Brand Spotlight
Please let us in on the name Anokha, does it have special significance?
"Anokha" is an Urdu word which means unique, or different, I selected this to indicate that the line addresses the unique needs of each person’s skin.
“Early in my surgical practice as a plastic surgeon, I was asked by multiple patients if I could recommend a skincare line without medical ingredients, but which was still clinically effective. There were relatively few natural brands at that time, and none were luxurious enough for my clientele.”
How many products are in the line currently?
We currently offer nine products, four accessories, and a comprehensive gift set.
Tell us a bit about how the Anokha Skincare line came to be.
Early in my surgical practice as a plastic surgeon, I was asked by multiple patients if I could recommend a skincare line without medical ingredients, but which was still clinically effective. There were relatively few natural brands at that time, and none were luxurious enough for my clientele. From that discovery, I decided to launch my own brand in 2008.
What are your hero products?
Our two bestsellers are the oatmeal cleansing milk and jasmine serum. We are constantly selling out of the cleanser which always amazes me.
Are there some key ingredients that truly set the brand apart?
I love exploring new ingredients with solid scientific data behind them. Some of our more unusual ingredients include lychee fruit, which is a gentle skin brightener; lotus flower, which is astringent; bakuchiol, a retinol alternative; and gotu kola, which is excellent for wound healing and scar reduction.
“My patients serve as a validation group for the brand - they tell me what they need, they try out early formulas, and I tweak based on their feedback. This line literally would not exist without them.”
What does skin health mean to you?
Healthy skin is skin that looks good and feels good - the specifics of that will be different for every person. However, skin that is hydrated with even skin tone gives a strong impression of overall health and beauty.
What is the ideal skincare regimen using your products?
We are all about layering the products but understand that the specific layers will vary based on your skin's needs and its environment. If I use my own skin as an example, I need to double cleanse with an oil cleanser followed by a cream cleanser. I move onto my toner and facial creme, and then finish with an oil before using sunscreen. However, the nurse who assists me in the operating room is twenty years younger than I am. She needs a cream cleanser with a toner and serum, and she's done. So, the ideal regimen is different for everyone.
You wear multiple hats and are a practicing plastic surgeon, has your work influenced the skincare line?
My patients serve as a validation group for the brand - they tell me what they need, they try out early formulas, and I tweak based on their feedback. This line literally would not exist without them.
The GlossWire team loves your packaging, tell us about it.
We're quite proud of our packaging. The heavy glass is sourced from Italy and France, and we use sustainable closures. The boxes come from Hong Kong and are also recyclable. The gorgeous and quirky designs were created by Sharma Heylen-Silvia, an artist in Melbourne, Australia. This brand would not be the same without her work.
Do you see your brand expanding with different products?
I am always working on new products. Right now, we are formulating a trio of men's products: rice & hinoki facial cleanser; white tea and lychee toner; and the sake and sandalwood facial lotion. We are hoping to launch these by Autumn 2022.
What has been the most wonderful part about starting Anokha Skincare?
I have been in the world of medicine for almost thirty years, so it has been a lot of fun to switch gears and explore cosmetic chemistry. I am constantly reading and trying to educate myself about ingredients and how to work with them. I have studied cosmetic chemistry independently for a few years and am now formulating and manufacturing all products in our own lab. So, every product that a customer receives is fresh and made by hand.
Aside from Anokha Sknicare, what are you passionate about?
My son. I consider being a mother my most important job. It informs and influences everything else I do in life.