It is not difficult to find organic skincare in the city. Coimbatore has a range of options for the discerning user. The ingredients that go into the products are herbs, flowers, fruits, clay, butter, and nut oils sourced from local farmers and small suppliers. Organically produced essential oils like tea tree oil and raspberry seed oil are sourced from other countries.
For Kruthika Kumaran, owner of natural beauty brand Vilvah, it all began with her search for organic products for her child. When she did not find anything, she started making her own soaps and creams at home. Today, she says her clientèle (in the age group of 20-35) “insist on the ingredients being non-toxic. We try to source our products locally from small farmers to encourage them to grow organic crops.”
Organic skin care products are more expensive than the others but Steffhy Merwin, a bridal make-up artist says it was worth spending that little extra for her sensitive skin. “I started using organic soaps and face masks and they worked wonders. I feel that it's better to use natural products than to have chemicals on my skin. Most of my clients in Coimbatore use at least one organic product as part of their skincare regime.” She adds that her friend who has a wheezing problem finds organic products suit her the best because of their mild fragrance.
Thanks to the Internet, more and more youngsters are getting aware of skincare products and the damages chemicals can cause the skin.
“I had clear skin during my school days but I fell for the commercials that promised beautiful skin with use of certain chemical-based creams and I ended up with breakouts and skin pigmentation,” says Akshaya Krishnan, the owner of a digital marketing and advertising company. She switched to organic soaps and creams and within three months her skin was free from acne. She does not mind spending a little extra either on such products because of this. She also points out, “Being an animal lover, it was important for me to go organic when I found out about the way big brands test their cosmetics on animals”.
- Dr M Kumaresan, Professor of Dermatology at Cutis Skin Clinic & Cosmetology, says fairness creams contain chemicals like steroids and hydroquinone, which can be harmful in the long run
- For babies, paediatricians recommend using natural oils like coconut, olive or almond oil rather than the commercially available creams, as their skin is very sensitive
Sivaranjani Ganapathy, founder of an organic skincare brand Amato, began her journey by making organic soaps and moisturisers as an alternative to the chemical soaps to soothe her dry skin. She decided to make a career out of it and she tests her products only on family members before she finalises her formulation.
Pritesh Asher, founder of organic and cruelty-free brand Juicy Chemistry, says, “The natural ingredients used in organic skincare are not harsh on the skin, and this makes them perfectly safe for sensitive skin. Some of our clients are well aware of the horrors that animals face when testing is done on them and prefer guilt-free cosmetics. We also try to give back to nature by using recyclable materials for packaging. We are particular about using ingredients that pose no risk to marine life. ” According to him, the market demand has tripled in the last two years, even in Coimbatore.
Nikithaa Kumaran, a photographer and new mom, started her transition to organic skincare products when her skin started to breakout. She says, “I have been using organic products for a year now, and it has kept my skin healthy. I have also switched to shampoo bars and I will definitely encourage my daughter to use them when she grows up.”
