Secret Alchemist, a holistic aromatherapy-based wellness brand, has announced the appointment of actress Samantha Prabhu as a co-founder. The brand has also secured $500,000 in a seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV).
The beauty and personal care market in India is valued at $31.5 billion, with a year-on-year growth rate of 30%. The direct-to-consumer (D2C) body care segment, valued at $2.6 billion, is experiencing rapid expansion. Secret Alchemist aims to target consumers seeking sustainable and wellness-focused products in this high-growth niche.
The company plans to utilise the funding to enhance marketing efforts, increase brand presence, and expand customer reach and awareness. The product portfolio will also include pure-grade essential oils offered in the form of creams, mists, and shower gels.
“At Secret Alchemist, our vision is to make aromatherapy an essential part of everyday wellness” says Ankita Thadani, co-founder, Secret Alchemist “We aim to educate and inspire more people about the transformative healing properties of essential oils through purpose-driven personal care products. Samantha’s personal journey with aromatherapy perfectly aligns with our philosophy of addressing wellness at its roots, and together we plan to utilise the new funds to expand our product line, invest in brand building, and enhance our customer reach while deepening our impact in the personal care industry,” she adds.
Samantha Prabhu, co-founder, Secret Alchemist, further adds, “When I was on my healing journey and went for treatment abroad, aromatherapy became an unexpected source of comfort and healing for me. I realiwed just how much the healers in the West were making use of the power of essential oils to bring well-being. It made a big difference to my health that when I returned, I started searching for a brand that I could trust. And that’s when I found Secret Alchemist. After trying their oils and feeling their impact firsthand, I knew this wasn’t something I wanted to keep a secret. I wanted to share it with the world. It’s not just about investing in a brand—it’s about believing in the power of natural remedies to bring true well-being. I’m proud to be a part of this journey. “
Secret Alchemist was co-founded by Ankita Thadani and Akash Valia, who bring a 30-year legacy in aromatherapy. The brand’s mission is to transform personal care through wellness, offering natural and non-toxic solutions.
Samantha Prabhu’s involvement aligns with the brand’s focus on wellness. Her influence in the South Indian markets adds a significant dimension to the team, which includes Ankita and Akash.
Commenting on the fund raise, Vinay Bansal, founder CEO, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “The beauty segment in India saw a surge in the ’90s, which unfortunately brought unrealistic standards. Secret Alchemist is redefining this by promoting mindful, affordable products that encourage well-being and relaxation. IPV believes in the team’s strong foundation and is committed to supporting their sustainable growth.”