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Anyone can start a skincare business but it takes a certain someone special to carve out a niche in a saturated market. You can call it talent and skill, but when it comes to merging skincare chemistry with consumer needs, nothing replaces experience. With a family rooted in the beauty industry for over five decades, Ramandeep Singh went into this with a wealth of knowledge and a nose for identifying gaps.
“I observed a significant shift in the demand for cosmeceutical skincare products — products that deliver tangible results. This transformation in consumer expectations, combined with my family’s legacy in the beauty sector, inspired me to create Lisén, a skincare brand dedicated to offering efficacious solutions to the skin while fostering a positive emotional connection.”
So why does experience matter when stepping into the skincare space? Homegrown businesses, small businesses, and industry-based businesses all make up this space but their purposes differ. You can find skincare tagged with the “We’re all-natural” brand and you can also have the entire business built on specific key ingredients. Some businesses focus on what you can find in your backyard, and others lean towards sourcing to cater to beauty trends, like K-beauty. Ramdeep shares that traditionally, cosmetic products were primarily formulated to enhance the superficial appearance of the skin temporarily. For example, a cleanser’s sole purpose was to cleanse the skin, and its effects were often short-lived.
What experience, therefore allows, is adding a biomedical lens to the industry — a lens that focuses on biologically active ingredients like vitamins, retinoids, exfoliating acids, antioxidants, and botanical extracts to influence the skin’s functioning. These are called cosmeceuticals, a niche within which Lisén has not only carved out a space but has been spearheading in India.
“The formulations of cosmeceuticals are strategically crafted to not only address the skin’s external appearance but also target the underlying biology of the skin. These formulations can work on the physiological structure and function of the skin and have the capacity to reverse visible signs of skin damage such as scars, spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.”
You may point out that within this model, too, there are multiple businesses and brands that cater to influencing biology. Where Lisén really stands out is leaning into the cosmeceuticals space without letting go of the humanity behind it.
“We additionally acknowledge the direct correlation between skin concerns and emotional well-being, as demonstrated by numerous studies. Therefore, our mission isn’t solely about offering effective skincare products; it’s also about fostering a positive emotional connection with our users.
We understand the psychological behavior that often drives the desire to look a certain way, and we’re committed to curbing this pressure. Lisén skincare is dedicated to promoting the idea that true beauty extends beyond what meets the eye. It encompasses how a person feels about themselves.”
This is particularly impressive because skincare definitely doesn’t exist in a vacuum, especially because of the influence social media has on consumers’ lives and mental well-being. Skincare has never been about singular products, it’s always been about selling people an idea. Whether that idea is the concept of “perfect skin” or it’s about a crafted idea of beauty, beauty and skincare are inexplicably interlinked. As Ramandeep says,
“In a world that sometimes prioritizes external appearances over emotional well-being, we strive to make beauty a holistic experience. Our products are designed not only to enhance the external appearance of the skin but also to boost inner confidence and emotional well-being. We want individuals to embrace their uniqueness, appreciate their skin journey, and prioritize self-care as an act of self-love.
By recognizing the emotional aspect of skincare and promoting self-confidence and self-acceptance, Lisén skincare empowers individuals to feel their best selves, both inside and out. We believe that true beauty is a combination of physical and emotional well-being, and we are here to support you on that journey.”
Taking a step back, how did Lisén come to be? Despite the experience that Ramandeep came at this with, he acknowledges that starting it involved a steep learning curve, particularly in areas like sourcing ingredients and choosing the right manufacturing partner in Korea. Why Korea?
“Our decision to manufacture in Korea was based on the country’s exceptional skincare technology and stringent quality control standards. Navigating international regulations and working with Korean manufacturing experts were essential steps in maintaining our commitment to excellence. Furthermore, Lisén is an R&D-focused brand, and developing products with patented ingredients added another layer of complexity to the process. It required time, dedication, and careful refinement to ensure our formulations met our high standards.”
So Lisén required putting the right manufacturers, regulations, ingredients, and mission together, a journey that Ramandeep is transparent about. Starting a business is never an easy feat but when you go at it with the kind of intention Ramandeep clearly has, I can tell that it’s definitely rewarding. As he adds,
“My favourite aspect of running Lisén is witnessing the transformative impact our products have on our customers’ skin and confidence. Hearing positive testimonials and seeing the remarkable journeys of our users is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I derive great satisfaction from the creative process of developing new skincare formulations and staying at the forefront of skincare innovation.”
So what are the skincare products that I’ve fallen in love with?
Correcting Treatment for Dark Circles and Smoothening Fine Lines
The journey of creating our eye cream was a meticulous process, from ingredient selection to primary packaging design. We aimed to create a convenient and effective product, complete with a massaging applicator. Our formula incorporated patented ingredients like the 3-step brightening complex, peptides, and botanical extracts. Our dedicated research and development team worked tirelessly over 18 months to refine the formula, addressing common eye area concerns such as fine lines and dark circles. The final product exceeded our expectations, reflecting the commitment to excellence that defines LISEN skincare.
Before I get into the products themselves, I have to shout out the packaging. All the packaging unfolds into beautiful line drawings that encourage mindfulness — a full-circle moment for Liśen’s brand ethos. The eye cream itself is lightweight, cooling, and easy to use. The packaging is easy to use and is designed to make the experience simple yet luxurious. It almost feels like the nozzle has been designed to the exact dimensions of the average human finger, something I wouldn’t be surprised if true.
Lightweight, Sweat-Proof & Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++
Soothing Shade is a quick-absorbing and lightweight sweat-proof sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA+++ protection against UVA and UVB rays. Formulated with Anti Pore-Dex Complex which provides extensive pore care, ensuring they remain clean and unclogged while regulating sebum.
I’ve been on a journey (and a half) to find a repertoire of sunscreens that can be used along with the rest of my skincare routine. This one pairs so well with the products I currently use, especially the ampoule below. It doesn’t leave a white cast and it hasn’t caused any breakouts. Because I’m a glasses wearer, I always reach for sweat-proof products so this sunscreen has definitely made it into my routine.
SuperCHARGE+ Multi Solution Vitamin C Ampoule
The ampoule is the epitome of meticulous craftsmanship, combining over 60 thoughtfully selected ingredients, each playing a crucial role in enhancing its efficacy. It’s powered by Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, a potent anti-aging peptide renowned for its ability to target fine lines and wrinkles, providing visible results and has a unique blend of gold particles, ceramides, and Edelweiss Callus Culture Extract meticulously chosen for their synergistic ability to rejuvenate and prevent premature aging.
I. Love. This. I cannot emphasise how much you need this. It’s so lightweight and it’s clearly packed with everything good. My skin has become softer and though I don’t yet have wrinkles to vanish, I’m sure it does what it says on the tin. A 10/10 product for me that I will be purchasing again and again and again.
2- in-1 Brightening & Hydrating Gel Créme
It’s a proprietary blend of Gigawhite, Actiwhite, And Willow Bark Extract that helps illuminate dull skin. While Gigawhite is known to remedy skin discolouration and sun damage, Actiwhite helps to reduce dark spots and evens out skin tone. Willow Bark Extract, on the other hand, provides intense moisturizing benefits while gently but effectively exfoliating skin.
As you can see from the description, combine all that they have and it has to be top of the line. What I’m here to talk about is the packaging. We’ve talked about how dipping into daily cremes contaminates them and after all the effort of finding the right ingredients, the last thing you want is to cause bacterial growth. Some brands have tried little spoons and others have tried to turn them into tubes, Liśen definitely takes the cake with their innovative pump packaging. It pumps out the exact amount that you need and a little definitely goes a long way.
So what’s next for Liśen skincare?
“The future of Lisén skincare is filled with exciting prospects. We are dedicated to expanding our product line, offering targeted solutions to address various skincare needs. Additionally, we are actively exploring sustainable packaging options and initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. Our mission remains steadfast — to provide effective skincare products that prioritize the well-being of our customers and the environment. Stay tuned for our upcoming launches and innovations. In line with our commitment to cosmeceutical skincare, Lisén products will soon be available at Amazon UAE and other international markets, offering consumers the opportunity to experience skincare that genuinely improves their skin conditions without a prescription. We believe in the importance of selecting the right formulations for individual skin needs, and our brand is dedicated to long-term skin health.”
As Ramandeep says, stay tuned. You can (and should) follow their Instagram page or head to their website to learn more and shop their products.
Tags: lisen lisen skincare ramandeep singh skincare science
