For centuries, that golden glow came from more than just good lighting; turmeric held a place of honour in Indian beauty rituals, praised for its antibacterial, brightening, and healing properties.
But the conversation is evolving. A new generation of Indian-origin superfoods is rising from the roots, bringing with it a deeper, more nuanced understanding of skin nourishment. From antioxidant-rich amla to adaptogenic ashwagandha, today’s formulations are finally beginning to reflect the incredible biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent. This shift isn’t just about trends; it’s part of a broader movement towards mindful skincare, where ingredients are not only effective but also culturally resonant, traceable, and holistic in their impact.
It’s about working with your skin, not against it: balancing microbiomes, repairing barriers, and protecting against modern-day stressors. And that’s where a new wave of Indian skincare brands is carving its niche.
To explore this new wave more deeply, India Today spoke with Sahyadri Nimesha Bhagia, Co-Founder of SUYU India, a conscious skincare brand rooted in potent Indian botanicals.
INDIAN SUPERFOODS WITH INTEGRITY
“Each of our products is an homage to the way Indian ingredients were used across generations, but with a clarity that today’s consumer demands,” says Sahyadri Nimesha Bhagia. “It’s about integrity, from research to formulating to how it feels on your skin.”
BEYOND TURMERIC
While turmeric will always remain iconic, Bhagia points out that lesser-known Indian heroes are finally finding their spotlight. “Manjistha for pigmentation, brahmi for barrier health, Indian rosehip for renewal these are the ingredients that define our approach. “We blend them with global actives like reishi and chaga mushrooms for a balanced, modern formulation.”
RITUALS THAT MEAN SOMETHING
For Bhagia, the rise of skinimalism, fewer, more effective products, pairs beautifully with India’s biodiversity. Consumers don’t just want results anymore; they want rituals with meaning. They’re asking: where is this from, why has it been used for centuries, what story does it carry?”
Just as K-beauty put snail mucin and ginseng on the world map, Bhagia believes Indian superfoods are on their way to global relevance. “What once sat in our kitchens or apothecaries is now finding a place on international beauty shelves. This is India’s time to share its ingredient intelligence with the world.”
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