The Indian beauty landscape is experiencing a renaissance driven by a discerning clientele that values quality, sustainability, and authenticity. This evolution transcends trends, emerging as a movement to celebrate local heritage and genuine efficacy. At the forefront of this transformation is Himaira, a brand that epitomises the essence of conscious, effective skincare.
Founded by Raghav Katariya, Himaira is a manifestation of empathy-driven entrepreneurship. Born from a personal quest for affordable, high-quality skincare solutions, it seamlessly integrates nature, science, and sustainability. In an exclusive conversation, Katariya unveils his brand’s philosophy, practices, and hero products.
ELLE: What sparked the inception of Himaira?
Raghav Katariya (RK): My journey into skincare began with my skin concerns and frequent dermatologist visits. The recommended products were often prohibitively expensive, prompting me to seek affordable alternatives that didn’t compromise quality. To my dismay, I found effective products either excessively priced or hard to find. This realisation inspired me to create Himaira, a brand committed to offering affordable, effective, and gentle skincare that instils confidence without a hefty price tag.
ELLE: Could you elaborate on Himaira’s mission and its guiding principles?
RK: Himaira’s mission is encapsulated in the three Cs: clean, clear, and conscious. We produce small, fresh batches to minimise waste and environmental impact. Our formulations are both skin and eco-friendly, crafted from natural, cruelty-free ingredients. We are also mindful of our packaging, opting for recyclable and reusable glass bottles, paper bags, and cardboard boxes.
ELLE: How does Himaira ensure transparency in its products?
RK: Transparency is a cornerstone of our brand. We provide comprehensive ingredient lists for all our products, adhere to FDA guidelines, and follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These measures ensure our customers are well-informed about what they’re applying to their skin, fostering trust in our products’ safety and efficacy.
ELLE: What sustainable practices has Himaira adopted?
RK: Sustainability is integral to Himaira. We use recyclable glass jars and PET bottles, and our order processing is free from plastic packaging. We’ve introduced a new tube with a low-profile flip-top cap, reducing plastic usage by approximately 16% per tube. Our packaging now incorporates High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Post-Consumer Recycled Material (PCR), and our latest launches feature FSC-certified outer packaging materials. Even our office supplies, such as paper pens and seed pencils, are chosen with sustainability in mind.
ELLE: How do you ensure the efficacy and safety of your products?
RK: We adopt a rigorous approach to ensure our product’s efficacy and safety. This includes six months of stability testing and a thorough evaluation of the key technical parameters. We conduct in-vivo studies and rigorous sample testing in controlled laboratory environments. These stringent quality control measures ensure every product meets our high standards of safety and effectiveness.
ELLE: Which hero ingredients define your product range, and why were they chosen?
RK: Our formulations blend tried-and-true ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid with innovative ones like Snail Mucin, Aldavine, Aquaxyl, and Matrixyl. This combination ensures our products are both effective and cutting-edge. Hero products such as the Vitamin C Face Wash, Hydro Bomb Moisturiser, and Sunshine Lotion highlight this balanced approach and have become customer favourites.
ELLE: What distinguishes Himaira from other beauty brands in a competitive market?
RK: Himaira’s commitment to sustainability, transparency, and continuous innovation sets us apart. We prioritise customer feedback, tailoring our offerings to meet diverse skincare needs. Each product undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee consistency and excellence, establishing Himaira as a trusted brand delivering innovative, gentle, and high-quality skincare.
