Forest Essentials


Forest Essentials is an Indian cosmetics, skincare and perfume company that specialises in Ayurvedic preparations for its products. It was founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni in New Delhi, India.

History

Mira Kulkarni started the business in 2000 with an investment of Rs.2 lakhs, then only selling handmade soaps and candles. The business expanded after the Delhi hotel Hyatt Regency ordered the soaps for their rooms. In 2005-06, the company posted sales of Rs.6 crore.

Business

In 2008, the New York-based Estée Lauder Companies acquired a 20% stake in the company. In 2014, this was further increased to 40%. Kulkarni's son Samrath Bedi currently serves as the managing director of the company.
The company has 80 stores in India, supplies to 190 hotels and export to 120 countries. The factories are in Haridwar and Lodsi in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand.
Forest Essentials sells natural, organic and Ayurvedic cosmetics and has a policy of not testing their products on animals.