brand offering lacquers, treatments, and gel systems. Both MAVALA and OPI compete directly in the professional and consumer nail color market with extensive shade ranges and treatment products, though OPI operates at significantly larger scale globally.
• Essie: Essie is a major mass-market nail polish brand (L'Oréal-owned) offering nail color, treatments, and care products. Direct competitor to MAVALA's Mini Color and treatment ranges in the consumer nail care category, particularly in pharmacy and department store retail channels.
• CND (Creative Nail Design): CND is a professional-focused nail brand offering Shellac, Vinylux, and treatment systems. Both MAVALA and CND target the professional nail technician channel with treatment-focused products like CND's Solar Oil and MAVALA's Scientifique K+ and cuticle oils.
• Nails Inc. Nails Inc. is a UK-based premium nail polish and treatment brand sold through its own e-commerce and major retailers. Direct competitor to MAVALA in the UK nail care market, with overlapping distribution channels (pharmacies, department stores) and similar premium positioning.

Emerging players

• Ciaté London: Ciaté London is a UK-based beauty brand specializing in nail polish, treatments, and broader cosmetics. Comparable to MAVALA as a UK-centric challenger brand with a focus on nail color innovation and treatment products targeting similar pharmacy and DTC channels.
• Butter London: Butter London is a UK-origin nail and beauty brand offering premium nail lacquers, treatments, and color cosmetics. Comparable to MAVALA in combining British heritage with clean-beauty positioning and a multi-category approach spanning nail, lip, and skincare.
• Dr. Hauschka: Dr. Hauschka is a German natural skincare and cosmetics brand emphasizing natural and biodynamic ingredients. Comparable to MAVALA in combining European heritage, natural-formulation positioning (similar to MAVALA's Mini Bio Colors and Double Brow), and pharmacy-channel distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Clarins: Clarins is a French premium skincare and beauty house with broader product portfolio including body care, skincare, and makeup. Comparable to MAVALA as a European heritage beauty brand sold through pharmacies and department stores, though operating at significantly larger scale and broader category scope.
• Revlon: Revlon is a global mass-market beauty conglomerate with extensive nail polish (Revlon ColorStay), color cosmetics, and skincare portfolios. Comparable to MAVALA in offering nail polish as a core category alongside broader beauty, though at much larger scale and mass-market positioning.
• L'Oréal: L'Oréal is the world's largest beauty conglomerate with brands spanning skincare, haircare, color cosmetics, and nail (Essie, Maybelline). Comparable to MAVALA at the industry level as a comprehensive beauty company competing for the same retail shelf space and consumer occasions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mavalauk
• Facebookfacebook.com/MavalaUK
• Instagraminstagram.com/mavalauk
• Xx.com/mavalauk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MAVALA