1. Dr Sheth’s
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Dr. Sheth’s products are often found doing rounds on our favourite skin-care influencers’ Instagram accounts and as a homegrown brand, it definitely deserves its time in the spotlight. Founder Dr. Aneesh Sheth, trained in pharmacy and formulation, comes from a legacy of leading skincare experts and it’s no wonder that he realised that Indian skincare was deeply lacking in research that was specifically targeted to the subcontinent. The brand has been instrumental in helping Indians understand their own skin. In the midst of a culture of toxic colourism, Dr. Sheth’s celebrates melanin, encourages people to care for their skin and, in the process, fall in love with their skin.
2. Juicy Chemistry
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One of the most loved homegrown skincare brands, Juicy Chemistry sets itself apart with its affordable organic range of products. Made out of 100 percent certified organic ingredients, the brand focuses on creating a healthy and natural skincare experience. Face care, hair care and body care, Juicy Chemistry has products for every concern and for everyone. They also offer personalised assistance on their website for those who want to build their skincare regime from scratch. But two of the standout products in their skincare line have to be their Frankincense and Hemp Organic Facial Oil and Australian Tea Tree and Basil Hydrosol Mist that works wonders on acne-prone and dry skin.
3. Arata
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If you’re in search of a hair care brand that truly takes care of your hair and skin, without damaging it even further, Arata is the one for you. A brand for everyone, Arata has a unique range of hair and skincare products. From cleansing sulphate-free shampoos to green tea serum, Arata focuses on a genderless product range that opens up an inclusive space in the skincare community. The brand uses organic ingredients and steers clear from harmful chemicals.
4. Kama Ayurveda
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Sustainable, socially motivated and cruelty-free, Kama Ayurveda is decadent skincare at its finest. The brand has carved its own space in the international market and, for years, people have been ardently invested in each launch. For nearly two decades, Kama Ayurveda has been leading the Ayurveda-made movement. Its skincare philosophy is focused on healing using the earth’s elements and advanced technology. Kama’s Kumkumadi Miraculous Beauty Fluid and the Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment are time-tested products that have a loyal following. If you want to try one of their new innovations, their aromatic Pure Neroli Water is perfect for hydrating and toning your skin.
5. Forest Essentials
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By tapping into the riches of India’s ancient wisdom, Forest Essentials has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in the luxe wellness space. People’s love and attachment to the brand comes from the full sensory experience it provides—its packaging is stunning; the products all have a luxurious fragrance, and the brand is ethically conscious, as well. The empowerment of women and taking care of its employees and the environment are as important to Forest Essentials as the tenets of Ayurvedic philosophy. With their Energising Sports Kit or mask-friendly lip products, Forest Essentials has proven that Ayurveda is not a relic from a bygone era. Their recently released natural make-up line is perfect for that luminous, fresh-faced look, while also enriching your skin with nourishing ingredients.
6. Purearth
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For Purearth, beauty is conscious wellness. Pure, gentle, natural and serene, its products combine luxury with an ardent passion for ethical skincare. Instead of promising quick fixes, Purearth offers slow and artisanal formulations, developed in their zero-waste laboratories with ingredients sourced from the Himalayas. Its commitment to the ecology is found in initiatives like the Pure Purpose Foundation, which focuses on social impact, and the Recycling Programme, through which it collects empty product containers and plants a tree for each jar or bottle collected. Founded by Kavita Khosa, the brand also works to help local producers gain a firm footing in urban markets. Award-winning and decadent products from the brand include their Body Polish, Body Butter and Illumine Elixir Supercritical Face Oil.
7. Neemli
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This home-grown and family-run brand is on a mission to reaffirm the science and efficacy of natural skincare. Non-toxic Neemli caters to a variety of skin types and needs, not only through their products but also through their personal consultative services. For Neemli, true beauty is unfiltered, and this obviously resonates with their customers; after all, their ‘No Filter Beauty’ line is a fan favourite. Fun fact: though Neemli is headquartered in Mumbai, they actually began selling products at a flea market in Goa.
8. RAS Luxury Oils
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One of India’s leading farm-to-face skincare brands, RAS Luxury Oils seeks to bring the pleasures of aromatherapy to skincare. Using nature as its guide, the brand has its own research lab and farm to develop organic products. It was co-founded by mother-daughter duo Sangeeta and Shubhika Jain, who believe facial oils to be elixir-like concoctions that give the skin a healthy glow. Used with the brand’s hydrating mists and beauty tools, like the Internet’s current obsession, the Gua Sha stone, RAS’ facial oils promise to nourish and energise your skin.
9. Indulgeo Essentials
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Indulgeo Essentials is another organic, luxe skincare brand that’s been founded by a mother-daughter duo—Seema Arora and Supriya Malik. The two believe that if looked closely enough, one can find remedies for skin concerns in nature, making skincare routines uncomplicated and gratifying. The products are made of fine, raw ingredients carefully blended to ensure quality and results. Indulgeo Essentials’ Volcanic Night Oil, Rejuvenating Eye Serum and Squalene Skin Hydrator have been consistent bestsellers and are perfect examples of the brand’s ethos.
10. Kimirica
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