An interview with Rohit Rao, Co-Founder and CEO of Purple Pompa, a trailblazing vegan skincare brand
In an enlightening interview with Rohit Rao, Co-Founder and CEO of Purple Pompa, we explore the innovative journey behind this trailblazing vegan skincare brand.
With a commitment to sustainability and ethical beauty, Rohit shares his vision for creating products that not only nourish the skin but also respect the planet.
His passion for veganism and skincare shines through as he discusses the brand’s mission and the growing demand for cruelty-free alternatives.
What inspired you to co-found Purple Pompa, and what gap in the skincare market did you aim to fill?
Rohit Rao: Purple Pompa was born from a desire to shift the conversation around skincare from ‘anti-aging’ to ‘skin longevity.’ Too often, skincare is positioned as a fight against time, focusing on reversing signs of aging rather than strengthening and sustaining the skin’s natural vitality.
We saw a gap—consumers wanted skincare that wasn’t about chasing youth but about nurturing skin resilience, hydration, and protection for the long run.
Our approach is powered by Vegan Biomarine Actives, a breakthrough ingredient miming the skin’s natural composition, providing deep hydration, barrier repair, and environmental defense.
We wanted to create a brand that simplifies skincare while delivering clinically backed, high-performance formulas that help skin thrive at every stage of life.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the skincare industry, particularly in India, and how have you overcome them?
Rohit Rao: The Indian skincare industry is evolving rapidly, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been shifting consumer mindset—traditionally, skincare has been heavily driven by instant results.
Another challenge has been standing out in an overcrowded market where every brand claims to be ‘clean’ and ‘scientific.’
Our differentiation lies in our Vegan Biomarine Actives, which offer clinically backed, multi-functional benefits focusing on hydration, barrier repair, and environmental protection.
Lastly, logistics and consumer trust in new brands can be challenging in India. We’ve tackled this by prioritizing quality, strong brand storytelling, and digital-first engagement, ensuring every touchpoint, online or in-store, reinforces credibility and trust.
Can you share your approach to product development at Purple Pompa? How do you ensure that your products meet the needs of your customers?
Rohit Rao: At Purple Pompa, product development starts with a science-first yet consumer-driven approach.
We don’t believe in launching products for trends; we develop high-performance, multi-functional skincare that solves long-term skin concerns like hydration, barrier repair, and environmental defense.
Our process involves three key pillars:
Research & Innovation: Every product is powered by Vegan Biomarine Actives, a breakthrough ingredient that mimics the skin’s natural hydration and defense mechanisms.
We combine this with clinically proven actives like Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, and Niacinamide, ensuring science-backed efficacy.
Consumer-Centric Formulation: We conduct extensive feedback loops before launch to ensure we are on the right track. We analyze skin concerns across different lifestyles and skin types, ensuring that our products offer both immediate results and long-term skin benefits.
Sensory & Experience-Driven: Skincare isn’t just about results; it’s about how a product feels on the skin. We focus on textures that absorb well, are non-greasy, and provide a luxurious yet effective skincare experience, making it easy for consumers to stick to their routines.
By combining cutting-edge skincare science with real consumer insights, we ensure that every Purple Pompa product is not just effective but also aligns with modern skincare needs.
What trends do you see shaping the future of the skincare industry, and how is Purple Pompa positioning itself to adapt to these changes?
Rohit Rao: The skincare industry is transforming significantly, driven by science-backed formulations, longevity-focused skincare, and environmental consciousness.
Consumers are moving away from the fear-based anti-aging narrative and toward proactive skin health. The focus is hydration, barrier strengthening, and sustained skin vitality rather than treating wrinkles.
Another trend that we are seeing is that consumers are streamlining their routines; they want fewer but high-performance products that do more.
Instead of layering multiple serums, they prefer one powerhouse formulation that hydrates, repairs and protects. Our 3D skincare approach ensures that each Purple Pompa product is multi-functional and highly effective.
Today’s skincare consumers are well-informed; they research ingredients and expect real results backed by clinical validation – this trend is gaining traction with increasing consumer exposure to medical information.
Last but not least, today’s consumers are increasingly preferring sustainable products. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s a demand. From vegan and safe formulations to eco-friendly packaging, consumers expect brands to make responsible choices.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the skincare or beauty industry?
Rohit Rao: Focus on science, authenticity, and real consumer needs. The beauty industry is crowded, but brands that solve real problems with innovative, high-performance formulations stand out. Invest in research, ingredient transparency, and brand trust.
Most importantly, stay patient and invested in the business. Building a credible skincare or, for that matter, any other brand takes time. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
As our conversation with Rohit Rao concludes, his dedication to redefining beauty standards through vegan skincare is truly inspiring. Purple Pompa stands as a testament to the power of innovation and ethical practices in the beauty industry.
Rohit’s insights encourage consumers to make conscious choices, proving that skincare can be both effective and environmentally friendly. His journey serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sustainable beauty space.
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