Behind the Brand: RANAVAT Products Draw Upon Ayurveda and India's Beautiful Biodiversity

Ranavat is a botanical brand that creates modern Ayurvedic skin care and premium hair treatments.

Michelle Ranavat grew up in a family of scientists and followed in their path, earning science degrees in industrial engineering and engineering management. A first-generation Indian American, she watched her father start and grow his business in the basement of the family home. As a result of witnessing what hard work and persistence could create, Ranavat worked up the courage to create her own dream and RANAVAT was born.

RANAVAT is a botanical line of luxurious and efficacious modern Ayurvedic products for hair and skin that drive connection. Each ingredient is methodically extracted, preserved for its healing properties, and secured for skin’s benefit. Their formulas are mostly vegan and organic, and they donate 2% of proceeds to The Desai Foundation, a nonprofit organization in India that empowers women and children through community programs to elevate health and livelihood in India and the U.S.

“I find myself drawing upon my science background every day and it has formed the backbone of how and why our treatments are so effective,” says Ranavat. “It has been an honor to create RANAVAT and it has served as my way to connect with my culture and heritage and share it with the world. The love and respect for Indian traditions has been incredible and I can’t wait to continue this journey!”

We chatted with Ranavat, who shared the inspiration behind her line, what’s next for the brand, and more.

When was RANAVAT founded and what’s the meaning behind the name?

In 2017. RANAVAT is my last name and it can loosely be translated to “palace” or “place of the king.” I choose to keep RANAVAT as the name for the line because the journey to create the brand was a deeply personal one. I wanted to share my heritage and the South Asian culture I grew up with that is so rich and vibrant.

Michelle Ranavat.

Tell us more about your products and what makes them special.

I leaned heavily on my background in science and passion for sourcing the best ingredients available. I wanted to bring a very well-edited collection that drew upon the beautiful biodiversity of India as well as Ayurveda—a science that has some incredible skin benefits. We were able to combine modern sourcing with preserving some of the ancient methods to bring the treatments to life in their most potent state.

For example, for our Saffron Serum we use large cooper vessels to infuse our oils with 18 potent herbs including saffron. This process is painstaking but rooted in history and makes the treatments incredibly efficacious.

Do you have a favorite product from your line?

Every treatment needs to earn a coveted spot in our collection because it is so tightly edited. We take years to create a treatment and bring it to life. My favorite is Radiant Rani, our saffron brightening serum. It has completely changed my skin, making it brighter and more even—it’s a treatment I can’t live without. We have used brightening in a very one-dimensional way, and this saffron serum adds antioxidants and adaptogens to make it a smarter way to brighten.

Where are your products sold?

Credo Beauty, Detox Market, Blue Mercury, and our website.

RANAVAT Radiant Rani Brightening Saffron Serum ($135) is infused with a potent blend of vitamin-rich super foods including precious saffron threads known for their ability to promote a more even, healthy complexion.

What's next for the brand?

We’re looking to take a deeper dive into sharing the magic behind our treatments. We want you to know what goes into creating the treatment, and the heritage and artisanship that is behind each one!

For more information, visit ranavat.com and follow on Instagram: @ranavat

[Photos by Grey and Elle]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk