The Gunam Ecosystem gives you an insight into each part of the product development cycle.

We focus on the source , assessing where the ingredients and individual components come from. We then evaluate the methods or processes through which the raw materials become ingredients that become part of a product. However, before all this, we considered our approach and laid out clear intentions for our formulations and what we wanted them to achieve.

01. Source

With every ingredient we source from Synthite, they try to analyse its environmental and socio-economic impact.

We aim to use sustainably sourced ingredients wherever possible. By using clean extraction methods, the integrity of the ingredients is preserved, making the most out of what nature has to offer.

Backward integration programs are implemented to ensure that the various aspects of sourcing are considered and efforts are made for continuous improvement. Conservation strategies are put in place to improve the condition of the soil, water, air, and local biodiversity. Schemes are implemented to ensure a steady income for farmers, programs to improve their health and safety, training to improve farming techniques, and in many instances, providing access to education and life skills programs.

Our ingredients andwhere they come from

01

Vetiver

01
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Vetiver

Found in the Daily Liquid Exfoliant, the vetiver essential oil is cultivated in otherwise uncultivable land on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Pondicherry.

01
CLICKTO FLIP

Vetiver

Harvest : Cultivating vetiver rejuvenates the sandy soil found in these coastal areas by helping improve the nitrogen and micronutrient content of the soil. Solar panels are used to pump water for farming, and the use of chemical fertilizers is minimized by using compost made with locally available seaweed. The sandy, porous soil also makes the harvest much less intensive and allows for a better harvest.

The vetiver sourcing program is currently being evaluated for the Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Certification from The Union for Ethical BioTrade.

02

Sea Buckthorn

02
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Sea Buckthorn

Found in the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, our organic Sea Buckthorn is sourced from the Ladakh region in the Himalayan Valley, a very remote and inhospitable part of India.

02
CLICKTO FLIP

Sea Buckthorn

The sourcing program, which began over ten years ago, ensures the collectors (farmers) are provided job security. Due to their very remote location and lack of supporting infrastructure, the program ensures that they can consistently get their produce to market.

Once the berries are collected, they are pulped and stored in packaging materials that are provided to them, and the product is picked up from the factory location in Leh. The program also enabled the vendors to get Organic certifications free of cost. Despite having forest approval to harvest berries from particular locations, certain areas are left untouched to protect wildlife habitats.

03

Turmeric

03
CLICKTO FLIP

Turmeric

Used in the Balance Face Cream and the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, the Turmeric is sourced from Gundulpet and the nearby regions of Karnataka.

03
CLICKTO FLIP

Turmeric

Harvest: The sustainable turmeric sourcing program ensures that high-quality seeds are distributed to the farmers free of cost, and Good Agricultural Practices and Integrated Pest Management Practices are implemented. Several tools are used to monitor fields, and dedicated employees are on-site to ensure full traceability. The software enables geotagging and allows them to monitor fertilizer and pesticide use and track yield. Beneficial microbial consortia are added to the soil to increase the bioavailability of nutrients for the plant to absorb, ultimately boosting productivity. The farmers are also trained to use farm equipment and about the safety of pesticides and their safe disposal.

This program is also currently being evaluated for the Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Certification from The Union for Ethical BioTrade.

04

Jasmine Grandiflorum

04
CLICKTO FLIP

Jasmine Grandiflorum

Found in the Balance Face Cream and Multi-Correctional Face Oil, the Jasmine Grandiflorum is native to India and is considered a sacred flower. “Grandi” as the locals call it, is sourced from several parts of Tamil Nadu, some very close to Marudur, where Synthite processes its floral extracts.

04
CLICKTO FLIP

Jasmine Grandiflorum

The flowers are hand-picked, one by one, during the early hours of the morning. With this comes its challenges. The labor-intensive and narrow harvest window makes the flower less popular among farmers in the region. As a result, various schemes are being implemented to encourage the farmers to continue growing and harvesting Jasmine flowers. Offering a steady base price and bonuses, providing saplings free of cost, and training programs are some of the initiatives in place to maintain consistent procurement. Good Agricultural Practices are implemented, and several measures are taken to prevent crop diseases. A farm-to-factory model ensures that the freshest of flowers are processed and better prices for the farmers.

05

Rosehip

05
CLICKTO FLIP

Rosehip

Found in the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, our Rosehips are sourced from the South African border of Lesotho.

05
CLICKTO FLIP

Rosehip

Harvest: We work with Bright Mountain Oils, a supplier that prides itself on ethical trade, sustainable practice, and traceability. They have developed expertise in wild harvesting protocols and have built rural community supply chains, ensuring full traceability. Additionally, they use sustainable post-harvesting technology, making them a reliable and trusted supplier of the nutrient-dense berries.

The Rosehips are Ecocert Organic Certified.

01

Vetiver

01
CLICKTO FLIP

Vetiver

Found in the Daily Liquid Exfoliant, the vetiver essential oil is cultivated in otherwise uncultivable land on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Pondicherry.

01
CLICKTO FLIP

Vetiver

Harvest : Cultivating vetiver rejuvenates the sandy soil found in these coastal areas by helping improve the nitrogen and micronutrient content of the soil. Solar panels are used to pump water for farming, and the use of chemical fertilizers is minimized by using compost made with locally available seaweed. The sandy, porous soil also makes the harvest much less intensive and allows for a better harvest.

The vetiver sourcing program is currently being evaluated for the Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Certification from The Union for Ethical BioTrade.

02

Sea Buckthorn

02
CLICKTO FLIP

Sea Buckthorn

Found in the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, our organic Sea Buckthorn is sourced from the Ladakh region in the Himalayan Valley, a very remote and inhospitable part of India.

02
CLICKTO FLIP

Sea Buckthorn

The sourcing program, which began over ten years ago, ensures the collectors (farmers) are provided job security. Due to their very remote location and lack of supporting infrastructure, the program ensures that they can consistently get their produce to market.

Once the berries are collected, they are pulped and stored in packaging materials that are provided to them, and the product is picked up from the factory location in Leh. The program also enabled the vendors to get Organic certifications free of cost. Despite having forest approval to harvest berries from particular locations, certain areas are left untouched to protect wildlife habitats.

03

Turmeric

03
CLICKTO FLIP

Turmeric

Used in the Balance Face Cream and the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, the Turmeric is sourced from Gundulpet and the nearby regions of Karnataka.

03
CLICKTO FLIP

Turmeric

Harvest: The sustainable turmeric sourcing program ensures that high-quality seeds are distributed to the farmers free of cost, and Good Agricultural Practices and Integrated Pest Management Practices are implemented. Several tools are used to monitor fields, and dedicated employees are on-site to ensure full traceability. The software enables geotagging and allows them to monitor fertilizer and pesticide use and track yield. Beneficial microbial consortia are added to the soil to increase the bioavailability of nutrients for the plant to absorb, ultimately boosting productivity. The farmers are also trained to use farm equipment and about the safety of pesticides and their safe disposal.

This program is also currently being evaluated for the Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Certification from The Union for Ethical BioTrade.

04

Jasmine Grandiflorum

04
CLICKTO FLIP

Jasmine Grandiflorum

Found in the Balance Face Cream and Multi-Correctional Face Oil, the Jasmine Grandiflorum is native to India and is considered a sacred flower. “Grandi” as the locals call it, is sourced from several parts of Tamil Nadu, some very close to Marudur, where Synthite processes its floral extracts.

04
CLICKTO FLIP

Jasmine Grandiflorum

The flowers are hand-picked, one by one, during the early hours of the morning. With this comes its challenges. The labor-intensive and narrow harvest window makes the flower less popular among farmers in the region. As a result, various schemes are being implemented to encourage the farmers to continue growing and harvesting Jasmine flowers. Offering a steady base price and bonuses, providing saplings free of cost, and training programs are some of the initiatives in place to maintain consistent procurement. Good Agricultural Practices are implemented, and several measures are taken to prevent crop diseases. A farm-to-factory model ensures that the freshest of flowers are processed and better prices for the farmers.

05

Rosehip

05
CLICKTO FLIP

Rosehip

Found in the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, our Rosehips are sourced from the South African border of Lesotho.

05
CLICKTO FLIP

Rosehip

Harvest: We work with Bright Mountain Oils, a supplier that prides itself on ethical trade, sustainable practice, and traceability. They have developed expertise in wild harvesting protocols and have built rural community supply chains, ensuring full traceability. Additionally, they use sustainable post-harvesting technology, making them a reliable and trusted supplier of the nutrient-dense berries.

The Rosehips are Ecocert Organic Certified.

01

Vetiver

Found in the Daily Liquid Exfoliant, the vetiver essential oil is cultivated in otherwise uncultivable land on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Pondicherry.

see more

Harvest : Cultivating vetiver rejuvenates the sandy soil found in these coastal areas by helping improve the nitrogen and micronutrient content of the soil. Solar panels are used to pump water for farming, and the use of chemical fertilizers is minimized by using compost made with locally available seaweed. The sandy, porous soil also makes the harvest much less intensive and allows for a better harvest.

The vetiver sourcing program is currently being evaluated for the Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Certification from The Union for Ethical BioTrade.

see less
02

Sea Buckthorn

Found in the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, our organic Sea Buckthorn is sourced from the Ladakh region in the Himalayan Valley, a very remote and inhospitable part of India.

see more

The sourcing program, which began over ten years ago, ensures the collectors (farmers) are provided job security. Due to their very remote location and lack of supporting infrastructure, the program ensures that they can consistently get their produce to market.

Once the berries are collected, they are pulped and stored in packaging materials that are provided to them, and the product is picked up from the factory location in Leh. The program also enabled the vendors to get Organic certifications free of cost. Despite having forest approval to harvest berries from particular locations, certain areas are left untouched to protect wildlife habitats.

see less
03

Turmeric

Used in the Balance Face Cream and the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, the Turmeric is sourced from Gundulpet and the nearby regions of Karnataka.

see more

Harvest: The sustainable turmeric sourcing program ensures that high-quality seeds are distributed to the farmers free of cost, and Good Agricultural Practices and Integrated Pest Management Practices are implemented. Several tools are used to monitor fields, and dedicated employees are on-site to ensure full traceability. The software enables geotagging and allows them to monitor fertilizer and pesticide use and track yield. Beneficial microbial consortia are added to the soil to increase the bioavailability of nutrients for the plant to absorb, ultimately boosting productivity. The farmers are also trained to use farm equipment and about the safety of pesticides and their safe disposal.

This program is also currently being evaluated for the Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Certification from The Union for Ethical BioTrade.

see less
04

Jasmine Grandiflorum

Found in the Balance Face Cream and Multi-Correctional Face Oil, the Jasmine Grandiflorum is native to India and is considered a sacred flower. “Grandi” as the locals call it, is sourced from several parts of Tamil Nadu, some very close to Marudur, where Synthite processes its floral extracts.

see more

The flowers are hand-picked, one by one, during the early hours of the morning. With this comes its challenges. The labor-intensive and narrow harvest window makes the flower less popular among farmers in the region. As a result, various schemes are being implemented to encourage the farmers to continue growing and harvesting Jasmine flowers. Offering a steady base price and bonuses, providing saplings free of cost, and training programs are some of the initiatives in place to maintain consistent procurement. Good Agricultural Practices are implemented, and several measures are taken to prevent crop diseases. A farm-to-factory model ensures that the freshest of flowers are processed and better prices for the farmers.

see less
05

Rosehip

Found in the Multi-Correctional Face Oil, our Rosehips are sourced from the South African border of Lesotho.

see more

Harvest: We work with Bright Mountain Oils, a supplier that prides itself on ethical trade, sustainable practice, and traceability. They have developed expertise in wild harvesting protocols and have built rural community supply chains, ensuring full traceability. Additionally, they use sustainable post-harvesting technology, making them a reliable and trusted supplier of the nutrient-dense berries.

The Rosehips are Ecocert Organic Certified.

see less

Ashwagandha

Face Cream + -

Face Cream

Adaptogen

Anti - Ageing

Anti-oxidant

Face Cream

Madhya Pradesh

02. Manufacturing

We chose to work with a lab and Good Manufacturing Practices compliant manufacturer in France with a long history of producing high-quality, efficacious products sold globally.

Working with a team that understood our vision and the willingness to work with new ingredients was vital. Apart from the ingredients we supplied to them, we wanted to work with a lab that could formulate according to The Credo Clean Standard.

We don’t call ourselves a clean beauty brand for several reasons, the most significant being that “clean” is a largely unregulated term and does not have a global standard. However, we wanted to follow a set of guidelines pertaining to the overall sustainability of the brand and the products. The foundation of Credo’s Clean Standard is the Dirty List, a “free of” list of ingredients that they prohibit due to safety and/or sustainability reasons. Moreover, we chose the Clean Standard as our foundation because of the equal importance given to Safety, Sourcing, Sustainability, Ethics, and Transparency.

We hope this will be an evolving process and will make efforts to evolve with new data, innovation, and technological advancements. However, we don’t see this as a limiting factor; instead, we see it as an added layer of checks and balances to ensure that everything in our ecosystem is well thought through.

03. Formula

The Less is more approach

Our intention behind creating the four-step routine was clear. It was to develop products that can be a foundation for healthy skin without having to add several products to your routine. We recognize that everyone’s skin is different and that taking a one size fits all approach to skincare is challenging. However, we intentionally chose ingredients that work well together and created four products that complement each other, addressing common skin concerns. As much as we would like for you to try all our products, we urge you to streamline your routine so you can achieve happy and healthy skin without overwhelming it. We advise using caution when using several actives together, which can lead to a compromised skin barrier. As tempting as it may be to try every new product out of the market, stick with it if you find something that works for you! We understand and recognize that cosmetic products aren’t inherently sustainable. Ultimately, we believe the only true way to be sustainable is to buy less, use less, and waste less.