Great skincare is rooted in ritual as well as the world’s most expensive spice.
A first-generation Indian-American who grew up in Wisconsin, Michelle Ranavat studied industrial engineering at UW-Madison. She has also appeared as a Bollywood dancer in movies and adverts.
Michelle worked for Lehman Brothers in Manhattan and, when the company collapsed, reinvented herself working for her father’s pharmaceuticals company. Things changed following the birth of her two children.
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“My postpartum experience was very challenging, and I turned to my South Asian roots for relief of some of my physical symptoms, such as hair loss and skin changes, through Ayurvedic treatments. She started to see the value in products that were embraced by Indian culture and connected with experts in India.”
She founded New York-based RANAVAT- he first South Asian-founded Ayurvedic skincare brand – in 2017, hoping to educate others about Indian culture and inspire them to embrace ancient philosophies. And self-care rituals. Like hair oiling.
“Growing up with Ayurvedic philosophy, I realized that overall self-care is critical and RANAVAT aligns with the philosophy of making sure we are balanced as a whole.”
Her skincare range boasts quality hero ingredients sourced from India, including saffron – the world’s most expensive spice. Ranavat sources its premium saffron from Kashmir.
“Crocus sativus” flower extract offers antioxidant and UV protection benefits for the skin.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant with skin-brightening properties. Papaya enzyme, a chemical exfoliant, sloughs off dead skin without friction or irritation.
Being anti-inflammatory and noncomedogenic, sesame seed oil is the perfect lipid-rich ingredient to gently cleanse the skin of dirt and oils. Her cleanser contains the antibacterial and antioxidant Ayurvedic herb. manjistha.
Bakuchi fruit or babchi contains bakuchiol, which mitigates signs of aging. Triphala (a herbal remedy comprising the fruits haritaki, bibhitaki, and amla) also offers a combination of brightening, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. As does the more familiar ashwagandha.
Lotus purified and enhances clarity for a smooth, clear complexion.
Heart-Leaved Moonseed- known in Ayurveda as the root of immortality, targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Bala revitalises dull skin and nourishes to soothe visible redness and irritation.
Shatavari targets hyperpigmentation and supports collagen production
Because haritaki helps cells renew, it has positive effects on your skin, hair, and nails.
Bibhitaki or baheda – admired in Ayurveda as the “Jeevanvati” of numerous diseases and ailments- provides essential nutrients to hair follicles.
Indian sub-continent “Eclipta Alba”, a member of the sunflower family and also known as false daisy and bhringraj, is another Ayurvedic cure-all.
Ranavat Royal Palaces mists are steam-distilled hydrosols inspired by Rajasthan’s palace rituals. Available in 50mL glass bottles are Hydrating Jasmine, Calming Rose, and Saffron Neroli.
One Ranavat product can contain over thirty Ayurvedic ingredients.
Continues Ranavat’s CEO: “Some people assume that if you’re talking about ancient science, that there are no clinical trials. But we do. An independent clinical study revealed 100% of the 32 subjects demonstrated a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after four weeks of using our Brightening Saffron Serum. Ayurvedic strategies have worked for 5000 years. Ayurveda means the knowledge of life.
“In my 30s, I definitely noticed a change in my skin. That’s when I started to ask questions like, ‘What did people before me do? Our adaptogenic-powered Ayurvedic-inspired treatments turn routine into ritual. And a luxurious experience. Not a chore.
We have five times the amount of saffron you’ll find in any other kumkumadi ( saffron oil) serum, while our Kansa wand is made from a fifth-generation Kansa artisan,” adds Michelle, whose mother taught her how to make yogurt and honey masks.
“To me, Made in India represents something incredibly luxurious.”
