Huda Beauty: Founder, Ownership, Boycott, and Popularity

Most people first met Huda Beauty through perfectly blended eyeshadow tutorials on Instagram. What started as Huda Kattan’s beauty blog turned into a billion-dollar cosmetics brand — and along the way, it became the target of boycott campaigns that have split its fanbase.

Founded: 2013 ·
Founder: Huda Kattan ·
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE ·
Net Worth (Founder): Estimated $200 million ·
Instagram Followers: 50 million+ ·
Products: Makeup, Skincare, Fragrance

Six key data points tell a brand story built on influencer momentum, now navigating political crosswinds.

The pattern: a fast-growing label built on influencer momentum, now navigating political crosswinds.

Who is the real owner of Huda Beauty?

Huda Kattan is the founder and controlling owner of Huda Beauty. She launched the label in 2013, and the company has never disclosed institutional investors or co-owners in public filings, according to Wikipedia: Huda Beauty.

Is Huda Beauty owned by Kim Kardashian?

No. The rumor that Kim Kardashian owns Huda Beauty is false. Kardashian has her own cosmetics line, SKKN by Kim, but holds no stake in Huda Beauty. The confusion may stem from both brands being celebrity-adjacent beauty lines, but ownership remains solely with Huda Kattan, as confirmed by Newsweek: Huda Beauty Business Profile.

Is Huda Kattan a millionaire?

Yes. Huda Kattan is a millionaire; estimates of her net worth vary. Newsweek: Huda Beauty Business Profile reported in 2026 that she is valued at more than $500 million, while other sources place it around $200 million. The discrepancy comes from private company valuation, but all agree she is well into eight figures.

Which country is Huda Beauty from?

Huda Beauty is registered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where its headquarters are located. The brand sells globally through Sephora, its own website, and retailers in 30+ countries. All American Speakers: Huda Kattan describes the company as “based in Dubai.”

Is Huda Arab or Palestinian?

Huda Kattan is an American of Iraqi descent — she was born in Oklahoma City to parents from Iraq. She has not claimed Palestinian heritage. Wikipedia: Huda Kattan states her parents are Iraqi, making her Iraqi-American. The Palestinian label appears only in social-media speculation, not in her own identity statements.

The implication: Huda Kattan’s ethnicity is Arab (Iraqi), not Palestinian. The brand’s origin story is rooted in the UAE, not any single ethnic identity.

Why is Huda Beauty boycotted?

The boycott has two phases. The first, emerging in 2020, targeted Huda Kattan’s commentary on Gaza. The second, larger wave hit in January 2026 after she reposted a video from TRT World that critics described as pro-Iranian regime propaganda. Iran International: Huda Beauty Boycott reported that the repost triggered outcry among Iranians, with activist Naz Golrokh calling for a consumer boycott.

Is Huda Beauty on the boycott list?

Yes, Huda Beauty appears on informal boycott lists circulated by BDS-aligned groups and Iranian diaspora activists. NDTV: Huda Beauty Boycott Trend covered the trend in detail, noting that protesters posted videos discarding Huda Beauty products. The brand has not released an official statement addressing either boycott.

Why is Huda Beauty so popular?

The brand’s rise is tied directly to Huda Kattan’s social-media influence. With over 50 million Instagram followers, she built a community around makeup tutorials and honest reviews before launching products. Newsweek: Huda Beauty Business Profile highlights that her personal brand drives sales more than traditional advertising.

What products does Huda Beauty offer?

• Makeup: Eyeshadow palettes (New Nude, Mercury Retrograde), #FauxFilter foundation, Life Liner, Easy Bake setting powder, liquid lipsticks, lip liners, false lashes and nails.
• Skincare: Wishful line (exfoliators, serums, moisturizers).
• Fragrance: Kayali line (co-founded with sister Mona Kattan).

According to Wikipedia: Huda Beauty, the brand launched its first product — a set of false lashes — through Sephora in 2013 and expanded rapidly. The Ube Obsession collection arrived in January 2025, per Forward2Me: Huda Kattan.

Timeline of Huda Beauty’s growth and controversy

Five milestones mark the journey from blog to beleaguered brand.

• 2013 — Huda Kattan launches Huda Beauty with a line of false eyelashes through Sephora (Wikipedia: Huda Beauty).
• 2015 — Eyeshadow palettes go viral; brand gains massive Instagram following (Wikipedia: Huda Beauty).
• 2017 — #FauxFilter foundation launch; brand valuation grows (Wikipedia: Huda Beauty).
• 2020 — First boycott calls related to Gaza commentary (StandWithUs: Facebook Post).
• January 2026 — Iran-related repost sparks renewed boycott; social-media users destroy products (Iran International: Huda Beauty Boycott).

Voices on the brand

Huda Beauty was founded in 2013 by Huda Kattan.

Wikipedia: Huda Beauty

Naz Golrokh publicly called for a boycott of Huda Beauty in connection with the Iran controversy.

Iran International: Huda Beauty Boycott

During the summer of 2025, Huda Kattan … [the brand] faced criticism over social-media commentary on Gaza.

StandWithUs: Facebook Post

For consumers in Western markets, the choice is becoming clearer: buy based on product quality and face potential social-media pushback, or skip the brand and miss out on a well-rated product line. For Huda Beauty, the trade-off between founder expression and commercial reach is now the defining narrative.

For a deeper look into the brand’s background, including Huda Beautys ownership and boycott, this article provides a comprehensive overview.

Frequently asked questions