• Beauty

Forest Essentials’ New Serums Harness the Power of Ayurveda and Modern Science

The Word. in conversation with founder Mira Kulkarni on the new launch, evolution of Ayurveda in the world of beauty, and the best-kept principles.
  • ByMeghna Sharma
Forest Essentials' Varuna Exceptional Repair Serum and Samsara Miraculous Glow Booster
forest essentials varuna exceptional repair serum and samsara miraculous glow booster

The Word.: Forest Essentials’ philosophy is rooted in the magic potions of Ayurveda. What prompted you to blend Ayurveda with science?
Mira Kulkarni: “Forest Essentials was inspired by a passion for Ayurveda to create products that are deeply entrenched in tradition, while being enhanced by innovation, just the way Ayurveda was always intended to be.

The launch of both the Varuna Exceptional Repair Serum and Samsara Miraculous Glow Booster stems from our commitment to combining Ayurveda’s traditional formulas with the latest in skincare technology.

By incorporating modern actives, such as scientifically proven antioxidants or peptides into Ayurvedic formulations, we, at Forest Essentials, have been able to optimise the efficacy of traditional Ayurvedic recipes. This also helps us address to specific skincare concerns with the infusion of these high-performance actives, a rare amalgamation in today’s evolving beauty landscape…”

TW.: Can you give us an example?
MK: “Ayurvedic ingredients like saffron, licorice, and ashwagandha are known for their potent regenerative and antioxidant properties. When paired with scientifically advanced actives such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides, these ingredients can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and deliver targeted results. We believe this balanced interplay creates a skincare experience that is truly transformative, combining the traditional essence of Ayurveda with the proven efficacy of modern formulations.”

TW.: How many versions of the serums did you have to create before you finalised on the current formulas?
MK: “That is not an easy question to answer when working a new formulation. Sometimes you get what you are looking for in just a few tries, and, other times, you don’t get the exact specifications even in a year, you just have to wait till it is absolutely right.”

TW.: How has people’s perception of Ayurveda changed over the years?
MK: “Ayurveda’s perception of being medicinal, clinical and as an alternative remedy has transitioned to a celebrated science of effective beauty. Today, consumers recognise its efficacy and value it for having a holistic approach towards beauty that harmonises the mind, body and soul.”

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TW.: Tell us about the key technology and Ayurvedic ingredients used in the formulas.
MK: “Inspired by Ayurvedic principles with a futuristic approach, the two synergistic serums are designed to transform skincare routines from dusk to dawn.

Step one is the Varuna Exceptional Repair Night Serum. Named after Varuna, the deity representing the rain, sky, and ocean—symbolising the ultimate hydrators— this serum works overnight to firm and lift the skin. It is enriched with Nano anti-aging actives, fillers, and a blend of 10 potent Ayurvedic herbs known as the Fermented Vyasthapana Firming Complex. Combined with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, acetyl hexapeptide-8, copper peptides, and Ayurvedic compounds, this formulation enhances skin elasticity and reduces visible signs of ageing.

Treat Samsara Glow Boosting Day Serum as the second step. Drawing inspiration from the concept of Samsara—the cycle of life and the illusion of beauty. Enriched with the Fermented Twachya Hydrating Complex, a powerful blend of 10 Ayurvedic herbs, and Digitata Pulp Extract (Baobab tree fruit), it provides a natural lifting effect. This serum features an advanced Rice Peptide-based Nano Conjugation Technology and Copper Tripeptide to enhance hydration and plumping, resulting in skin that appears youthful and glowing throughout the day.

By integrating scientifically advanced actives with potent Ayurvedic herbs, we have created formulations that offer unparalleled efficacy while grounded in ancient holistic beauty.”

 

TW.: Do you think marrying science with Ayurveda will help more people trust the products?
MK: “I think so. Forest Essentials, by combining Ayurveda with luxurious, modern aesthetics, bridges the gap between heritage and contemporary branding. This is particularly important for today’s consumer who is drawn to products that feel both authentic and aspirational. It’s not about diluting Ayurveda but realigning it in ways that align with the expectations and habits of modern consumers and to ensure its continued relevance in a fast-changing consumer landscape.”

TW.: Are there any lesser-known Ayurvedic ingredients that are truly remarkable?
MK: “Ingredients like Nagkesar (Indian Rose Chestnut), Daruhaldi (Tree Turmeric), and Manjistha (Indian Madder) amongst many many more are Ayurvedic treasures. These herbs, known for their anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties, are often underappreciated despite their profound skincare benefits.”

TW.: What do people tend to get wrong about Ayurveda?
MK: “A common misconception is that Ayurvedic products or Ayurveda in general is slow and out of touch. However, Ayurvedic products and practices guarantee long-term results that are more sustainable compared to the chemical counterparts in the market.

Our newly launched serums are perfect examples that are crafted with Ayurvedic actives and amplified with advanced technologies that deliver transformative results within 24 hours, while keeping to natural and holistic beauty parameters.”

TW.: What makes Ayurveda so different and unique in the beauty world?
MK: “Ayurveda, with its deeply grounded traditions, is centred on principles of harmony, balance, purity, quality and seasonal usage—values that remain timeless and are intrinsic to what could be considered a luxurious way of life.”

TW.: What has been Ayurveda’s impact on the world?
MK: “While I never refer to Ayurveda as a trend, today, I can see how Ayurveda has greatly influenced global wellness and beauty trends, inspiring an appreciation for natural and sustainable practices. Its integration into modern lifestyles has reinforced the value of everything that is pure, seasonal, and sustainable.”

TW.: What do you love most about Ayurveda?
MK: “Ayurveda’s emphasis on balance, purity, and sustainability, while connecting nature with self-care makes it a truly enriching experience. It combines potent natural ingredients with a focus on personalisation, creating products that nurture from within.”

TW.: Could you share some of the lesser-known secrets of Ayurveda, such as the golden rules of Ayurveda, the God of Ayurveda, and the 80/20 rule of Ayurveda, etc.
MK: “Apart from the golden rules and the 80/20 rule of Ayurveda, there are so many lesser-known secrets or practices such as Oil Pulling, Nasya Therapy Tongue scraping along with a Seasonal Detox known as Ritucharya. I find the three-hour interval practice very useful, wherein Ayurveda recognises specific energies during different parts of the day, for instance, 6-10am is Kapha time, ideal for exercise and light meals.”

TW.: Do you think the future of skincare is synergy between time-tested, Ayurvedic rituals and modern science?
MK: “The future of Ayurvedic beauty is incredibly exciting, with a growing recognition of the value of holistic self-care and preventive beauty.

In the coming years, Ayurveda is expected to become even more personalised, with products tailored to individuals’ unique doshas, lifestyles, and skin concerns.

Ayurveda and technology can complement each other beautifully. While Ayurveda is steeped in natural wisdom, technology helps refine and enhance these ancient practices. At Forest Essentials, the best of both worlds is utilised: products are rooted in centuries-old Ayurvedic principles, while the latest scientific methods are employed to ensure they are effective, pure, and safe for modern skin. It’s not about replacing one with the other, but about finding a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.”

TW.: Where do you see Forest Essentials in the next 10 years?
MK: “In the coming decade, we’re focused on expanding our presence both in India and internationally, specifically continuing to grow our footprint in GCC, by looking at markets such as Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. This also includes launching new products that cater to growing consumer preferences, while balancing tradition and modernity. Our mission is to make Ayurveda accessible to the world in a way that respects tradition, while making it relevant for global consumers.

My personal vision is to see Ayurveda move from an alternative science to a mainstream science. It should not only be based on just folklore but also be given a modern context with global standards and policies.”