This Indian company offers inclusive skincare solutions for melanin-rich skin

Skincare for those with melanin-rich skin has long been an underserved market. But an Indian company, SkinQ, is changing the game. SkinQ is a pioneering skincare company specialising in the creation of safe and effective dermo-cosmetics designed specifically for skin of color. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, SkinQ has emerged as a trailblazer in the skincare industry, introducing unique formulations that are backed by clinically proven dermatologist expertise. As the first company to develop and offer made safe certified products for skin of color, SkinQ holds a distinguished position in the dermocosmetics market, answering a previously unmet need for specialized and safe skincare solutions

In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, Meera Iyer, CEO and Co-Founder of SkinQ, discusses the company's recent funding success and its mission to transform skincare for people of color. She delves into the unique challenges and considerations when formulating products for melanin-rich skin, and how SkinQ leverages its team's expertise to address them

How does Dr Chytra Anand's background in dermatology influence the development of innovative products at SkinQ?

Dr Chytra has a master's in clinical dermatology from London and has been deeply involved in formulations for over a dozen years, serving on advisory boards for formulations with notable pharmaceutical companies like Allergan, Galderma, and Merz. As a practicing dermatologist managing nine clinics, she understands the most common skin concerns faced by melanin-rich Indians, which helps determine the product pipeline of innovations. Dr Chytra's global reputation as a skin of color expert ensures that all formulations are made with melanin care technology and inflammation defense to suit Indian skin, providing holistic treatment solutions different from European and Korean formulations, which don't deal with melanin as much. She believes in simplifying skin care rather than adding steps, using a multi-active approach in all products to eliminate the need for additional layers of skin care.

What steps does SkinQ take to ensure transparency and build trust with consumers regarding its dermatologist-led approach?

Every SkinQ product undergoes third-party clinical testing by independent labs to ensure safety. SkinQ is the first dermo-cosmetic brand from India to be made safe certified, which certifies it as toxin-free, gentle on skin, cruelty-free, and vegan. Many products have undergone human clinical trials, registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI), demonstrating their efficacy in dealing with acne, pigmentation, and tan. These results are published on packaging and websites, providing customers with evidence of both safety and efficacy.

Could you explain the key findings of the Mascot survey and how they emphasise the importance of dermatological expertise in skincare?

The clinical trials conducted with labs Mascot Spincontrol and Novobliss aimed to evaluate the in-vivo efficacy and safety of SkinQ formulations in terms of changes in skin brightness, tanning, reduction in acne, sebum, pore sizes, etc., within a specified period from the baseline. All testing was done on Indians with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick scale 3-5) to ensure validity for melanin-rich skin. Despite the products being over-the-counter (OTC) and not requiring human testing, SkinQ conducted these drug-level trials to provide proof of efficacy, driven by Dr Chytra's commitment to ensuring product effectiveness. Results include the world's first sunscreen tested on skin of color that reduces tan by 15 per cent in 4 weeks, an acne control mask that shrinks acne size by 50 per cent in 3 uses, and a brightening serum that reduces melanin by 5.3 per cent and brightens skin by 35 per cent in just 4 weeks, impressing testing labs and earning customer and doctor appreciation worldwide.

How does SkinQ plan to utilize the recent seed funding to further its mission and product development?

SkinQ's vision is to improve the skin quotient of 10 million people with skin of color with innovative superior skin treatments. The funding is being used to explore avenues to achieve this vision, including direct customer marketing and establishing a presence in dermatology clinics across India, USA, Middle East, and Africa, where doctors appreciate products created and clinically trialed for melanin-rich skin. The funding also supports more clinical trials across the portfolio and innovation for new products, as well as team augmentation for channel and marketing efforts.

What considerations drive SkinQ's decision-making process when it comes to global expansion?

SkinQ aims to serve the 70 per cent of the world's population with melanin-rich skin, who are significantly underserved by skincare products. Melanin-rich skin is prone to tan, pigmentation, dark spots, and acne due to more oil glands and thicker skin, requiring different actives for effective moisturisation. Business considerations also play a role in identifying the right partners in each region to maintain brand integrity and positioning.

Can you provide insights into the development process of SkinQ's upcoming products in the next six months?

SkinQ is working on an exciting range of anti-aging products tailored for melanin-rich skin and addressing pigmentation in specific body parts that tend to show different intensities. These products are expected to be released in the coming financial year.

How does SkinQ address the unique skin care needs of individuals with melanin-rich skin in its product formulations?

SkinQ formulations fundamentally address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a common reaction in melanin-rich skin to skin trauma, such as acne, wounds, or sun damage. The products contain actives that reduce skin inflammation and melanin production, strengthening the skin and preventing unevenness, patches, or pigmentation. Adaptive moisturisation with optimized pKa values is a hallmark of SkinQ, suiting the needs of darker skin tones. Additionally, the products are lightweight, with easy spread and no sticky residue, non-comedogenic, and improve skin appearance.

How does SkinQ ensure that its products are accessible and affordable for a wide range of consumers, including those with melanin-rich skin?

SkinQ products are available online through the SkinQ website, as well as on marketplaces like Nykaa and Amazon. They are also retailed through leading dermatology clinics and have a range of facials designed for salons, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of consumers.

Can you discuss SkinQ's approach to staying updated with the latest advancements in dermatological research and how this informs product development?

Dr Chytra, SkinQ's chief formulator, stays updated with the latest advancements through conferences worldwide, particularly in skin conferences and as a member of the World Anti-aging Congress and the Skin of Color Society. These platforms provide her with regular updates on the latest in Skin Science, informing SkinQ's product development.

What are some of the challenges SkinQ has faced in formulating products for skin of color, and how has the brand overcome them?

The challenge has not been in formulations but in educating consumers about the differences between skin of color and white skin and avoiding being misled by advertising. Korean formulations, for example, are popular but may not be suitable for Indian skin. Despite budget limitations, SkinQ has worked to convey the superiority and suitability of its products for melanated skin, challenging the cluttered skincare market to recognize and appreciate these differences.