07.17.23
Lion Pose, a beauty brand focused on inclusivity and science-led formulations, has officially debuted exclusively at Sephora.
Developed with Harvard-trained dermatologists, Lion Pose is female-founded by Madhu Punjabi and Nisha Phatak, two BIPOC Silicon Valley software alums and Harvard MBA graduates, who have both had personal experience with hyperpigmentation, dark spots and scarring.
The brand participated in Sephora Accelerate and Y Combinator, and has raised $3 million from investors and celebrities including beauty & wellness fund Ignite XL, Precursor Ventures, Mindy Kaling, Rob Lowe's LH Capital, Howard Klein, Talia Frenkel (Founder of L. Brands), and former-CEO of Guthy Renker (Proactiv parent company) Ben VandeBunt.
This lack of representation across skin tones, makes the category ripe for disruption. Lion Pose is dedicated to performing unbiased, third-party clinical testing on diverse skin tones, and selecting skincare ingredients that are safe and effective for all. They strive to provide access to dermatology-grade formulas to all consumers on-the-shelf.
This serum harnesses the power of a 15% active acid blend (including azelaic, glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids) along with antioxidants like glutathione to lift away dead skin cells and visibly improve the evenness of skin tone. It is free from cyclic silicones, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and endocrine disruptors, and is proudly "Clean at Sephora," hypo-allergenic, vegan, and Made in California.
"My decision to come on board Lion Pose was simple,” Kaling remarked. “I found an unbeatable product that was backed by a vision I have always believed in, and one that has informed everything I do in my career. That representation and inclusion are just good business. Madhu and Nisha are deeply committed to the idea that inclusivity in clinical skincare is not the goal, but the requirement for any good product.”
Developed with Harvard-trained dermatologists, Lion Pose is female-founded by Madhu Punjabi and Nisha Phatak, two BIPOC Silicon Valley software alums and Harvard MBA graduates, who have both had personal experience with hyperpigmentation, dark spots and scarring.
The brand participated in Sephora Accelerate and Y Combinator, and has raised $3 million from investors and celebrities including beauty & wellness fund Ignite XL, Precursor Ventures, Mindy Kaling, Rob Lowe's LH Capital, Howard Klein, Talia Frenkel (Founder of L. Brands), and former-CEO of Guthy Renker (Proactiv parent company) Ben VandeBunt.
Testing on Diverse Skin Tones
“In the US there is approximately 1 dermatologist per 30,000 people, making it impossible for everyone to access a dermatologist. Consumers therefore turn to retail-available skincare products, but due to lack of regulation, the majority of products are not clinically tested, let alone tested on diverse skin,” explains the brand.This lack of representation across skin tones, makes the category ripe for disruption. Lion Pose is dedicated to performing unbiased, third-party clinical testing on diverse skin tones, and selecting skincare ingredients that are safe and effective for all. They strive to provide access to dermatology-grade formulas to all consumers on-the-shelf.
Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum
Lion Pose was developed with dermatologists Dr. Laura Scott and Dr. Tia Paul who specialize in diverse skin and serve as active members of the Skin of Color Society. They helped develop the brand's debut product: Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum, designed to tackle hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and scarring safely and effectively on all skin tones.This serum harnesses the power of a 15% active acid blend (including azelaic, glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids) along with antioxidants like glutathione to lift away dead skin cells and visibly improve the evenness of skin tone. It is free from cyclic silicones, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and endocrine disruptors, and is proudly "Clean at Sephora," hypo-allergenic, vegan, and Made in California.
Investor & Brand Ambassador, Mindy Kaling
Lion Pose also welcomes American actress, comedian, screenwriter and producer, Mindy Kaling, as an investor and brand ambassador."My decision to come on board Lion Pose was simple,” Kaling remarked. “I found an unbeatable product that was backed by a vision I have always believed in, and one that has informed everything I do in my career. That representation and inclusion are just good business. Madhu and Nisha are deeply committed to the idea that inclusivity in clinical skincare is not the goal, but the requirement for any good product.”
