Clinikally is a digital platform dedicated to addressing all dermatological and hair-related concerns. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals, the startup offers personalized treatment plans that deliver effective results for patients. Additionally, patients can explore a wide range of dermatologist-recommended skin and hair products available in their online store.
Clinikally’s team of expert dermatologists meticulously addresses each patient’s unique concerns. With years of experience in treating various skin and hair issues, their doctors provide online consultations, allowing patients to receive professional advice from the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, patients can purchase specially recommended skin and hair products tailored to their specific needs.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World, Isha Chakraborty, Head of Brand Marketing at Clinikally, offers a comprehensive overview of their products and services. She shares valuable insights into market response, emphasizes the company’s unique offerings, and highlights the necessary government support required for the sector. Here are the key takeaways from her interview.
Q: Could you provide an overview of the products and services that Clinikally offers?
A: Clinikally operates in the healthcare sector, bringing three years of dedicated industry experience. We are proud to be funded by Y Combinator, which has significantly supported our growth. Our core mission is to democratize skincare and haircare across India, making dermatological care accessible to everyone, regardless of location.
In metropolitan areas, an offline visit to a dermatologist typically costs between ₹1,800 and ₹2,000 per consultation. This can be a substantial barrier for many individuals seeking quality dermatological care. To address this, we offer video consultations that are accessible from anywhere in the world at any time. Our platform enables you to connect with a dermatologist in under 30 minutes, ensuring timely and convenient access to professional advice.
During these video consultations, you can discuss your concerns directly with the dermatologist, who can visually assess issues such as acne and other skin conditions through the video interface. Following the consultation, the dermatologist will provide you with a detailed prescription.
In the traditional offline setting, fulfilling a prescription often requires visiting multiple stores to obtain the recommended products. Clinikally simplifies this process by allowing you to upload your prescription to our platform, where you can find and purchase all the necessary products in one convenient location. This streamlined approach ensures a hassle-free experience, making quality dermatological care more accessible and affordable.
Q: What kind of market reactions and customer feedback have you observed?
A: The response to our platform has been exceptionally positive. We currently list over 300 top-tier brands and have accumulated a database of more than 7.5 lakh customers. This diverse customer base includes those who seek professional consultations before making purchases and those who visit our platform solely for product purchases. Our product range features prestigious brands such as CeraVe and Cetaphil, covering a wide spectrum of dermatological needs. Additionally, we offer both domestic and international brands. A unique highlight is our exclusive distribution of Soteri in India, a specialized product for eczema and related conditions, available solely through Clinikally.
Q: With the beauty and skincare market being so vast in the country, how does your company differentiate itself from competitors? What unique strategies and approaches are you employing to stay ahead in this competitive landscape?
A: Our primary competitors, including 1MG and Purplle, offer a broad range of skincare and beauty products. Unlike them, we specialize exclusively in products that have received dermatological approval. This means every item we list is endorsed by expert dermatologists, ensuring the highest standards of skin health.
In addition to curating these dermatologist-approved products, we also produce and manufacture our own skincare line. We proudly offer a proprietary range of 10 SKUs, developed and formulated by our in-house dermatologists. These products are crafted in our state-of-the-art facility in Ludhiana and distributed across India. Our dual approach of offering curated and self-manufactured products highlights our commitment to both quality and innovation in skincare.
Q: Can you share your vision for the future direction and potential growth areas in this industry?
A: India’s market is set for substantial growth, driven by its sensitivity to price and evolving consumer preferences. During the pandemic, people were largely confined to their homes, but now, as they return to workplaces and social settings, there is an increasing emphasis on looking their best. This shift is particularly evident among professionals in client-facing roles, who need to maintain a polished appearance at all times.
There is a notable transition from traditional makeup to holistic skincare. Consumers are increasingly focusing on achieving inner radiance, which reduces the need for external products like foundation. This trend reflects a broader movement towards skincare that enhances natural beauty from within.
Additionally, the rise of influencers promoting Korean beauty and scientifically-backed skincare solutions is further fueling this growth. As these trends continue to gain momentum, a significant boom in the skincare market is expected.
Q: What specific policy support or government assistance do you believe would be beneficial for hosting and developing this sector?
A: FDA regulations are established, but government scrutiny over advertising is intensifying. Dermatologists and MBBS professionals can no longer publicly recommend products without a prior consultation. Previously, doctors would engage in live sessions and create reels to promote generalized products. However, due to increased regulatory oversight, there is now a strong push for more precise recommendations. The focus has shifted towards assessing each patient individually before suggesting any products. This approach not only complies with new regulations but also ensures that recommendations are tailored to individual needs. Consequently, we strongly encourage clients to schedule a consultation with us. This allows for personalized advice and aligns with the latest standards, moving away from generic product recommendations.
Q: What specific actions or interventions do you expect from the government in this case, and how do you envision them implementing these measures?
A: They should grant us the flexibility to tailor recommendations to specific needs. For example, if someone with oily skin seeks moisturizers specifically designed for their skin type, the process must support this customization. If doctors are constrained from suggesting generic products or providing targeted recommendations, it hampers their ability to help individuals effectively. Generic solutions often fail to meet unique needs, resulting in less effective outcomes and limiting progress toward better, personalized care.
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