In conversation with Sheetal Dudhwewala, Co-Founder and CMO Uncap

1. What inspired you to start Uncap, and what is the vision behind the brand?
 
Uncap was born from a deep desire to simplify skincare. We noticed that while there were countless skincare products promising results, very few were backed by real science, true transparency, or designed for everyday skin. We had the R&D, the credibility, and the distribution network. What was missing was a brand that made skincare both effective and accessible for the Indian consumer.
 
That realization became our inspiration. Our vision with Uncap is to simplify skincare without compromising on quality. We aim to reshape the relationship that people have with skincare through our high-performance formulations which are simple, affordable, and effective. Uncap is about peeling away the noise, making skincare transparent, and giving consumers the confidence to understand what they are using and why it works.
 
We are here to “uncap” the mystery and build trust through clarity, honesty and results.
 
2. Can you share the story behind the name “Uncap”?
 
The name ‘Uncap’ began with something simple- the everyday moment when you uncap a product and begin your skincare ritual.
 
But for us, Uncap is more than just a name. It’s a metaphor for life.
 
It reflects the idea that we’re all constantly un-capping new layers of ourselves- our potential, our confidence, and our self-belief. Whether it’s trusting your skin again, showing up with more courage, or chasing your personal and professional goals, Uncap is a reminder that growth begins the moment you take the lid off fear, doubt, or hesitation.
 
Just like our skincare simplifies and supports your skin journey, the name Uncap symbolizes that gentle push towards becoming more of who you truly are- inside and out.
 
3. How do you ensure that all your products are sustainable and backed by science?
 
Every Uncap product undergoes rigorous formulation and testing. Our R&D process includes both in-lab quality checks and collaboration with dermatologists—including experts from Jadavpur University—to ensure safety and efficacy.
 
For us, sustainability isn’t an afterthought; it’s integral. We source ingredients responsibly from countries like Japan, Korea, Brazil, and Mexico, and we ensure all our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged with minimal waste in mind. We have our own manufacturing facilities which ensure ethical practices and total quality control end-to-end.
 
4. How do you differentiate Uncap from other skincare brands in the market?
 
Our approach is rooted in three key pillars: transparency, simplicity, and  ancient science. Unlike many brands that overwhelm consumers with jargon or complicated regimens, we focus on multi-tasking formulations that deliver results.
 
Our clean formulations are powered by globally recognized ingredients, and our education-first approach ensures consumers understand exactly what they’re using—and why. This level of transparency fosters trust, something truly invaluable in today’s skincare industry.
 
5. What are some of the challenges you have faced in promoting a vegan, cruelty-free, planet-friendly skincare brand?
 
The biggest challenge has been breaking the perception that clean and ethical skincare has to be expensive or inaccessible. Educating consumers about why sustainable sourcing, vegan formulations, and cruelty-free testing matter takes time—but we’re committed to that long-term conversation.
 
Distribution in tier II and III cities is another hurdle, but thanks to our strong offline network, we’ve managed to bring planet-friendly skincare to places where it’s often unheard of.
 
6. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with Uncap so far?
 
Seeing a consumer use one of our products and notice a difference— that’s everything. Whether it’s someone battling acne or looking for hydration solutions, hearing that we helped them regain confidence is the ultimate reward.
 
Building a brand that reflects our values and gets real love from people is a powerful feeling. Launching with a strong offline presence, something most D2C brands struggle with, has been especially satisfying. Also, the enthusiastic response from dermatologists and early users has been incredibly motivating.
 
7. How do you stay inspired and motivated in the competitive skincare industry?
 
We stay inspired by truly listening to our community. Their feedback, concerns, and unmet needs guide us like a north star. For us, innovation isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about creating what people genuinely need but can’t find.
 
We stay rooted in our purpose: to deliver clean, science-backed skincare that’s accessible, effective, and trustworthy. That clarity of purpose keeps us grounded and focused- no matter how crowded the industry becomes.
 
8. How does your personal journey and background reflect in the ethos and values of Uncap?
 
Uncap is, in many ways, a reflection of my personal journey—not just in skincare, but in self-trust, clarity, and confidence.
 
As someone from a non-technical background, I began as a confused consumer— overwhelmed by the noise, unsure of what to trust. That curiosity sparked deep research, meaningful conversations with formulators, and a passion for ingredient science from ancient times.
 
I didn’t set out to create just another skincare brand. I wanted to build what I once needed—clean, effective, no-fuss solutions for real people living full, demanding lives.
 
As a woman balancing family, business, and self, I know the value of practicality—and that spirit is at the heart of Uncap.
More than a brand, Uncap is my personal belief system in a bottle: Be honest. Be consistent. Be conscious. And above all, uncap your own potential—one simple step at a time.

9. What advice would you give to other women who want to start their own business?
 
Your journey may look different, and that’s okay. That difference is your power. Little by little, a little becomes a lot! And that is what makes each one of us extraordinary.
 
Just remember that even in  those quiet, unseen moments of effort, the smallest steps forward can shape something powerful.
 
10. How do you balance your business with your personal and family life?
 
Balance is not a perfect formula, but a continuous process. Over the years, I have learned to be fully present wherever I am, whether it’s a strategy meeting or a quiet and peaceful bedtime story with my child.
 
What makes this possible is setting clear boundaries, trusting others enough to delegate and a strong support system which holds steady at work and at home.
 
Most importantly, I have stopped chasing perfection. Because I have understood that real power lies in slow and steady progress- in showing up, growing, and giving enough grace to yourself in the journey.

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Hope you liked the interview and gained enough confidence to start your own entrepreneurial journey. I’ll be back with another blogpost soon.
Before you leave, read more from India’s Best Beauty Blog. Have a good day!
xoxo Tanya