The Himalaya Drug Company has strengthened its dermatology portfolio with an additional four prescription-driven products to address specific skin conditions and hair loss. The expansion comes in the wake of the growing demand for ethically promoted dermatology products to handle the increasing diseases and disorders of the skin and hair.

The dermatology range is already available in Nepal, Mongolia and Sri Lanka. Plans are afoot to enter the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The company is also working on psoriasis formulation going by the it’s chronic recurrence and difficulty to treat.

The company’s research team screened over 200 plants to identify a composition of therapeutic herbs to treat the skin and hair conditions. Cell line studies were carried out to ascertain that the effective ingredients would ensure preclinical safety and efficacy. In addition, extensive clinical studies were also conducted.

Presently Himalaya’s total number of derma products is eight, from the existing two, which are Talekt for acne vulgaris and other skin infections and Purim, a blood detoxifier for chronic dermatitis.

Of the eight products, five are under topical skin care: Clearvital to delay the onset of wrinkles, Clarina range alone has three covering: Clarina Anti-Acne Face Wash, Clarina Anti-Acne Mask and Clarina Anti-Acne Cream, Bleminor for management of hyper-pigmentation and melasma. Hairzone is a combination of two herbs, butea monosperma and butea parviflora known to stimulate the growth cycle and reduce overall hair loss.

Lifestyle changes, poor nutritional habits, stress and greater exposure to sunlight have seen a rise in skin disorders like melasma, acne and early skin ageing. There is a growing consumer awareness combined with an increased interest in cosmetic dermatology which is driving the demand for effective, doctor-recommended derma products, Anil Jiandani, Business Head, Pharmaceutical Division, The Himalaya Drug Company told Pharmabiz.

Dermatology is a key growth area for the company and it would not just strengthen its existing range but also add products. Current leading therapeutic categories are anti-acne, anti-hair loss, infective dermatitis, blemishes, skin-ageing, emollients, medicated soaps and sunscreens. “Within the next three years, we intend to be present in almost half of these categories. We are also working on herbal compositions for psoriasis which is becoming a challenge to control,” he added.

Indian dermatology market is estimated to be around Rs.2,917 crore growing at 16 per cent year-on-year. In the last decade, the number of dermatologists have doubled and product offerings have increased tenfold. In this scenario, Himalaya’s derma range also fared well to clock a 17 percent growth rate.

Consumers are inclined to opt for herbal products to treat various skin conditions which are backed by sound scientific solutions for safety and efficacy. This is where Himalaya has an edge in terms of its credibility as they are widely-prescribed by allopathic and Ayurvedic doctors, said Jiandani.