Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
I’ve come across many Ayurvedic skincare brands in the past year, and seeing my culture and its richness honored represented authentically in the Western sphere by other diasporic creators is always exciting to me as a South-Asian woman. But RANAVAT’s products truly smell like home. The award winning ayurvedic + adaptogenic clinically proven skin and hair care brand’s products – from Brightening Saffron Serum ($135) and Hydrating Jasmine Mist ($45) to Fortifying Hair Serum ($70) – use the same ingredients my grandmother used to feed me or sprinkle into an oil mixture she’d massage into my scalp when I was a kid. I can sense the rituals and traditions my family has instilled in me coming to life when I engage with RANAVAT’s magic.
Founded in 2017, the ‘proven by science, rooted in ritual’ brand aims to create luxurious skin and hair care treatments by harnessing the power of founder Michelle Ranavat’s Indian heritage. She fuses her science background with a passion for artisanal tradition, and her care can be seen at every touchpoint. Each formulation is composed of the highest caliber of Ayurvedic ingredients for transformative results across all skin & hair types, by using carefully selected actives such as Saffron, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Manjistha, Amla, and Bakuchi.
In her own words: “Much like eating well and exercising to maintain your health, beautiful skin comes from consistency. The same goes for self-care, which shouldn’t be an afterthought. We believe the connection between person and product isn’t a once-in-a-while ritual. Consider it habitual.” Michelle views the creation of her brand as a signifier that Ayurvedic beauty – and South Asian culture as a whole – is finally receiving acknowledgment and appreciation in the West. As another way to honor the brand's roots, RANAVAT proudly donates 1% of proceeds to the Desai Foundation, a non-profit organization in India that empowers women and children through community programs to elevate health and livelihood.
MADE FOR QUEENS
I must say, I immediately noticed a difference in my skin after trying out RANAVAT’s best-selling Brightening Saffron Serum ($135). This dewy, radiant and eye-catching gem, infused with a potent blend of vitamin-rich superfoods, is beloved for its unbelievable results. With ingredients like saffron, turmeric and licorice root, it’s no wonder that my skin was truly glowing.
The saffron encourages cell repair while brightening the skin, and as Michelle explains: “in Ayurveda, saffron is considered a ‘miracle elixir’ for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.” This serum not only brightens, but visibly firms, and improves complexion for the look of shiny, youthful, and resilient skin. The turmeric soothes stressed skin and reduces redness, whilst the licorice root reduces hyperpigmentation and thus promotes a youthful radiance. Since this brand is proven by science, it's fair to say that 100% of subjects who took part in an independent clinical study demonstrated a highly significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after a 4-week period of using the serum. The cherry on top is that it smells absolutely divine. A great way to both start and end your day.
I was also lucky enough to try out the one-of-a-kind Hydrating Jasmine Mist ($45), which is another one of RANAVAT’s stand-out products, known for its unique and sensorial experience. The steam-distilled jasmine flowers are sourced from West India, where my family is from. The scent is so soothing to me – it not only relieves my skin of stress, but also my body and mind. The smell feels like you’re wearing a flower necklace made solely of jasmine around your neck the whole day.
I use it both as a toner and as a perfume, spraying it on my wrists and neck for a long-lasting effect, and on my face throughout the day for a quick refresher. As a skincare ingredient, jasmine is antioxidant-rich and helps to boost hydration. Many RANAVAT beauty lovers say that it’s not only great for skin prep, but also as a setter for skincare and makeup. I usually use a rosewater spray on my skin as a toner, but now that I’ve had my daily dose of jasmine, I’ll have to stick with that.
The brand’s Fortifying Hair Serum ($70) is an ode to the South Asian practice of hair oiling. Michelle describes it as “the melding of modern chemistry and romance.” Another best-seller, this luxe serum is infused with amla extract, which includes a high concentration of oleic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E, jasmine oil, and sunflower oil to control breakage, strengthen and repair dry/damaged hair, and nourish the scalp. My hair tends to be very frizzy, which means it’s hard to tame, and on top of that I have curls. That’s why this serum works so well for me – I smooth it onto my wet hair, and when my locks dry, all my frizz is gone.
Additionally, it functions as a deep conditioning mask – you can massage it into your scalp and leave it on overnight for some extra TLC. One of Michelle’s key inspirations for founding the brand was actually her struggle with severe postpartum hair loss, so this product is also great for anyone undergoing more specific hair struggles. For more inspiration, you can check out this video of Michelle explaining her hair oiling routine.
MANE MAGIC
I honestly get giddy when thinking about the newness I get to share with you, because on top of all the incredible products RANAVAT has already released into the world, the brand just launched its Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Shampoo and Conditioner ($48 each)! This two-step hair treatment is the first ever Ayurvedic bond strengthening complex, and is clinically proven to improve scalp barrier function after immediate use. I’ve been dealing with hair loss for the past 8 years, and since testing out their shampoo and conditioner, I can confidently say that I’ve seen the amount of hair loss drastically decreasing.
A handful of my friends have complimented me, saying my hair looks thicker, more voluminous and my curls are more defined. But what I’m most excited about is how clean and nourished my scalp feels; I can really tell that these products target concerns at the root of hair health – the scalp. Clinically tested, the complex duo has proven results, eliminating excess scalp congestion while delivering moisture to the scalp. With pink lotus, hibiscus, ashwagandha, sunflower seed and amla (Indian Gooseberry), RANAVAT’s shampoo and conditioner focuses on the scalp, while still leaving your hair soft, shiny and moisturized. I’ve been looking for a set that works for my hair and I feel like I’ve finally found the one.
I came across a quote from the founder of RANAVAT that has really stuck with me: “Kings and queens of Rajasthan wanted to live forever (don’t we all), and they used ancient elixirs and potions to help them get there. But when I think of royals, I don’t consider them elitists – I don’t connect with that. These are men and women who served their community and kept track of their kingdom.”
This quote offers a depiction of what RANAVAT is doing for its community: providing wholesome products that are not only clinically backed, but historically proven to be the ancient elixirs of the South Asian lands. In the past, I’ve sometimes felt like I want to gatekeep our hair and skin secrets because they’re so appropriated and unfairly profited off of in the West, but with a founder like Michelle Ranavat behind the wheel, I wholeheartedly support her sharing the secrets of our heritage.
