Interview with Nitin Jain, Founder and Director at La Pink, 100% Microplastic Free Skin Care formulations
Mr. Nitin Jain holds an MBA in Finance & Marketing from the UK, Nitin is a second-generation entrepreneur.
He has been actively involved in his family business on various fronts since 2008. Throughout his illustrious career, Nitin has been engaged in businesses of various sectors, including healthcare, travel, real estate, aviation, and tea.
During this time, he facilitated a 25% growth in the business and even founded the travel wing of the family conglomerate.
In 2020, Nitin decided to commence a venture of his own after realising that while the market was fixated on sulphate and paraben-free formulations and consumers were well aware, microplastics were, unfortunately, being overlooked.
La Pink was born thanks to Nitin’s quest to bring 100% microplastic-free formulations that are also sulphate and paraben-free, vegan, and dermatologically tested to the Indian beauty and personal care market.
Nitin brings rich experience and in-depth knowledge of modern trade and e-commerce to La Pink, steering the company towards growth and success.
Nitin envisions La Pink having offline stores in India and globally, besides bringing about a revolution in the beauty industry through the brand’s 100% microplastic-free solutions.
What inspired you to create a skincare range free from microplastics?
Nitin Jain: In late 2019, I learned that microplastics were banned in the UK and European skincare markets. This piqued my curiosity about microplastics and how products without them can be created for the Indian skin care market as well.
Soon after the 2020 lockdown was imposed, I read about microplastics and their adverse effects. I came to know that there are many harmful effects of microplastics and how they enter the skin through sweat glands, hair follicles, or open wounds resulting in inflammation or, in the long run, can potentially lead to cancer, chronic inflammation & abnormalities of the skin like psoriasis and other skin related diseases.
In the Indian skincare industry, most brands talk about sustainable packaging, natural & organic ingredients, vegan, cruelty-free, paraben and SLS-free.
However, no one talks about adding microplastics to their formulations. I believe what is harmful to others stands dangerous for Indian consumers too.
Therefore I decided to start my product line that is Microplastic Free while also being Paraben/Sulphate/SLS free, Vegan, dermatologically tested, Cruelty-Free, and FDA Approved.
How does La Pink ensure that its skincare formulations are microplastic-free?
Nitin Jain: Our team of European experts & formulators have added plant-based binding agents in La Pink skin care formulations. Unlike Microplastics, which are synthetic, these plant based thickeners do not create a layer on the skin.
Kindly brief us about La Pink, its specialisation, and the formulations that it offers
Nitin Jain: The core USP of our brand is that all our formulations have Zero Microplastics Inside. Other than that our formulations also contain the unique wonder ingredient, i.e., ‘White Haldi’, renowned for actively reducing hyperpigmentation, blemishes, dark spots and scars while deeply moisturizing the skin.
It is a natural exfoliant that has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties as well. Our ingredients have been sourced from France, the USA, and Switzerland.
All our formulations have been formulated by French experts who have ensured the right clinical dosage of each ingredient that come together to create our three of our current collections: Ideal Bright, Ubtan and Young Forever which have 17.
Based on the Korean skincare regime, the Ideal Bright collection gives a glass-brightening effect. It helps lighten and brighten the skin.
It has ingredients like White Haldi and Sea Lettuce Flakes that penetrate deep into the skin and increase the skin’s natural radiance resulting in a flawless skin.
The Ubtan collection impeccably reduces tan, hyperpigmentation, dark spots & scars and provides an even-toned skin.
The Young Forever collection has age-defying properties. The blend of powerful ingredients like White Haldi, Bakuchi, Mulethi, Cranberry, and Oats extracts from France helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and makes skin younger forever.
What are some of the natural ingredients used in La Pink’s skincare range? How do these ingredients contribute to the effectiveness and overall quality of the formulations?
Nitin Jain: The Natural ingredients used in our skincare range include White Haldi, Cranberry, Cactus Flower, Moringa Flower, Kakadu Plum, Sea Lettuce Flakes, Sandalwood, Kesar, Kokum Butter, Daisy Flower and Lily Flower.
White Haldi is rich in antioxidants and a natural exfoliant that helps fight hyperpigmentation and promotes youthful skin.
It is a natural moisturiser that makes the overall skin radiant and bright. Cranberries are rich in Vitamin C and salicylic acid.
They help reduce blemishes, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles. The cactus flower soothes and nourishes dehydrated skin as it naturally hydrates.
The Moringa flower’s antibacterial properties help prevent acne breakouts, pimples and blackheads. Kakadu plum is a superfood that evens skin tone, increases skin luminosity, and boosts collagen production.
Sea lettuce flakes are a power pack of vitamins and minerals that revitalise the skin by reducing melanin production, dark spots, tan and blemishes.
It also soothes and calms irritated skin as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Sandalwood is known for its skin-soothing properties; it improves skin tones & texture and promotes young-looking skin.
Kesar or saffron is known for its anti-inflammatory properties; it brightens the skin and helps reduce redness.
Kokum butter is a rich source of moisturisation and nourishment; it heals damaged or irritated skin. Daisy flower has age-defying properties; it protects the skin from free radicals that can cause premature ageing. Lily flower reduces inflammation and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Can you explain the process of sourcing and selecting ingredients to maintain this commitment?
Nitin Jain: We source the best quality ingredients across France, USA and Switzerland. Every ingredient sourced is carefully selected and reviewed after multiple screenings by our French Formulators to create our 100% Microplastic Free Formulations.
What research and development efforts go into formulating La Pink formulations? How do you ensure the natural ingredients are safe and effective for various skin types?
Nitin Jain: All the formulations are formulated after rigorous Research and Development by European experts with the proper clinical dosage to suit all skin types.
Since our products are natural ingredients, they do not target any specific skin type. It is suitable for all skin types.
How do you educate consumers about the harmful effects of microplastics in skincare formulations? What steps does La Pink take to raise awareness and promote conscious consumer choices?
Nitin Jain: We educate consumers through various channels, including social media and electronic media. Our interactive sessions with prestigious media platforms like SugerMint raise awareness and promote conscious consumer choices. In addition, our existing customers are helping spread awareness by word of mouth.
Has La Pink conducted any studies or tests to demonstrate the efficacy of its zero microplastic skincare range?
Nitin Jain: We have been certified by the Plastic Soup Foundation for being the 1st Indian beauty brand whose products’ formulation is free from any kind of microplastics.
Our brand is listed on Beat the Micro Bead organisation’s official website for acquiring the certification for the ‘Zero Plastic Inside’ logo.
The Micro Bead organisation raises awareness about various microplastics used in cosmetics and personal care formulations.
How does La Pink approach product labelling and transparency? Do you provide detailed information about the ingredients used and their benefits to help customers make informed choices?
Nitin Jain: We believe that the ingredient statement is a mandatory section for skincare products as it aims to inform the consumers about the product composition, and they reserve all rights to know this.
We mention all our ingredients on the product label, along with the benefits of a few. This is due to the limited space on the label.
Detailed information can be found on our website and Social Media handles. We have also introduced a toll-free number for consumers with queries or concerns.
What are your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Nitin Jain: My advise to budding entrepreneurs would be to start with a clear vision and embrace their wins & failures as a learning curve and stepping stone towards success.
Focus on solving a unique real problem, surround yourself with a strong team, and continuously learn and adapt.
Prioritise customer satisfaction, manage finances wisely, and build a strong network of connections. Above all, never stop innovating and believe in yourself.
Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey, but with persistence, resilience, and a passion for making a difference, you can achieve your goals and create a successful business.
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