Brands
Deconstruct upgrades gel sunscreen with new-age UV filters
Reformulation adds four next-gen UV filters for stronger, longer sun protection
NATIONAL: Indian skincare brand Deconstruct has upgraded its bestselling gel sunscreen, becoming one of the first domestic brands to shift to a new generation of photostable UV filters tailored for Indian weather conditions and skin types.
The reformulated product uses four modern UV filters, including Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Uvinul A Plus and Uvinul T 150, designed to deliver broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with improved durability under prolonged sun exposure. Unlike older filters that can degrade quickly, the upgraded formulation remains effective for longer periods, addressing concerns about real-world sunscreen performance in heat and humidity.
While the science has been strengthened, Deconstruct retained the product’s lightweight, non-greasy gel texture. The sunscreen absorbs quickly, leaves no white cast and is designed for oily skin and daily use in humid climates: key factors behind its popularity with Indian consumers.
Photostability is increasingly seen as a critical benchmark in sunscreen efficacy, as unstable filters can weaken protection even with repeat application. By adopting globally recognised, highly stable UV filters, Deconstruct aims to narrow the gap between Indian formulations and international performance standards.
Deconstruct founder and CEO Malini Adapureddy, said the upgrade was driven by the need to improve protection without compromising user experience. She said Indian conditions demand sunscreens that remain effective under sustained sun exposure while staying comfortable enough for everyday wear.
The reformulation reflects a broader shift within India’s skincare market towards performance-led sun protection that prioritises durability and real-world use, rather than headline SPF claims alone.
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
