Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I am a consultant and advisor to the Cosmetic & Beauty industry with a combined experience of 31 years as an Entrepreneur, Academician, Educator, and Skin. I am an Expert in Cosmetic and Beauty Product Design Formulation and Research. A Doctorate in Cosmetic Science and Technology with an add on Post graduate Degree in Quality Assurance of Cosmetics and another one in Marketing & Sales Management.

I began my career as a Chemist in a well-known organization and moved on to become an entrepreneur, academician, and consultant in the industry.

During my vast journey playing different roles, I have garnered rich experience in the field, designing and developing more than 450 product formulations for 50+ brands (private labels and start-ups) globally.

As an academician teaching Postgraduate students for 20 years, I have 13 research publications in various journals, about 10+ Research presentations, 20+ Research Projects, and 2 research articles in Research books to my credit.

I am a member of ISCC (Indian Society of Cosmetic Chemists) and a member of the Clinical Research Committee with a Cancer Hospital HCG.

Over the past thirty years, I have executed several research projects for well-known brands and companies, designed niche and innovative products for brands and start-ups, and played key roles such as Tech head/ CTO, Project Consultant, etc. for many beauty brands.

Q2. What are some efficient strategies to reduce costs in the production of skincare products without compromising quality or service levels?

• Low energy processing in w/o emulsions and products where water is in larger quantities
• Avoiding unnecessary ingredients just for claims
• Avoiding the use of multiple ingredients with similar effects
• Minimalistic approach in ingredient selection while maximising efficacy with the right selection

Q3. How do you ensure a seamless flow of materials and products through the supply chain?

• Inventory and effective store management
• Sales forecasting

Q4. Are there recent or planned investments in skincare technology to improve the operational efficiency of the supply chain?

I think the use of AI can be a great support there.

Q5. How can a skincare product adapt to changing consumer needs?

The most important consideration is the changing weather which affects the skin most.

Then, mutations in diseases cause frequent and drastic changes in skin condition and type.

The shift in aging: Now, the skin is changing and aging faster than before due to overexposure to products, pollution, the environment, and nutrition.

The dietary changes and the environmental/climate changes happening.

These are, in my opinion, the top considerations to be taken into account to meet consumer needs in today’s ever-evolving times.

Q6. What are some challenges faced in the development of new skincare products?

Same as above.

In addition,  though the world is shrinking and has become more accessible, political, climatic, and health hazards have become a big deciding factor in product creation and design. To state this better with an example would be that the Cosmetic industry is/was highly dependent on China for its RM & ACI’s.

In Covid, when the markets closed, production was put at a big halt for a brief period, and raw material prices hiked, which led to a big jump in final cost and the cost-benefit ratio.

Similarly, the wars going on have impacted overall distribution and market reach.

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

Road map to Sustainability post breakeven is what I would seek and ask !

• Brands come in at the drop of a hat, but what is their shelf life?
• Do have the mettle to be able to stand tall there for a substantial period of time to reach a breakeven?
• And what is the life span they foresee for their brand, and what is the realistic plan to survive in the jungle ?