The pioneering collaboration combines expertise from Dr Vanita Rattan in formulating skincare for diverse skin tones with The Derma Co.’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of Indian consumers.
“Peptides are multi-functional. Firstly, they hold water in the top layer of your skin. In a country like India, where you are sweating a lot, your skin is getting dehydrated. Secondly, peptides are anti-inflammatory. And thirdly, they reduce the rate of acne,” says Dr Vanita Rattan (Dr V), a renowned doctor, cosmetic formulator and influential figure from the UK. She was in India recently to launch the skincare range Skin Renew in collaboration with The Derma Co.
The partnership marks a first for a domestic brand and an international cosmetic formulator coming together. They are all set to create a skincare range specifically for the Indian market. At a time when consumers are looking for expert-driven solutions, this collaboration couldn’t be timelier. Dr V’s passion for crafting skincare for coloured skin and strong follower base, recognised both nationally and internationally, greatly enhances the credibility of this collaboration.
When asked about the collaboration, she said, “When The Derma Co. approached me, I said ‘Don’t work with me. I’m terrible to work with. I’ve ridiculously high standards. Pick another doctor!’ I tried to put them off for 18 months. In the meantime, my follower base in India grew bigger and bigger. My followers were shouting on the Internet, asking me to come to India and create products for them. That’s when I got back to The Derma Co. and we started working together.”
Stronghold of ingredients
Peptides, renowned for their ability to foster a healing environment, remain at the centre of this product range. Potent actives including ceramides, retinol, AHAs and BHAs, work synergistically to accelerate skin renewal. The products in the Skin Renew Range are fragrance-free, free from essential oils and denatured alcohol. They are Made in India, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of manufacturing and safety.
The Skin Renew Range comprises five essential products – face wash, toner, moisturiser, retinol cream serum and exfoliator. They target three key areas: barrier repair, brightening and anti-acne solutions.
The range addresses factors like heat, pollution, and UV rays. It integrates ingredients like peptides, retinol, vitamin c, niacinamide and glycerin, to help you embark upon the journey towards skin renewal. Furthermore, the range features vitamin C, lactic acid and other ingredients. These even out skin tone, reduce dark spots and restore radiance. They help combat common concerns like hyperpigmentation and dullness exacerbated by sun exposure and pollution. Given India’s tropical climate fostering conditions conducive to acne, this range integrates anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol, and niacinamide to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, resulting in clear, blemish-free skin.
Expert advice from Dr Vanita Rattan
Dr V comments, “Over the past eighteen months, we’ve worked tirelessly to create the Skin Renew Range, tailored specifically for the Indian consumers. The choice of ingredients is the first-of-its-kind and brings in a unique blend of ingredients in formulations and textures, ideal for this weather. What sets us apart is that the range offers a blend of ten necessary and potent actives in precise percentages, packaged correctly and layered in the right order, effectively meeting the skincare needs of today’s consumers. I am confident that the consumers will love the products and will enjoy their skin renewal journey.”
The London-based formulator, underscoring her confidence in the brand, adds further, “While the collaboration undoubtedly stemmed from the deep-rooted trust The Derma Co. has in the Indian market, its commitment to being transparent – highlighting exact proportions of formulations across all product lines – was another motivation.”
We also asked her for tips for Indians to manage their skin health during summer. Dr Vanita Rattan said, “I’ll tell you but it’s something you don’t want to hear! Everyone should wear a hat, a pair of sunglasses and of course, sunscreen.”