Sanjana Balani is founder and CEO of Potion Inc, which she calls the first lifestyle skincare brand powered by biotechnology. Balani’s journey in the cosmetics industry began more than decade ago, spanning five countries. This rich, global experience sculpted his deeply diverse and inclusive approach to skincare.

She recently sat down with Happi to discuss her journey.

Happi: Could you share some insights about Potion’s journey within the cosmetics industry, and how the brand has evolved over time?

Balani: Potion began as a heartfelt vision to harness and represent the incredible power of nature.

I grew up on the beautiful Dutch-Caribbean Island of Curaçao, located in South America. I was born to Indian parents, so my upbringing was a vibrant blend of cultures and traditions. My grandmother was a significant influence in my life. Spending weekends with her, I was amazed at how she always turned to natural solutions for ailments, instilling a profound faith in nature’s power. Her faith in holistic methods was so strong that it became an intrinsic part of my identity. Watching her, I thought, if these methods worked so well back then, why shouldn’t they work now? How can I revive this across generations and keep our cultural heritage alive?

As life became busier and more modernized, I realized that the potency of nature was overshadowed. I vividly recall treating my adult acne with hand-pounded neem powder, a practice rooted in my heritage. I envisioned making nature powerful again and thus, Potion was born – a brand dedicated to harnessing nature’s power for modern skincare.

Our products target everyday skin issues like grime buildup, transepidermal water loss, dehydration and dullness. We boost your skin with daily vitamins, nutrients and plant-derived actives to optimize skin health and enhance your microbiome.

Potion is my way of reviving my grandmother’s wisdom and passing it on to future generations, ensuring that our faith in nature continues to thrive.

Happi: What sparked the collaboration between Potion and In-Cosmetics Korea?

Balani: During a business trip, I had the pleasure of meeting the In-Cosmetics team, and we discussed skin health, the microbiome and the future of personal care. They soon learned about our brand and recognized the alignment in our values: precision, expertise, and innovation. This common ground led to our collaboration, with In-Cosmetics Korea inviting Potion to share our expertise on their esteemed platform. (In-Cosmetics Korea took place July 24-26 in Seoul)

Happi: How does Potion envision this collaboration with In-Cosmetics Korea enhancing its brand identity or product offerings?

Balani: In-Cosmetics Korea has always been a visionary and a leader in the industry. Their mission to gather, learn and share the most groundbreaking findings aligns perfectly with our values. Korea is renowned for its advanced skincare industry. Potion, with its unwavering focus on skin health and nature-derived ingredients, resonates deeply with this approach. Collaborating with In-Cosmetics Korea reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation, showcasing our dedication to healing the skin from within.

Happi: Can you give us some insights into the specific products or innovations Potion showcased at In-Cosmetics Korea?

Balani: We are excited to conduct a marketing trends session on the skin’s microbiome, focusing on how strengthening the skin barrier is fundamental to achieving radiant skin, especially in Korea.

We will proudly highlight our Potion routine, including our charcoal and neem detoxifying cleanser, our hibiscus probiotic serum, and our blue light-protecting sunscreen. These products embody our commitment to blending nature with biotechnology, and we can’t wait to share them with the world.

Happi: How does the collaboration with In-Cosmetics Korea benefit your brand and its customers?

Balani: Collaborating with In-Cosmetics Korea is a tremendous honor. The show attracts a diverse demographic, offering vast exposure. For Potion, this collaboration emphasizes our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and excellence. It allows us to connect with like-minded professionals and share our passion for skin health.

We believe in the power of informed customers, and through this collaboration, we hope to inspire and educate, aligning with our joint mission to provide the best in skincare.