Biotech-powered magnificence: inside Potion Inc.’s journey

Key takeaways

• India’s magnificence market is turning into a serious hub for innovation and biotech-driven uncooked supplies.
• Potion Inc. was created to shift skincare’s focus from developments and exterior situations to the biology of the pores and skin itself.
• The model blends botanical actives with biotechnology for light however high-performance formulations.
• Founder Sanjana Balani shares the challenges of adjusting perceptions round pure elements and self‑funding an R&D-led model.
• Her upcoming in-cosmetics World session highlights the significance of human-centred model constructing in at the moment’s business.

The India market is a serious focus for the worldwide magnificence business proper now. Not solely does it provide immense potential for innovation, it is usually rising as a frontrunner in uncooked materials growth.

Forward of the in-cosmetics World present in Paris this April, we spoke to Sanjana Balani, Founder & CEO of Potion Inc., India’s first biotech-powered magnificence model. Balani will probably be talking about her journey on the commerce present, however right here she offers readers a sneak peek…

Hello Sanjana, why did you determine to launch Potion?

“Potion got here from one thing I observed through the years of transferring between international locations and environments. Every nation I moved to had totally different climates, air pollution ranges, humidity, and temperatures, and I continually felt like I needed to change my skincare routine to swimsuit my pores and skin. It made me realise how a lot the business focuses on exterior components and trending elements, however not sufficient on the pores and skin itself.

“On the identical time, I thought of my grandmother. Rising up in an Indian family, I at all times caught her utilizing easy, pure elements on her face, resembling hand-pounded neem powder or a selfmade model of milk cream known as ‘malai.’ Extra surprisingly, they at all times appeared to work. That stayed with me, so I started digging into the why.

“It more and more made me consider that the dialog round skincare wanted to shift inward. As a substitute of formulating merchandise primarily based on the surroundings and trending elements, what if we centered on the pores and skin as an organ? The pores and skin is our largest organ, and I started researching the markers that outline good, wholesome human pores and skin: the microbiome, pH steadiness and hydration ranges.

“We concurrently reside in a world the place individuals don’t have the time to hand-pound neem of their kitchens. So, I wished to mix the reliability of nature with the precision and comfort of expertise.

“Potion was created at that intersection. We use botanical actives for his or her pure efficiency, combining them with biotechnology and supply programs to create formulation which might be extraordinarily light, efficient, secure and appropriate for contemporary life. Finally, the purpose was to construct skincare that works for actual life, no matter totally different climates, cities and routines.”

What have been a number of the greatest challenges?

“It’s altering individuals’s impression of nature and pure elements. Many individuals assume that pure skincare is calm and mild, however not essentially potent. There may be typically a notion that it’s extra about self-care rituals than purposeful or preventative skincare.

“One in all our objectives has been to show that nature could be each highly effective and handy. For instance, neem is historically identified for its purifying properties. As a substitute of utilizing it in a conventional format, we use neem beads crammed with neem extract in our Clear Slate Molecular Cleanser. This not solely permits neem’s bioactive parts to be felt, however it additionally permits us to ship it stably and successfully.

“This strategy proves that nature and expertise are usually not opposites. They will work collectively superbly.”

What have been a number of the highlights?

“One of the crucial memorable highlights occurred very early in our journey. I nonetheless bear in mind, only a month after launching Potion, we attended a commerce present in Korea and requested a query throughout a panel dialogue. That dialog finally led to an invite to talk at a world business occasion in Bangkok. That worldwide business occasion was in-cosmetics Asia. I nonetheless have goosebumps fascinated with how all of that manifested.

“Standing on a world stage so quickly after launching the model was extremely heartwarming. It strengthened the thought in me that curiosity and real engagement can open surprising alternatives. Moments like that remind you that constructing a model isn’t solely about merchandise, but in addition about contributing to conversations inside the business.”

How did you fund the model — and what challenges got here with that?

“Potion is at the moment self-funded. In some angles, that may be difficult, however it additionally forces you to be extraordinarily intentional about what you construct.

“Whenever you make investments your personal sources, you possibly can’t afford to create merchandise that you’re unsure about. Each product has been developed with a really clear understanding of what prospects want and why they want it. For instance, our analysis found the destructive results of blue mild radiation on the pores and skin, and so we added crimson bell pepper extract – confirmed to dam blue mild ageing – to our sunscreen formulation.

“We spend quite a lot of time interacting with our neighborhood and listening to suggestions. As a result of the model is self-funded, staying near the purchasers isn’t simply fulfilling, it’s important.”

What recommendation do you’ve got for different magnificence model founders?

“Belief your instinct. Particularly today, it’s really easy to change into overwhelmed by developments, opinions and exterior recommendation. The skincare business is a ‘extra is extra’ business, and the whole lot is occurring on a regular basis. Whereas momentum could be useful, an excessive amount of of it could dilute the authenticity of your imaginative and prescient.

“I at all times encourage founders to deal with fixing an issue that genuinely wants an answer. Create one thing you really consider in and one thing you’d personally use. On the identical time, keep in mind that constructing a model isn’t a solo effort. Encompass your self with individuals who carry totally different strengths to the desk and keep humble all through the method.”

Anything readers could need to know?

“Coming from a company background at Estée Lauder Corporations taught me many helpful expertise. Issues like long-term planning, strategic pondering and operational self-discipline. However what I’ve discovered since constructing a model is that the actual superpowers required at the moment are sometimes extra human. Emotional intelligence, empathy, endurance and compassion are simply as necessary as technique.

“The sweetness business exists to serve individuals. Understanding their wants, experiences and feelings is what permits manufacturers to create merchandise that actually resonate.

“Whereas company boardrooms present construction, the flexibility to remain human and be susceptible is what finally builds manufacturers that final.”

Sanjana Balani, Founder & CEO of Potion Inc., will current the session ‘Company boardrooms to biotech labs: a founder’s classes in constructing skincare for the actual world’ at in-cosmetics World on Wednesday, 15 April, 15:30–16:15 within the Advertising and marketing Tendencies Theatre.

in-cosmetics World 2026 will happen from 14–16 April on the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, France. For extra info or to register, go to the occasion web site.