Pooja Nagdev, Cosmetologist & Aromatherapist, and Founder of Inatur, plans on creating a niche for her brand in the salon space.
We get Pooja Nagdev to reveal her plans for scaling up in the professional skincare segment with her brand Inatur. She also decodes the differences between organic, natural, vegan and cruelty-free beauty labels.
Tell us about Inatur’s journey?
Inatur is pronounced ‘ee-natur.’ It combines Innovation, India and Nature. The thought of starting Inatur came in 2006 as at that point there was a strong need to introduce products in the market that declare all the ingredients and do not make any false claims under the pretext of being herbal.
Our country has so many natural ingredients to offer that have numerous benefits for skin and hair. We were inspired to create a line of products blending Ayurveda and Aromatherapy using completely natural and eco-certified ingredients. SCINAT is our proprietary trademark way of combining scientific knowledge of nature to bring healing benefits.
What’s the difference between organic, natural, vegan and cruelty free? Which category does Inatur belongs to?
Health + Beauty = Environment + Activism
Our life sustains around nature. What plants give off during photosynthesis is what we breathe so in one way plants are our life support.
Natural is anything that comes from nature – botanical and minerals. Any of these can produce ingredients that are beneficial to skin and hair and can be used alone or in combination. The most powerful and productive way for us to promote organic farming to bring purity is through our extracts. When we do organic farming we avoid using insecticides and pesticides and use only purified water to produce nutrition-rich herbs, plants, fruits and vegetables. While all organic plant derived essence, actives and herbs are natural, everything that is natural is not organic.
There are many animal-based ingredients that are being used in cosmetics these days. For example, blood is used in moisturizing creams, liver in nutritional support, animal fats in soaps, creams and lipsticks and so on.
When we make cruelty free products, we do not harm any animals during the process of manufacturing. Cruelty free also implies not tested on animals.
How one can be alert in terms of the labelling and ingredients?
As a consumer one must be able to read and interpret the ingredients correctly. Only the key ingredients like pure oils and extracts cannot make a product. 60-80% of a product is aqua. When we are adding all natural ingredient, we must preserve it so that there is no bacterial and fungi growth. One must read the labels carefully about which preservatives are used and in what quantity. There are certain ingredients that are banned by health organisations. They may give initial sensory benefit but in the long run are very harmful for skin.
Also, the net quantity of contents may additionally be stated in terms of the metric system of weights or measures.
Have you ever thought what makes your skin red, itchy and bumpy after applying some of your favourite skincare products?
Following is a list of banned ingredients, which will give you an idea of what goes inside your favourite products.
Phthalates, parabens, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), mineral oil, isopropyl alcohol, talc (magnesium silicate), coal tar, sulphates, diamines and silicons.
What are the current trends in the industry?
The natural beauty industry has seen an impressive rise in popularity. The organic skincare market is expected to rise with a CAGR of 10% during forecast period 2017-2024. The key factors driving the market growth are increasing consumer awareness regarding organic skincare products, growing e-commerce industry, increase in disposable income and expansion of distribution channels.
Tell us about Inatur’s professional range.
Our professional range is enriched with pure essential oils, herbal complexes and antioxidants. We have a Bio Peel Skin Clarifying Facial enriched with plant based glycolic acid.
What are plans for the salon and spa market? How do you see yourself in the professional space?
Our range of products is well accepted at premium salons and hotels. A customer has to be aware to understand the benefits of natural ingredients. We have our facials stations at DLF Place Mall Saket, Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj and Logix Mall Noida. Our focus is on reaching out to more salons and introducing our facials and peels to a wider customer base.
