When you think of social media strategy gone right, you think of The Bare Bar. But they’re more than just their (fantastic) content and customer testimonials — after all, the praise has to come from somewhere. Their tagline, ‘Simple. Clean. Sustainable’ tells you exactly what to expect and this interview with The Bare Bar’s founder, Radhika Mukhija brings to light the story behind this holistic wellness company.
Radhika is from Jaipur, Rajasthan, where she grew up in a family deeply passionate about nature and social causes. Thanks to her parents’ seafaring adventures, Radhika’s childhood was spent with her grandparents and was filled with an appreciation for tradition and the environment. This love led Radhika to try her hand at multiple things from designing semi-precious jewelry to contemporary Indian art. But the world came to a standstill due to COVID-19 and the art market suffered enormously.
“The world didn’t know which way we were heading but it was clear that a good quality of life and health were becoming more important. I realized that in such times, my thoughts around clean beauty and wellness made absolute sense and couldn’t be more relevant. It was now or never!”
Radhika ultimately fulfilled her dream of creating a sustainable beauty and wellness brand — The Bare Bar. Her passion for natural skincare shines through the brand’s ethos and every single product has her personal touch. She created fragrances to set a consistent palette and chose colors that represented the organic and earthy aesthetics of the brand, a skill born out of her vast knowledge of the contemporary art space. It’s clear from customer reviews that her unique personality and style have captured hearts.
“I especially wanted to address the fact that we could make the most beautiful skincare using simple clean kitchen ingredients.”
Growing up with an appreciation for nature led Radhika to develop her brand around the ethos that small conscious efforts lead to big nature-saving change.
“We needed to go that little bit of an extra mile to educate and change — be it the use of plastic in our packaging or the use of quick and easily available cheaper nasties — we needed to change our thought process.”
Radhika is quick to add that starting the business, especially during the lockdown, required a steep learning curve. There were multiple challenges along the way including finding and accessing relevant guidance about setting up a small business. Radhika also had to teach herself about licensing intel, wholesome local suppliers, and sustainable packaging options. She elaborates on the latter, specifically finding the right sustainable alternative to plastic. She explains that it wasn’t as easy as finding a glass package, because some led to The Bare Bar’s natural butters melting in the summer, and others broke or leaked during transit (she was determined not to use plastic or thermocol for the packaging too!).
But it’s clear that through a lot of trial and learning, The Bare Bar has succeeded in becoming what they promise — ‘Simple. Clean. Sustainable’ — with no compromises. Radhika shares that The Bare Bar is her dream come true and that she always puts her best foot forward to nurture and grow it, probably mimicking her positive childhood memories of blending tradition with adventure.
“THE BEST PART is that I love trying out different products and scents and experimenting with new things every day. Besides this, of course, is the fact that finally, my hard work is beginning to pay off. The brand is gradually gaining recognition and appreciation, which is truly the most fulfilling and rewarding feeling. We would love for The Bare Bar to come across as an aspirational yet affordable brand accessible for one and all.”
And The Bare Bar is well on its way. With that introduction, here are my thoughts on the products that I’ve gotten to review.
Jasmine Deodorant
The Bare Bar’s deodorant is available in two forms — a tin and a stick. Both are completely natural (like everything else from them) and I tried out the deodorant stick. Though I’m sure I want sandalwood to be my signature scent (I’m from Mysore, so there’s nothing you can do about it), this signature jasmine scent is tough competition. It smells absolutely incredible and the deodorant itself is smooth and dries down without a sticky residue. Though I still reach for a more heavy-duty alternative when I’m working out, this deo is a great everyday one and is available in many other scents.
Lavender-infused body wash
I wasn’t expecting this body wash to have actual suspensions of lavender but that proves further The Bare Bar’s commitment to using real ingredients. This body wash has been infused with lavender buds and leaves your skin feeling clean and smelling lightly of lavender. The lavender has been mixed with chamomile extract because of its anti-inflammatory properties, and though I don’t struggle with inflamed skin on my body, this body wash definitely feels amazing.
Kumkumadi face cream
This face cream has quickly become a staple of my daily routine and, unfortunately, is already over. I have been using it every single night after a few drops of retinal on my skin. Retinal is notorious for drying your skin out, and my face is already on the drier side. I had to bring out the big guns and in my case, this face cream did the trick. The smell isn’t overpowering and I actually really enjoy applying this at night. I can feel my skin instantly cool (my face does inflame often) and I have nothing but good things to say.
Kumkumadi face wash
Similar to the face cream, this face wash is cooling and brightening. In case you didn’t know, Kumkumadi is a tried and tested Ayurvedic blend, combining saffron, sandalwood, and other potent herbs. As I’ve mentioned, nothing can pull me away from the smell of sandalwood and in this face wash form, I’ve been using it every time I double cleanse.
Under-eye roll on
This roll-on may seem small but it sure packs a punch. It has a bunch of ‘superpower’ ingredients including argan oil, castor oil, rosehip seed oil, and even saffron strands. All of these ingredients are known for their nourishing and brightening power, perfect for the tough under-eye skin. I’d like to say that I’ve been using this everyday, but it was quickly “borrowed” by my amma and I’ve never seen it again. That can only mean one thing — she loves it.
. . .
Before you run (not walk) to their website, Radhika has a few parting words about this business’s future. Even though it’s been homegrown and is still relatively new, The Bare Bar is already available in over 25 stores across the country (including 18 just in Bangalore!). They are on sustainable-forward platforms like Amala Earth and Brown Living. They’ve even made it to Big Basket and a few Shopper’s Stop stores and intend to soon launch on Tira Beauty and Nykaa as well. But I know what you’re thinking — what products are coming out next?
“We have just launched our plant-based active serums and will soon be launching hair care. This year we also hope to present to you a simple, clean line of basic make-up rituals.”
And I for one, am extremely excited.
Follow The Bare Bar on their Instagram page so that you don’t miss a beat of their future launches.
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