Mumbai: Secret Alchemist, a holistic aromatherapy wellness brand, has announced the appointment of versatile actress Samantha Prabhu as a co-founder. The company has also successfully raised $500,000 in a seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV).
The brand is dedicated to making aromatherapy accessible to a wide audience, with plans to utilize the newly acquired funding to enhance its marketing strategies, increase brand presence, and expand customer reach and awareness. Additionally, Secret Alchemist will broaden its product portfolio to include pure-grade essential oils, as well as creams, mists, and shower gels designed for a holistic wellness experience.
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.”
Founded by Ankita Thadani and Akash Valia, Secret Alchemist draws from a 30-year legacy in aromatherapy. The brand aims to revolutionize personal care through wellness, offering natural and premium ingredients that are sustainable and non-toxic.
Samantha Prabhu’s alignment with the brand ethos, rooted in wellness, further strengthens Secret Alchemist’s team. Her popularity and influence, particularly in South Indian markets, add significant value to the brand’s outreach alongside co-founders Ankita and Akash.
“At Secret Alchemist, our vision is to make aromatherapy an essential part of everyday wellness” says Ankita Thadani, Co-founder at 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 utilize 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.”
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 realized 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. “
The beauty and personal care market in India is currently valued at $31.5 billion, with a robust annual growth rate of 30%. The direct-to-consumer (D2C) body care segment alone is valued at $2.6 billion and is experiencing rapid expansion. With its focus on sustainable, natural, and wellness-oriented products, Secret Alchemist is well-positioned to capitalize on this high-growth niche.
