| Forest Essentials | |
| Type: | Private |
| Industry: | Wellness, Cosmetics |
| Founder: | Mira Kulkarni |
| Hq Location City: | New Delhi |
| Hq Location Country: | India |
| Key People: | Samrath Bedi, Managing Director |
| Revenue: | million |
| Num Employees: | 135 (2018) |
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.[1]
Mira Kulkarni started the business in 2000 with an investment of Rs.2 lakhs, then only selling handmade soaps and candles.[2] The business expanded after the Delhi hotel Hyatt Regency ordered the soaps for their rooms.[3] In 2005–2006, the company posted sales of Rs.6 crore.
In 2008, the New York-based Estée Lauder Companies acquired a 20% stake in the company, and in October 2021, the brand announced entering the United Kingdom by opening 12 retail stores.[4] Kulkarni's son Samrath Bedi currently serves as the managing director of the company.[5] [6]
The company has 130 Forest Essentials Stores in India, supplies to 190 hotels and export to 120 countries.[7] 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.[8]
In November 2022, Forest Essentials opened its first standalone store in Covent Garden, London which would become the brand's first international store.[9]