Decoding Skincare: An Interview with Dr. Divneet Kaur, CEO of Dermabay

An Interview with Dr. Divneet Kaur, a Pharmaceutical Scientist, Co-Founder & CEO of Dermabay, a science-first, formulation-led Indian skincare brand

In an exclusive interview, we speak with Dr. Divneet Kaur, Co-Founder & CEO of Dermabay, a science-first, formulation-led Indian skincare brand. Explore her journey and vision for revolutionary beauty.

Can you share your journey into the pharmaceutical industry and what inspired you to co-found Dermabay?

Dr. Divneet Kaur: I entered pharmaceutical sciences to specialize in drug delivery systems and transdermal peptide technologies. The biggest issue I observed during my time working across research labs and mentoring students was the increasing disconnect between scientific breakthroughs and consumer accessibility of skincare products.

I experienced many requests from people in my environment about their skincare products failing to deliver despite their expensive pricing and international origins. That was my turning point.

The scientific community in India possessed all necessary knowledge but failed to translate research into practical skincare solutions. This discovery transformed into the foundation that created Dermabay.

What unique challenges did you face while establishing Dermabay, and how did you overcome them?

Dr. Divneet Kaur: The biggest obstacle we faced was staying away from common practices of new skincare brands which involved white-labeling or blindly following the trends.

Our company made an intentional decision to produce every formula internally by conducting thorough testing and taking complete responsibility for our supply chain management.

We pursued this approach to ensure formulation integrity at the expense of extended production timelines and increased costs.

The main challenge involved teaching consumers about the significance of ingredient transparency and stability alongside bioavailability. We achieved this by telling stories based on scientific facts instead of using promotional gimmicks.

Can you discuss the research and development process behind Dermabay’s products?

Dr. Divneet Kaur: Every product begins with identifying its scientific purpose which includes understanding the problem-solution and the actives that show effectiveness under Indian conditions.

Our R&D team comprising of pharmaceutical marvels and dermatology experts begins by developing prototypes which combine stable molecules with optimized absorption patterns and biological compatibility.

Our team then conducts successive rounds of internal product testing which leads to changes based on instant feedback. The long deliberate development process enables us to build skincare products that deliver performance rather than trends.

How does Dermabay differentiate itself from other companies in the pharmaceutical and skincare sectors?

Dr. Divneet Kaur: Dermabay connects pharmaceutical-grade formulation to skin-first empathy. Our company focuses on using imported active ingredients together with marketing stories for skincare products because we concentrate on clinical function alongside indigenous formulation design and long-term skin compatibility.

We don’t sell routines—they are transformed into tangible outcomes. Our dedication to scientific excellence and honest communication about skin health has remained constant from our humble beginnings to working with leading dermatologists in India.

Our authentic brand identity combined with our complete control over formulation intellectual property makes us unique in the market.

How do you ensure the safety and efficacy of your products during the development process?

Dr. Divneet Kaur: Our formulations receive the same level of attention as drug molecules during the development process. We prioritize safety and efficacy together by following these essential principles:

• Ingredient sourcing from verified suppliers
• Active concentration based on clinical knowledge
• Stability testing in varied Indian temperatures and humidity levels
• Patch testing for sensitivity and irritation
• Compliance with regulatory and dermatological standards

We test new products on actual users in controlled settings before releasing them into market. All products need to demonstrate their performance on real Indian skin through data evidence and secure confidence before they can be launched to the public.

How do you approach collaboration with other scientists and researchers in the field?

Dr. Divneet Kaur: We consider collaboration to be an essential duty instead of an optional choice. Our company conducts regular consultations with dermatologists along with cosmetic chemists and pharmacologists to improve our formulation methods.

Our product prototypes receive continuous feedback from external researchers throughout the development process.

I maintain regular contact with academic institutions while mentoring young researchers because I believe scientists should work together instead of competing against each other.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the pharmaceutical industry?

Dr. Divneet Kaur: Build for depth, not speed. Pharmaceutical science requires scientists to demonstrate patience and precision and to maintain a humble approach to their work.

Real-world effect takes precedence over rapid market entry. Your team should include experts who both understand scientific principles and consumer needs.

The process of innovation becomes successful through your ability to simplify complex ideas into easy-to-understand concepts and develop solutions that address real-world problems.

Your credibility functions as your financial resource so you must defend it against any potential threats.

Dr. Kaur’s insights illuminate Dermabay’s commitment to effective, evidence-based skincare. Her vision empowers consumers with scientifically crafted products, shaping the future of Indian beauty.

Explore Success story of Indian entrepreneurs & startups at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn