Latest news with #ShailyMehrotra
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
What is white tomato extract and why it's trending in skincare?
Each season, new ingredients surface in the ever-evolving skincare industry, and one that is currently gaining significant attention is white tomato extract. Despite its unusual name, this ingredient offers numerous benefits for the skin and is becoming a popular choice in many skincare tomatoes are a unique variety grown primarily in Asia and Europe. Unlike regular red tomatoes, they lack the red pigment known as lycopene. However, they contain other nutrients that are believed to be highly beneficial for the skin, including phytoene and phytofluene, both of which are natural and nutrients in white tomatoes are gently extracted through a cold-pressing method to preserve their natural goodness. These colourless carotenoids penetrate deeply into the skin, helping to protect it from everyday damage caused by pollution, sunlight, and stress, which are common contributors to early signs of ageing. What makes white tomato extract truly special is its natural ability to brighten the skin and provide a healthy, glowing appearance, making it an excellent addition to modern skincare routines. Here's everything you need to know from Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-Founder of Fixderma. WHY IS WHITE TOMATO EXTRACT A SKINCARE HERO?As more people look for skincare that's gentle, natural, and effective, White Tomato Extract has become a standout ingredient. Here's why it's gaining so much popularity:1. Brightens and evens out skin toneWhite Tomato Extract helps slow down the process that causes the skin to make too much melanin, the pigment that can cause dark spots and uneven skin tone. This makes your skin look clearer and more even. It works gently, so it's safe even for people with sensitive skin.2. Powerful antioxidant protectionThere are several factors that contribute to skin damage, including pollution, sunlight, screens, and stress. These can cause harmful molecules called free radicals, which can speed up ageing. White Tomato Extract combats these free radicals and protects the skin from damage. As a result, the skin looks fresher, smoother, and shows fewer fine lines.3. Natural sun protection boosterWhile not a replacement for sunscreen, White Tomato Extract offers internal and topical photo-protection. Its colourless carotenoids help absorb UVA and UVB rays and reduce UV-induced skin damage, making it a perfect addition to daytime skincare routines.4. Safe, clean, and versatileWith no harsh acids or synthetic bleaching agents, this extract is non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and suitable for all skin types. Whether in serums, moisturisers, or oral supplements, it offers a holistic approach to skincare.5. Supports collagen synthesisWith its ability to fight oxidative stress and inflammation, White Tomato Extract promotes collagen preservation and regeneration, which is essential for maintaining firm, youthful-looking Tomato Extract is quickly becoming a new favourite in skincare, thanks to its natural, gentle, and effective properties. As people pay more attention to what goes into their products, this plant-based ingredient is getting noticed. It helps brighten the skin and protects it from daily damage, making it a great addition for anyone looking to achieve a healthy, glowing look.- Ends
Mint
11-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Fixderma's low-key, high-growth strategy defies D2C playbook
MUMBAI : Skincare company Fixderma is taking a markedly different approach from most direct-to-consumer brands—focusing on operational profitability, exports, and limited offline expansion. The Lotus Herbals-backed brand saw its sales grow 30% in 2024-25 and is targeting a 55% rise in 2025-26, said Shaily Mehrotra, its co-founder and chief executive. Instead of high marketing spends or rapid category expansion, the Gurugram-based firm is doubling down on dermatology-led products and controlled channel growth. 'We're not looking to be everywhere or do everything. There's still headroom in our core category," Mehrotra told Mint. Skincare company Fixderma is taking a markedly different approach from most direct-to-consumer brands—focusing on operational profitability, exports, and limited offline expansion. The Lotus Herbals-backed brand saw its sales grow 30% in 2024-25 and is targeting a 55% rise in 2025-26, said Shaily Mehrotra, its co-founder and chief executive. Instead of high marketing spends or rapid category expansion, the Gurugram-based firm is doubling down on dermatology-led products and controlled channel growth. 'We're not looking to be everywhere or do everything. There's still headroom in our core category," Mehrotra told Mint. Lotus Herbals Pvt. Ltd, which owns a 30-32% stake in the company for a ₹38 crore investment in 2021, remains a non-operational partner. 'There's no day-to-day involvement. We report numbers quarterly," she said. Roughly ₹16 crore of the funds were used to clear debt; the rest were deployed slowly, with no plans for further funding at this stage. Lean operations, no Retail buildout Fixderma India Pvt. Ltd operates two in-house manufacturing units (set up in 2012 and 2019), allowing better control over cost and production timelines. While most new-age brands outsource manufacturing, Mehrotra said the direct setup supports healthier margins and quality consistency. The brand has stayed away from large-scale retail. It operates a single store in Gurugram—positioned as an experience centre—and does not intend to scale that model. 'The economics don't add up for our ticket size," she said. Retail through pharmacy chains, however, is growing. Fixderma has expanded distribution with Apollo Pharmacy, Tata 1mg, and other medical retailers, particularly in the North East and West Bengal. Overall, retail accounts for about 5% of sales. Exports and derma drive sales Fixderma's business is split across D2C (40%), doctor-led derma sales (30%), exports (25%), and retail. Sales through the distributor channel, which includes exports and derma, touched an all-time high of $10 million in 2024. Vietnam remains its strongest international market, followed by Malaysia, Cambodia, and Nepal. 'Vietnam has become a high-performing market for us," Mehrotra said, adding that the company will participate in upcoming trade fairs in Jakarta, Moscow, and Bangkok to build further distributor relationships. Bangladesh sales have slowed due to a steep 120% import duty, while Indonesia remains a white space. No diversification for now Unlike many other D2C players, such as Mamaearth, mCaffeine, Wow Skin Science and The Moms Co., Fixderma is not entering adjacent categories such as makeup, supplements or baby care., Fixderma is not entering adjacent categories such as makeup, supplements or baby care. 'There is still room to grow in our current portfolio. Our focus remains on skin concern-based products," she said. The company is also working on a mass-market body lotion product, inspired by a formulation it supplies to the Australian government under a private label agreement. The product will be sold through pharmacies and target regular-use segments such as diabetics or recovering patients. The company spends selectively on digital marketing, with the highest investments going toward D2C. It has largely stayed away from celebrity endorsements, barring a small campaign with Vaani Kapoor, and instead focuses on influencer content related to skin issues, Mehrotra said. The company faced a Reddit thread in 2024 accusing it of not disclosing SPF test results. Mehrotra said the brand got its sunscreen tested in 2013 and retested in 2023 through international labs. 'SPF testing isn't widely available in India and costs are high, but that doesn't mean it's being ignored," she added. Fixderma has also dealt with counterfeit products on e-commerce platforms such as Meesho and Snapdeal. The company now monitors listings more actively and has found Amazon to be more responsive in enforcing IP rights. A former distributor had also posted allegations of unpaid dues online. Mehrotra attributed this to routine challenges of doing business across regions. 'We work with 450+ stockists and 18 CFAs. In one case, a distributor disappeared with over ₹2 crore in inventory. We recovered the goods, but incidents like this happen," she said. Staying conservative The company is not planning to raise more capital or list publicly in the near term. 'We've built at our own pace, kept costs tight, and stayed profitable. The idea is to grow responsibly," said Mehrotra. Fixderma had earlier been turned down by institutional investors for being 'too cautious". Mehrotra said several funds that passed on the brand later lost money in other high-burn D2C ventures. 'We weren't the right fit for that style of growth. And that's okay." Fixderma operates in India's fast-growing dermatology-led skincare market, which will be valued at over ₹12,000 crore in 2024. The market includes medicated and concern-based products for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and sun protection. According to IMARC Group, the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% through 2033, driven by rising demand for clinic-recommended, functional skincare. Fixderma competes with The Derma Co. (Honasa Consumer Ltd), Minimalist, Bioderma, Cetaphil, and La Roche-Posay in the clinical skincare space, and Plum, Aqualogica, Re'equil, and Foxtale in the D2C and premium skincare category. However, unlike most D2C brands, Fixderma owns its manufacturing and does not operate in colour cosmetics or supplements, keeping its focus strictly on skin concern-based products.
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Health
- Fashion Network
Fixderma debuts new logo to highlight acne awareness
Dermatology-led skincare brand Fixderma has unveiled a refreshed logo for June as part of its Acne Awareness Month initiative. The new design aims to reflect the company's ongoing mission to destigmatise acne and promote skin health. The visual update coincides with a broader awareness campaign centred on the emotional and physical impact of acne, the brand announced in a press release. Fixderma has partnered with skincare influencers and content creators to amplify conversations around acne causes, treatments, and recovery, encouraging consumers to seek informed solutions. At the core of the campaign is the Salyzap range, a dermatologist-formulated line developed to address acne at different stages, from prevention and active breakouts to post-acne pigmentation. Products in the range feature active ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide, designed to combat excess oil, clogged pores, and inflammation while maintaining skin barrier integrity. 'Acne is not just skin-deep- it affects confidence and quality of life,' said Shaily Mehrotra, Fixderma's co-founder and CEO. 'Our logo change this June is a visual reminder of our commitment: we don't just sell skincare- #WeFixYourSkin.'
India Today
03-06-2025
- General
- India Today
Understanding SPF for Children: What every mother in India should know
India's climate, defined by long summers, intense sunlight, and increasingly unpredictable weather, poses unique challenges for parents trying to protect their children from sun damage. While sunscreen is a familiar part of adult skincare, many Indian parents are still unsure about when to introduce sun protection for kids. Is sunscreen safe for toddlers? What level of SPF is enough? How often should it be reapplied?advertisementWith UV levels rising across the subcontinent and cases of skin sensitivity and sun damage increasing even in children, it's time we look at SPF not just as a cosmetic afterthought, but as an everyday CHILDREN NEED SUN PROTECTION Children's skin is much more delicate and permeable than adults', making it more vulnerable to UV rays. According to dermatologists, just a few blistering sunburns during childhood can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life, including more concerning is that up to 80% of lifetime sun exposure typically happens before the age of 18. Sun protection in the early years isn't optional, but it is a long-term investment in a child's 101: WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERSSPF, or Sun Protection Factor, refers to how effectively a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the ones responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. Here's a quick reference:SPF 15 blocks ~93% of UVB raysSPF 30 blocks ~97%SPF 50 blocks ~98%advertisementThough the differences seem minor, they can be meaningful for children who spend extended hours in the sun. Also, higher SPF does not mean longer wear; reapplication every two hours remains WHAT ABOUT UVA?While SPF measures UVB protection, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term cellular damage, ageing, and pigmentation. Look for sunscreens labelled broad-spectrum, meaning they shield from both UVA and UVB THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN FOR CHILDRENWith India's growing skincare market, there are now several options specifically formulated for children. But not all are created equal. Here's what to look for:SPF 30 or higher – Suitable for Indian sun conditionsMineral-based formulations – Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are gentle and non-irritatingFragrance-free, hypoallergenic – Ideal for sensitive young skinBroad-spectrum protection – Guards against both UVA and UVBWater-resistant – A must for playtime, especially during summer vacationsEXPERT SPEAK: WHY MOMS SHOULDN'T SKIP THE SUNSCREEN'The misconception that children don't need sunscreen, especially on cloudy days or in winter, is still prevalent in many Indian households,' says Ms. Shaily Mehrotra,CEO and Co-founder, at Fixderma Skincare, a dermatologically backed skincare brand. 'But UV radiation is constant year-round and can penetrate through clouds and even windows. Starting sun protection early builds a habit and significantly reduces long-term skin risks.' HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN THE RIGHT WAYApply 15–30 minutes before going outdoorsUse a generous amount – about a teaspoon for the face and a shot-glass size for the bodyCover all exposed areas – don't forget ears, neck, backs of hands, feet and scalp if every two hours, or after swimming/sweatingAvoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongestSUNSCREEN ISN'T ENOUGH—LAYER THE PROTECTIONTo truly safeguard your child's skin, sunscreen should be combined with:Protective clothing – Long sleeves in breathable fabricsHats and sunglasses – For facial and eye protectionShade-seeking habits – Encourage children to play in shaded areas during peak hoursMAKE IT A ROUTINE, NOT A REMINDERChildren learn through habits. Just like brushing their teeth or washing their hands becomes second nature, applying sunscreen should also be a part of their daily routine, especially before going outdoors. Encourage them to take part in the process by allowing them to apply the sunscreen themselves, with supervision. You can also create enjoyable rituals, like 'sun shield time,' to make it more INDIAN CONTEXT: WHY IT'S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT HEREIndia's proximity to the equator results in higher UV index levels throughout the year, regardless of the season. Additionally, increasing air pollution ironically exacerbates UV damage by thinning the ozone layer, making the need for early sun protection even more critical. A mother's instinct is to protect her child, and when it comes to sun exposure, that protection starts with knowledge. Understanding SPF and incorporating sunscreen into your child's daily routine is essential not only for preventing tans or burns but also for safeguarding their skin health for years to come. As Ms. Mehrotra emphasises, 'Sun protection in childhood lays the foundation for lifelong skin health. It's one of the simplest and most effective habits a parent can pass on.' So, the next time you head out with your child, don't forget to bring that little bottle of sunscreen. Although it may be small, its impact can last a lifetime.
India Today
20-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Does sunscreen expire? Everything you need to know about shelf life and safety
We all know the golden rules of sun protection: use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) every day, and reapply it every two hours no exceptions. But there's one often-overlooked detail that could be sabotaging your sun safety efforts: the expiration date on your sunscreen easy to ignore, especially when the product looks and smells fine. But just like any other skincare product, sunscreen has a shelf life and using it past that point can come with serious consequences. Below, skincare expert Shaily Mehrotra, founder of FCL Skincare, explains why you should pay close attention to expiration dates and how to maximise your sunscreen's VS. MINERAL SUNSCREENS: WHICH LASTS LONGER?When it comes to shelf life, mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) tend to have the upper hand. These typically contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, ingredients that remain stable even when exposed to light. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, rely on molecules that can break down and oxidise over time, reducing their said, both types are generally formulated to last up to three years, as long as they're unopened and stored properly, away from heat and DOES SUNSCREEN EXPIRE?'All skincare products eventually degrade, and sunscreen is no exception,' says Shaily. Over time, active ingredients lose their potency, making the formula less effective or completely ineffective at shielding your skin from harmful UV LONG DOES SUNSCREEN LAST AFTER OPENING?In addition to the printed expiration date, many sunscreens also carry a 'period after opening' symbol. This tells you how many months the product remains safe to use after it's been opened, which is typically 6 to 12 YOU USE EXPIRED SUNSCREEN?advertisementTechnically, if the product has been stored in ideal conditions and doesn't show signs of spoilage, it might still offer some protection. However, Shaily cautions against it.'Even if it looks okay, expired sunscreen isn't reliable,' she warns. 'It may not protect against UV damage and could irritate your skin.'WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU USE EXPIRED SUNSCREEN?Using expired sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to sunburn, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. Once past its expiration date, the formula may separate, meaning the UV filters won't distribute evenly, leaving parts of your skin formulas can also harbour bacteria or yeast, leading to irritation, rashes, or breakouts. 'The chemical stability, texture, and safety of the product are all compromised,' adds line: if in doubt, toss it TO STORE SUNSCREEN FOR MAXIMUM SHELF LIFEProper storage makes a big difference. Keep sunscreen in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. 'Heat and light can cause some formulas to break down faster,' says Shaily. 'A drawer or cabinet at room temperature is ideal—better yet, choose a cool, dark spot.''Sunscreen expiration dates are there for a reason,' Shaily emphasises. 'They're not just about UV protection—they also ensure the product's texture, stability, and sterility remain intact.'So before you head out into the sun, give your sunscreen a quick check. Your skin will thank you.
