Safe and skindeep

It is rare to find home-made cosmetics, but Kruthika Kumaran makes them, right here in Coimbatore

September 08, 2017 03:10 pm | Updated June 10, 2020 04:05 pm IST

The line of products made from goat’s milk

The line of products made from goat’s milk

At the recently concluded Gourmet Bazaar, I spotted a stall selling lipsticks, deodorants, serums, mascara, sunblock and mosquito repellent. It was special because they were all home-made, right here in Coimbatore, by Kruthika Kumaran who calls her brand Vilvah.

She launched her products six months ago via a Facebook page and has been selling and shipping her products online. Kumaran, an engineer by profession, decided to make cosmetics instead because, she says, it was her mother’s wish that she make products that help the body rather than cause harm. Sadly, her mother died a year ago from complications arising from a skin-related problem. Kumaran did an on-line course with a Canadian teacher and started experimenting in her kitchen.

After successfully churning out cold-pressed soaps, she learnt to make other products not usually made at home. The mosquito repellent containing citronella and lemon grass (safe for little ones) and sunblock come in small roll-on bars, as do hand creams. This makes them easy to carry without having to worry about spills. The home-made mascara and lipsticks are also a safe alternative for teenage girls experimenting with make-up.

All her products are chemical free. She does use a preservative on eye creams and body polishes that, though unavoidable, is safe and has a lesser shelf life. Her products are free of parabens, sulfates andother harmful chemicals.

Kumaran says that she felt the need to meet her customers and create awareness about her products and she decided the best way to do both was set up stall at the Gourmet Bazaar. It was the first time she was working out of home.

Her line-up of products look and smell good. Her lip products are made with a coconut oil base. She has orange-cinnamon and rose-vanilla scented deodorants. Kumaran’s personal favourite is her line of goat milk products. Since her family rears goats at its farm in Sathyamangalam, she is assured of quality as well as continued supply. She says that goat’s milk contains a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to the skin and treat a multitude of minor skin problems.

She is also very careful about sourcing her essential oils and has taken care to buy from like-minded folks who share her organic mindset. Moringa oil from Erode, lavender oil from Kashmir, basil, peppermint, lemongrass oils from Kerala, bee’s wax from Punjab and so on. The colours for lip products alone are sourced from the UK where they are naturally mined.

Kumaran has plans to start a physical store soon. Her products are packaged locally but she is still hunting for natural biodegradable options.

Her own beauty ritual is very minimal and comprises of Vilvah’s spice-scented, herb/flower-infused concoctions. She’s happy with just that and it’s easy to understand why.

Vilvah facts

Does not have fairness products and creams

Uses only natural butters,essential oils and farm fresh produce

Says no to any animal testing

Price range is between ₹250 and ₹750

For details e-mail contact@vilvahstore.com

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