Journey of cosmetic products in India

 

Women have always been the attractive gender and they have taken this responsibility since the civilizations started evolving.

The ancient science of cosmetology is believed to have originated in Egypt and India, but the earliest records of cosmetic substances and their application dates back to Circa 2500 and 1550 B.C, to the Indus valley civilization.

The women at that age used herbal cosmetic products like fragrances, face packs, body packs etc. which were specially prepared for the royal and rich families. Of course there were products for the common households like various lepas, oils, kaajal & mehandi – used till date by women in India.

Many of these products inspired the western countries, which came up with their commercialised brands offering the same products – just machine made. The royal families in India often used these product from the western countries – mostly fragrances – as their own home made products were considered much healthier and fresh to use.

However it was just after India attained its independence, that Pandit Nehru convinced the Tata group to start with India's first ever cosmetic brand. India's first indigenous cosmetic brand 'Lakshmi Beauty Products' was launched in 1952. It was later renamed Lakme (French word for Goddess Lakshmi) and won hearts of millions of hearts ever since. Lakme brand is owned by Hindustan Unilever since 1998 as it was sold by Tata group for INR 200 crores.

Many foreign brands have entered India since independence. They got very good response from this market and they decided to expand their sales channel in the country – reaching out to the urban and then the rural markets. Today these brands are available almost in every beauty parlour in the country.

While the startup wave hit India around the year 2010 – many Indian brands have come up with brilliant products, amazing services and marvelous ideas. The cosmetic market in India is touching US $ 6.7 billion in valuation and its not slowing down at all. It is surely a growing industry with loads of surprises coming up.

Watch out for the best of cosmetics and makeup experts in the Great Indian Fashion Town.