Herbs × Modern Science, Made for Indian Skin

About Our Formulation

At HERBLY, every formula is the result of clinical research + traditional knowledge. We study peer-reviewed Elsevier/ScienceDirect papers on actives and botanicals, and only then select ingredients at safe, effective levels for Indian skin prone to pores, acne marks (PIH), uneven tone, and sun exposure.

Founder’s Note

Growing up in South India, I watched how forest communities trusted herbs long before they entered labs. As a genetic engineer and entrepreneur, I wanted to bring this tradition into modern skincare — not as folklore, but as lab-validated science. That’s how HERBLY was born: formulas that respect the people who harvest them, the science that validates them, and the skin that deserves them.
— Ashok Ramakrishna
CO-Founder, HERBLY

I was born in Virajpet, Coorg — a land of forests, coffee estates, and time-honored herbal traditions. Growing up amidst this natural richness, I witnessed how communities relied on plants and botanicals not just for wellness, but as trusted solutions passed down for generations.

My professional journey took a different route: I became an Industrial Engineer and earned a PhD in Additive Manufacturing. My training taught me to value research, precision, and quality systems — skills that became the backbone of how I approach formulation science today.

When I settled in Coimbatore, I saw an opportunity to bridge my roots with my research: to combine tribal-harvested herbs from Karnataka’s forests with evidence-based clinical actives to create skincare that is both authentic and effective.

This vision became HERBLY.

This vision became HERBLY.

At HERBLY, we operate with the same rigor as any advanced engineering system:

  • Every ingredient is selected after reviewing peer-reviewed journals (Elsevier, ScienceDirect, JAAD, PubMed).
  • We disclose active percentages transparently (e.g., Niacinamide 2%, Alpha-Arbutin 2%, Zinc Oxide 15%).
  • Our herbs are ethically sourced from tribal cooperatives in Karnataka, ensuring sustainability and fair compensation.
  • And most importantly, we are BIS certified, meeting all parameters required for skincare manufacturing and safety in India.

For me, HERBLY is not just a brand. It is a scientifically accountable skincare system — where every formula is tested, compliant, and aligned with ISO and GMP quality frameworks.

My vision is to build a brand that consumers trust not only because it works, but because it is transparent, research-backed, and rooted in integrity. From forest to formula, and from lab to skin, HERBLY represents the confluence of where I come from and what I’ve learned.

MKS Shrinhidhi
Founder, HERBLY

Our Formulation Code

  • Evidence-led actives with disclosed % (e.g., Niacinamide 2%, Zinc 5%, Alpha-Arbutin 2%, Hyaluronic Acid 2%).
  • Hydration-first bases (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) to keep routines comfortable.
  • Botanical hydrosols and extracts (rose, sandalwood, chamomile, basil, moringa, turmeric) selected for antioxidant and soothing properties, as seen in dermatology journals.
  • Preservation aligned with EU & ISO standards (phenoxyethanol ≤1%).
  • Daily SPF guidance — because research shows that UV protection is essential in pigmentation control.

Ingredient Science (with Research Citations)

  • Salicylic Acid (BHA): Confirmed comedolytic at 0.5–2% in JAAD 2024 acne guidelines (Elsevier).
  • Niacinamide 2%: Clinical trial showed reduced sebum excretion (PubMed; Int. J. Pharmaceutics, Elsevier).
  • Kojic Acid + Alpha-Arbutin: Both inhibit tyrosinase, the pigment enzyme (ScienceDirect reviews, 2023–2024).
  • Chamomile, Basil, Turmeric Extracts: Documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in Photodiagnosis & Photodynamic Therapy and Industrial Crops & Products (Elsevier).

Anti-Pigmentation Serum — Fade Marks + Even Tone

  • Alpha-Arbutin: Found to strongly inhibit human tyrosinase (ScienceDirect Topics, 2024).
  • Kojic Acid: Comprehensive review in Elsevier Cosmetic Science confirms TYR inhibition for PIH and melasma.
  • Niacinamide: Classic JAAD study shows reduced melanosome transfer.
  • Licorice (Glabridin): Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy reviews confirm TYR inhibition + antioxidant role.

Vitamin C Serum — Glow + Defense

  • Vitamin C (L-AA, Ethyl Ascorbic, Ascorbyl Glucoside): JAAD + Journal of Investigative Dermatology show antioxidant photoprotection, especially when paired with E + ferulic acid.
  • Blood Orange Extract: Food Chemistry / ScienceDirect highlights polyphenols reducing MMP-1 and oxidative stress.
  • Niacinamide: JAAD reviews confirm its tone-support synergy with Vitamin C.

Face Wash — Gentle Brightening Cleanse

  • Kojic Acid: 2024 Elsevier Medicinal Chemistry review validates stable TYR inhibition.
  • Papaya Extract (Papain): ScienceDirect Topics confirms enzymatic exfoliation properties.
  • Honey Extract: Elsevier Wound Care Review details antimicrobial and soothing benefits.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate: JAAD trials confirm post-cleanse hydration improvements.

Sunscreen SPF 50+++ — Mineral Shield

  • Zinc Oxide 15%: JAAD and Colloids & Surfaces B confirm broad UVA1/UVB coverage + no dermal penetration.
  • Niacinamide 2%: 2024 JAAD clinical study in sunscreen shows improved melanogenesis control.
  • Licorice (Glabridin): ScienceDirect Cosmetic Chemistry studies confirm tyrosinase inhibition.
  • Sandalwood Extract: Elsevier Dermatology Reviews highlight anti-inflammatory action.

Face Scrub — Dual Exfoliation

  • Walnut Shell Powder: Data in Brief (Elsevier, 2025) characterizes safe, sustainable exfoliating particles.
  • Citric Acid (AHA): ScienceDirect Topics confirm loosening of corneocyte cohesion.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: 2024 Elsevier Review shows hydration + elasticity support.
  • Eladi Complex (Cardamom-rich): Food Chemistry (Elsevier) confirms antimicrobial/soothing action.

Rose Toner — Balance + Refresh

  • Niacinamide 2%: JAAD evidence for oil/sebum reduction + barrier support.
  • Zinc 5%: Elsevier Acne Reviews confirm anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial role.
  • Rose Hydrosol: ScienceDirect Systematic Reviews show antioxidant and soothing activity.
  • Vitamin E + Glycerin: Elsevier + JID data confirm hydration + barrier lipid protection.

Body Lotion — Hydration + Antioxidant Support

  • Hyaluronic Acid 2%: Elsevier Clinicals show improved hydration and elasticity.
  • Glutathione 2%: Elsevier Dyschromia Reviews note topical GSH adjunct brightening effect.
  • Strawberry Extract: ScienceDirect Polyphenol Studies confirm ellagic acid and anthocyanins’ TYR inhibition.
  • Shea Butter: Elsevier Phytochemistry Reviews describe anti-inflammatory triterpene alcohols.

Face Moisturiser — Daily Barrier + Tone Care

  • Hyaluronic Acid 2%: JID/Elsevier confirm hydration + plumping.
  • Alpha-Arbutin 2%: ScienceDirect Mechanistic Papers confirm competitive TYR inhibition.
  • Aloe Butter + Rice Extract: ScienceDirect Reviews confirm aloe’s NF-κB suppression + rice γ-oryzanol antioxidant action.

Compliance & Safety

  • Preservatives: Phenoxyethanol safety confirmed in Toxicology in Vitro (Elsevier) at ≤1%.
  • Sodium Benzoate: Elsevier Cosmetic Safety Reviews confirm safe at cosmetic pH.
  • Testing: All brightening claims are cosmetic; we follow ISO testing for SPF (ISO 24444 & ISO 24442).

Why Trust HERBLY?

We don’t just mix herbs and actives — we study them through peer-reviewed Elsevier and ScienceDirect research, then adapt for Indian skin physiology. Every ingredient has a scientific rationale, every % is purposeful, and every product comes with clear usage maps.


Tribal Sourcing — From Forest to Formula 🌿

We partner directly with tribal families in the Western Ghats near Mangalore who hand-collect our herbs with traditional knowledge:

  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa) — harvested by the Koraga community in Dakshina Kannada, known for pure rhizomes rich in curcumin.
  • Sandalwood Hydrosol (Santalum album) — distilled by small cooperatives near Shivamogga under government-regulated plantations.
  • Basil (Ocimum sanctum) — cultivated in Chikmagalur by women-led tribal groups; shade-dried for potency.
  • Moringa (Moringa oleifera) — sourced from Udupi tribal clusters, grown in red laterite soil for higher antioxidant yield.
  • Rose Petals (Rosa damascena) — organically grown in Coorg tribal valleys, steam-distilled for hydrosols.

Every harvest is batch-tested in our labs for microbial safety, heavy metals, and active potency before entering formulations.

By naming our sourcing regions and communities, we ensure traceability, fair trade, and authenticity — because skincare should empower the hands that make it possible.